Question:
Do the protein drinks subsequently boost weight loss?

I am loosing kind of slow, even though I drink the water and do the exercise. I probably am not getting in all my protein (haven't found any that I can tolerate b/c I am allergic to dairy products and can't stomach the taste of the other kinds)and was wondering if protein intake played a BIG part in the weight loss?    — Angie F. (posted on November 19, 2002)

November 19, 2002
I feel the same way about the protein drinks, my tastes are starting to change now. I do like Herbalife "thermojetics' line they have peach mango and wildberry - each one has 15 grams of whey protein which absorbs well (tastes like kool-aid). Also check out your local health food store, they also have bottled ones that are tolerable. I also mix the powders in with food (yogurt, pudding, soup, chili....) Good luck, it takes time to find what you can tolerate, but you really do need it. I was slacking for a bit, and my wieght loss came to a stop, but now is going again.
   — Dana B.

November 19, 2002
Aloha!!! I have found that both water and protein intake do make a difference in the weight loss for me. When I am not so good at getting both in, I notice the weight loss slows or even stalls a bit. As far as water goes, I try to get in between 3 to 5 liters of water a day. For protein, my aim is 70-90 grams per day. Since I can't get this through dietary intake just yet, I have to supplement some. I know exactly what you mean about the nasty tasting protein drinks. YUCCKKK!!! I have tried so many different types. One that I have found I can tolerate is Myoplex Lite Tropical Flavors. The box has the following flavors: Banana Cream Pie, Pina Colada, Peaches and Cream and Orange Jubilee. (I detest chocolate and vanilla protein drinks!!). I also find that the Myoplex Lite protein bars work well for me. They are MUCH easier than the shakes. One bar has 30 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs... I can manage to eat a whole bar much easier than I can drink a 22 ounce shake. So far, my results have been pretty good. I had my surgery (Open RNY) on 08-07-02 and have lost 92 pounds. Keep in mind that if you don't get ENOUGH calories in, your loss will be slower. Your body's metabolism will slow down. So it might be just a simple matter of shaking up your routine...getting the water in...doing a bit more as far as protein goes...and making sure you exercise. Hope this helps!! Keep up the great work! Be the best loser you can be!!! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)...
   — KathieInHawaii

November 19, 2002
Yes, protein plays a BIG part in weight loss. I'll try to explain it in layman's terms: Your body doesn't just "decide" to burn your fat. It needs protein to do it, and it will sabotage your body for it if it needs it bad enough. But it doesn't WANT to, so it is slowing your metabolism down, in order to use less protein in the energy burning process. Does that make sense? So, you need to put some protein in several times a day. Some of the chocolate ones really aren't bad, and you only need one serving (about 30 grams of protein) two to three times a day which mixes in about 4 oz. of water each time. If you can, go to Vitalady.com and order some samples (I think less than $2 each) and find one you like. The vanilla ones you can add sugar-free syrups, spices, or a little pureed fruit to help taste.
   — cddgo