Question:
I was recently told that I have a protein deficiency.

The doctor wants me to use a protein shake each day. The problem is I am lactose intolerant. The nutrition dept. is unsure about the use of soy protein as they feel it is not a "complete" protein. Does anyone have any suggestions for a decent tasting (vanilla), high protein, low calorie (around 100), lactose free shake that I won't need to take a loan out to buy? All suggestions are much appreciated.    — mrs.qtip (posted on January 24, 2001)

January 24, 2001
My suggestion would be to go to <a href="http://www.vitalady.com>VITALADY</a> and check out her available samples. Depending on your tastes and likes/dislikes, one person's favorite may not be tolerable to you. If you mail Michelle (VITALADY) she might be able to suggest a protein suppliment to try. Just my $.02>
   — blank first name B.

January 25, 2001
We do NOT do milk at all. Not only are we lactose intolerant, but we really can't get much protein or calcium from milk anwyay. It's just a glass of sugar. Soy is OK, but many find it too gritty to use and you need to add calories to it to make it palatable. Wheys are smooth and mix with water (no extra calories). You said under 100 cal, but per what? Per equvalent to a glass of milk, protein-wise? There's 8g of indigestible protein in an 8 oz glass of milk (12g of sugar). A 4 oz serving of most of the whey proteins is 30g pre-digested protein, 0-3g of sugar, about 120-200 cal, depending on brand. The equivalent in milk to get 30g of protein would be 48g of sugar, and many hundreds of calories.
   — vitalady

January 25, 2001
Whey protein is far more bioavailable (absorbed and used by the body) than soy, as well as dissolving easily and having a creamy texture. If you want vanilla, ProBlend 55 is popular, but I found it too sweet. I prefer Designer Protein, French Vanilla (NOT vanilla praline). Designer is pretty bland as is, but can be sweetened and/or flavored to taste. Try Splenda sugar substitute and/or sugar free flavored syrups for variety. You can add fruit to the extent that your eating plan allows fruits, but go easy on them b/c of the sugar content. (It's awfully easy to suck up way to much sugar than's good for you in a drink.) My favorite chocolate is ProScore 100. And for a change of pace, try Extreme Pure Pro, which is the flavor and consistency of Kool-aid or Crystal Light (grape flavor seems to be the most popular). All these are available at reasonable prices via www.vitalady.com, much less than GNC even with the shipping charges. They cost about $1.25 per serving. She'll also sell you samples for $1.50 each, so try before you stock up. I'd rather have a milkshake or "Kool-aid" than meat any day!
   — Linda B.