Question:
Do protein drinks hinder weight loss?

The dietietian in the hospital said not to drink protein drinks because they would hinder the weight loss. Also, if you do recommend the protein drinks, should I use this as a meal replacement?    — Teresa B. (posted on July 28, 2001)

July 27, 2001
I did'nt have the protein drinks UNTIL my 6th week post op. My weight loss almost stopped then "until" I started drinking them. I would'nt stop them! Just a suggestion. ;)
   — Danmark

July 28, 2001
A protein drink is a great way to start your day! Or for a quick lunch or a pick me up after exercising. The problem with protein drinks is when you start adding too many things to them, making them high calorie. I use Zero Carb Isopure protein powder in the Cream Vanilla... and only mix the two scoops with 1/2 cup of milk, a 1/3 chunk of banana and 6 ice cubes in the blender. It is under 230 calories, has 50 grams of protein and tastes like a fast food milkshake. It makes sure that I will be getting 60 to 70 grams of protein daily! You have to make sure you dont consume too many carbs or sugar in your drink... and if you start adding too much fruit and yogurt and milk you make it a 400+ calorie drink plus you end up making a quart of shake. Go for low cal and low volume and you will be doing your body a favor.
   — SusanMaria

July 28, 2001
Read the labels. Carb Solutions (WalMart) has lots of protein but is lower in cals/carbs than some others. You need protein, or you will set yourself up for muscle wasting (not fat) and a host of health problems. Also was told those who don't maintain the daily protein levels are far more likely to experience having a lot of hair loss. Also the protein is filling and cuts down the carb craving. Give up the carbs, keep the protein! Good luck. Lisa Dobson
   — Lisa D.

July 28, 2001
Perhaps her definition and yours are not the same. SHE may be speaking of Ensure or Boost or Slim Fast drinks, which are sugar with a dab of protein in them. WE are usually speaking of a drink that is high protein, no sugar mixed in water to avoid extra sugars & calories. Keep your protein drinks to 30g of protein per serving (can't absorb any more), and learn to love them with water or 0g of sugar drinks like Crystal Light. Adding skim milk adds a huge amount of calories and not much in protein or calcium that you can absorb with your altered digestive system. Adding fruit is good for a treat, but again, that's sugar! So, once you define what YOU mean by protein & what SHE means, then you can talk. Many dieticians have never seen the types of products we use. I routinely take in 180g of protein supps per day and still weigh under 115#, have for years. While working up for a recent surgery, I tried to get 210 or 240g as often as possible (it's all in the timing), and my wt has not changed. In fact, I went into surgery a little thinner than usual. The comment I hear most often is: the more I drink, the more I shrink. But DO be careful of additives or taking more than you can process.
   — vitalady

July 30, 2001
She's probably talking about the protein drinks that have a high carbohydrate content. You have to read the labels very c Same for protein bars, some have 35, 40, 50 grams of carbs.
   — margaret N.