Diary of a Nutritionist

It’s all about protein, protein, protein at the gym. While protein is indeed important, unless you are vegan, it is very unlikely that you are not getting enough. (Too much, in fact). That topic, however is for another day.

If you are big on protein packed meals, especially protein bars, powders, and shakes, you are more than likely running into different versions of protein concentrates. Let’s take a closer look at two common culprits: “Whey Protein and Soy Protein Isolate.”

Soy Protein Isolate:

Who: Soy protein Isolate is a high protein powder that has been further processed from the remaining residues that exist after soy oil is extracted from soybeans. (In other words, soy protein = processed “leftovers.”)

What: Used as a protein supplement and positioned (or marketed) as a weight loss, weight gain, or body building food.

Where: Commonly seen in protein powders and bars, but also used as a meat substitute or lunch meats, seasoning, soup, cereal, candy, and salad toppers like (artificial bacon bits).

My thoughts:

• For starters, Soy Protein is highly processed at high temperatures. It is not natural. If something is not natural, it will not nourish the body in a way that is beneficial to the WHOLE body.
• It is acid-forming.
• Soy is mucus forming and difficult to digest. Digestion is key to weight loss and overall health. You want that healthy glow, right? (Isn’t that the point of working out? Health?)
• Soy protein isolate is considered a carcinogen (Cancer causing).
• Soy is a commodity crop (cheap and mass produced). Unless organic, soy beans are likely to contain pesticides (and this is even before the chemical processing).
• Read more about Soy.

Whey Protein Concentrate:

Who: Whey protein is what remains of a cows milk after the casein (very slow digesting protein) is removed. Whey contains a slow-digesting protein and has a relatively sweet taste due to its high lactose content (lactose =milk sugar).

What: Used as a protein supplement and positioned (or marketed) as a weight loss, weight gain, or body building food.

Where: Commonly seen in protein powders and bars, but also used to bind meat products (like sausages), and add a mild flavor (and protein) to candies, ice creams, and cereals (to name a few).

My thoughts:

• For starters, Whey Protein is highly processed at high temperatures. Whey Protein is not a natural, living protein. If something is not natural, it will not nourish the body.
• It is acid-forming.
• Whey protein is milk-derived. Because of this, you are automatically going to want to be wary of it’s source: Is it organic, or inorganic? Inorganic milk products can contain hormones and potentially other unwanted additives like antibiotics. These “extra” ingredients are passed down from the cow.
• Additionally, milk is hard to digest (meaning it stays in the stomach longer, which is one of the reasons it is recommended in weight loss programs (if it stays in your stomach longer, there is less reason to be hungry– and that is the gym-rat “mentality“)). Digestion is crucial to long-lasting health and weight loss. Slow digestion equates to weight gain and disease (down the road).
• It is not uncommon for Whey protein powders to be bleached with benzoyl peroxide.
• If you are extra sensitive to milk products, stay even farther away.
• Read more about Milk.