I have a silly question....What is the difference between soy, casein and whey protein powder? Any recommendations?

Thanks...Jennifer

I personally can't tell you the difference I just know that I was always told to go for the whey protien over anything if possible. Now that is just what my nutritionist said but I never asked why.

My favorite right now is the Matrix Cookies and Cream mix w/ mix and blend w/ some ice it's like a milk shake. LOVE it!!!!!

I researched whey Protein in the six months leading up to surgery (since my nutritionist "didn't have THAT in college"). Whey protein isolate is the purest form (and thus is more expensive) and it mixes instantly in liquid. Whey protein concentrate, however, uses lactose as a filler (I'm intolerant ) and it must be blended with a blender or it will clump up on you.

You can buy Protein Shakes in a can (i.e. Slimfast Lo Carb, Zoic) but I will always say that you get what you pay for--they all taste pretty tinny to me but are great for convenience sake.

I've read threads on soy protein here (not sure about casein?) so if no-one responds, you could do a search on the words "soy protein".

Best wishes to you... :wink2:

I have bought a brand on the web called All the whey. It's pretty good. It mixes well, and is pretty thick. It's made of the pure whey isolate protein which is supposed to be the best. Less than 1 gm of carbs and fat and sugar free. Look into it. I'm happy with it.

Okay, here's how it goes:

Whey and casein both come from milk. They are the fast acting Proteins that are good for post-workout.

Soy is from the soybean plant. It's a slower acting Protein, so it's good for recovery shakes later in the day or before bed.

A little note for guys: Soy protein tends to increase estrogen because of the chemical makeup. Hello gynocomastia (man breasts). That's NOT to say stay away from it. It takes a LOT over a period of time to do that, but the estrogen will still rise.

A little note for girls: Soy has been proven over and over to be GREAT for pre and post menopausal women. It's been linked to helping prevent cervical cancer among tons of other health benefits.

No, I didn't just look this up. You can thank the years I spent working for GNC. lol

Wow, Neveragain, that is the best explanation I've ever read!! You totally nailed the answers!! Thank you so much for the info...

Do they make a no carb, no sugar and low calorie whey protien isolate? They all seem a bit high in calories, least the ones I looked at did I thought.

I've been thinking about doing some protein shakes {not banded, just started looking into the surgery} and I'm wondering what brands or flavors of the soy protein are good. Do you take any? I understand that your knowledge comes from working at GNC but thought maybe you might know which ones are good. I really don't want to spend the money only to find that I hate it. Thanks for your help in advance.

I like GNC's chocolate and the vanilla from WalMart. The chocolate caramel at GNC is excellent, too. I like mixing it with light soy milk or skim milk.

Ebonie, I buy a "Lo Carb Whey Protein Isolate" from Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, books, DVDs & more in belgian chocolate--only has about 100 calories a serving and about 5 grams of carbs (sorry--tried to get the nutrition from the site but it isn't provided). (And honestly, I LOVE mine just mixed in water--less calories than skim milk!)

That site has a ton of flavors (and some even have free shipping!) so check it out! :tongue2:

Do they make a no carb, no sugar and low calorie whey protien isolate? They all seem a bit high in calories, least the ones I looked at did I thought.

Protein IS high in calories, but it takes more calories to burn them, too. SO! You can eat more because of the calories used to break it down. :tongue2:

I would say no, and if they did, steer clear. I could be wrong. I never saw any in any of our stores nor have I been able to find any anyway.

I've been thinking about doing some Protein shakes {not banded, just started looking into the surgery} and I'm wondering what brands or flavors of the soy protein are good. Do you take any? I understand that your knowledge comes from working at GNC but thought maybe you might know which ones are good. I really don't want to spend the money only to find that I hate it. Thanks for your help in advance.

I try to stay away from lots of soy protein, but I do drink a little of it. As much as I would love to risk getting man breasts, I'm good where I am. :smile: Oh, and as a woman, you should look into it more so than I.

I used to really like chocolate, but now I can't stand it. I really like mixing the fruit ones. MMMMMMMM. Yummy.

Seriously, you're going to find that some that you like, other people hate. Just try different ones. See what you like. Start with the generic GNC ones. They're not bad at all, in fact, those are the ones that I generally use anyway.

WOW...thanks everyone! I've been mixing my soy protein with ice and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple) for breakfast, and I read somewhere that it was better to use whey.

~Jennifer

Okay, here's how it goes:

Whey and casein both come from milk. They are the fast acting Proteins that are good for post-workout.

Soy is from the soybean plant. It's a slower acting Protein, so it's good for recovery shakes later in the day or before bed.

A little note for guys: Soy protein tends to increase estrogen because of the chemical makeup. Hello gynocomastia (man breasts). That's NOT to say stay away from it. It takes a LOT over a period of time to do that, but the estrogen will still rise.

A little note for girls: Soy has been proven over and over to be GREAT for pre and post menopausal women. It's been linked to helping prevent cervical cancer among tons of other health benefits.

No, I didn't just look this up. You can thank the years I spent working for GNC. lol[

Dlyrical responds: You are the MAN neveragain What do you find to be the best tasting besides the nectar proteins? whey vanilla is o.k. anything better

Thank you neveragain!

Are there any that don't add a taste or smell?

I had the Unjury I heat up the milk and made hot chocolate (not over 130 temps though). Its ok, not great.

This was so much help.

Thanks

Dlyrical responds: You are the MAN neveragain What do you find to be the best tasting besides the nectar Proteins? whey vanilla is o.k. anything better

I like the MetRx Metamosyn Protein if you take protein before you work out. Any of their proteins aren't too bad. I like the vanilla and chocolate ones better an any other powder. If you don't mind buying shakes, my favorite BY FAR is Muscle Milk. Any of their flavors are fantastic. Honestly, I tried unjury and I don't like it.

Oh, and I have yet to find a protein that doesn't add a smell or taste. I'm sure someone has, though.