Soy Protein vs Whey Protein

I'm trying to add more protein to my diet. When I went to the GNC website I noticed they have soy and whey protein. What is the difference? Which would you recommend for someone just trying to add protein but not lifting weights? All the packages seem to be marketed towards body builders.

I'm not sure about whey protein, but I use soy protein powder (just plain) from the natural store nearby, and add it to my baking by replacing some of the flour with it.  Hikes up the protein quite nicely - I make banana muffins that are like 17g protein, which I don't think is bad for a muffin!

Thats a great idea. I was wondering if it would be cheaper to get the powder from GNC or the natural store.

I can't remember what I paid at the store, but I'd make sure that what you're getting at GNC is just plain 'ol Soy Protein Powder, and not a shake mix, just containing soy protein.  I don't think the powder I got was overly expensive, but I'll price it the next time I'm out :)

Will you pm me your recipe? I think it will be worth the trip to the natural food store. I think they are more likely to have what you are talking about.

Hmm, I think whey protein from the bulk bin at Walmart or Sam's club works just as well as the expensive stuff from health food stores, especially when you're going to add it to food.

 One of the reasons for drinking the more expensive stuff is that some of the brands are hideously foul-tasting for one reason or another - most "vanilla" flavors are lethal for instance.

 I'd caution you against soy though - isoflavones from soy have been linked to tumor growth in some studies while it's been linked to lower incidence of breast cancer in some others. The conflicting evidence is possibly due to a sharp increase in soy intake - so meh, personally I'd stick with whey.

Unless you're a vegan or have trouble digesting dairy, go with whey.  It's cheaper and just as effective.

I would suggest try to vary your protein intake as much as possible a little plant protein and little animal. Your body likes variety.

If you have to choose one whey. Soy is questionable and has been linked to several types of cancer. Women should limit soy. Why not get your protein from food?

I agree with littleshellys in that the best source of protein is from food. Animal protein being the best followed by plant. But, there are times when a person [I know I do] will use a supplement protein and unless you are on a restricted diet, I would go with Whey.  I made myself a great smoothie today using vanilla whey, flax seed, skim milk, and fresh strawberries. It was YUM!

I simply don't like the digestive effects of soy.  I prefer whey and I drink vanilla with orange juice.  It's a high-pro, high-carb drink that is refreshing after a hard work out and holds me until I make a proper meal. 

I get Designer Whey from either Fry's (Kroger) or Trader Joe's.  They are cheaper. 

You said you aren't lifting weights. Do you do any other form of training that would require a substantial increase in protein intake?

People only take supplements because of the high demands of their training and for convenience. I use supplements because it allows me to have a meal while sitting at my desk at work instead of taking out a container of chicken or a tin of smelly tuna. 

I think you'll be better off adding more protein rich foods to your diet rather than spending money on a supplement you probably don't need.

I see quite a few cautions about soy, and I wanted to add one more that I have heard from a very knowledgable friend of mine who runs a nutrition store:      &nb sp;

Too much soy can have an effect on your thyroid. Slowing it down and actually reducing metabolism, so, not a good pick for all of us on our weightloss quest.

I personally use Shaklee Soy Protein, Vanilla flavored.  Is there a nutrionist on board, to comment on soy vs. whey?  There are a lot of studies that say how great soy is for you, too.  I dont think the verdict is entirely in either way.

Either way, I do love to make smoothies with mine.  Usually some yogurt, always a frozen banana, always some flax seed meal, and then vary up the rest: orange juice, strawberries, blueberries, mango. 

Sometimes with chocolate soy milk, I add a banana, and some peanut butter - delish, and so healthy.

YUM!!!  I think smoothies are a fabulous way to get in your fruits and fiber, which ever way you go.