thoughts about using protein powder during weight loss?

I have lost lost most of the weight I want to lose but am working on the last few pounds. I ate 1200 calories for a few months, was pretty successful, then started feeling alot hungrier, cranked it up to about 1400 and now I feel pretty satisfied (I burn 1600-1700/day - I know that's not alot but it's all I can do, for my age, my lifestyle, and my physical abilities). I am striving for a balance of 15% fat, 30 % protein and 55% carbs. In order for me to get enough protein in, I struggle with keeping the fat calories down. Nuts just don't cut it  - although I love them- but it just adds too much fat - unless I cut out carbs, which I shouldn't. I decided to add protein powder - to my morning cereal and my snack-time yogurt - and it not only tastes fine, but it's filling me up even more.

My question is this - in the quest to keep my diet balanced and my sources of nutrients "natural" and from healthy foods, is protein powder counterproductive? Am I doing something wrong to add protein powder as one of my sources? I can eat enough meat to get my protein, but i don't want to eat alot. I hate salmon, and I am not a big bean eater - my gut doesn't like them! So am i ok using the protein powder for now?

A quick glance at the ingredients of protein powder and it's a long way from a natural food-stuff.   I don't think it's harmful but I don't think it's necessary either. 

The usual benchmark is that15-25% of the calories in your diet should come from protein, which isn't all that much.... a few eggs here, some dairy products there, a little meat and fish (there are more types of fish than salmon), wholegrain foods.   However, you should aim for 25-30% to come from fat.  So maybe bringing some of those nuts back in would actually help redress the balance.

15 - 25% proteins, 25-30% fat, 40-65% carbohydrates.... You'd be very healthy on that mix.

Natural, whole foods are usually a better bet than processed supplements, like protein powder. Low fat dairy products and fish (there are way more choices than just salmon) are excellent natural sources of protein. That being said, there can be a place for protein powder in weight loss - for example, I will sometimes make myself a protein shake on days when I strength train, just because it is fast and convenient and doesn't upset my stomach after a workout.

However, I think that in your case, before resorting to supplements, you should reassess your target macronutrient breakdown. Why are you trying to keep your fat so low? The fats in nuts are very healthy for you, and like GI Jane said, a typical recommendation is 25-30% of your calories from fat. In fact, quite a few weight loss diets recommend getting 30% from fat, 30% from protein, and 40% from carbs. I believe that if you set a more realistic target for fats, your protein issues would take care of themselves - no supplements needed!

Actually, I found a resource somewhere on Calorie Count (can't find the link now) that suggested the 15% fat-30% protein-55% carbs balance for basic healthing eating goals. I was having trouble finding that happy balance, and did not have a good handle on how many grams to shoot for and what percentage would be good.

15% fat means for me about 25 grams, and truthfully, that's when I am able to lose. Once I get over 30-35 grams, I stop losing, and I feel it, too. I am 55 - don't know if that makes any difference - as I have gotten older, I just don't do well with alot of fat.

Thank you both for your suggestions - i'll give it a try!

It is better to eat real food and avoid dependence on supplements, especially since some of those protein powders out there are LOADED with extra stuff you don't need (sugars, chemicals, perservatives, fillers, fats..etc.)

BUT whey protein itself is one of the quickest and most readily used forms of protein, which makes it ideal POST-workout, as the protein will be absorbed and utilized fast so it can get to work and start repairing muscle tissue.

Whey protein also has a biological value of 110% or more, this means that ALL of the protein will be used in the body. Unlike other form in which some of the protein gets destroyed during digestion... fish= 77%, egg whites= 88%, soy= 44%.. etc

digesting protein uses energy, which makes it a great food for dieters. It is very filling, and you actually burn some calories while digesting it... cool hey?

But for after workouts, whey protein is best if you're looking to recover and build muscle faster. Although be careful what you purchase, some are pure junk. Always read labels, and go for whey ISOLATE rather then whey concentrate, as the Isolate contains a greater amount of protein and is lactose free.

Whey is a derivative from dairy so if you experience problems digesting dairy or are lactose intolerant, it's best to get Whey Isolate

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Protein powder is also great to get in a quick breakfast shake/smoothie. The fast digesting protein mixed with some fresh produce will instantly break-the-fast and get your metabolism into first gear. The protein will keep you satisfied, and the complex carbs and fiber will get you through your morning until your second meal/snack or lunch.. add a little healthy fat like NATURAL peanut butter or flax seeds for even more staying power.

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there's also other types of protein powder, like egg, casein, and soy. Although sometimes more difficult to find. You're most likely to run into countless varieties of whey concentrates or isolates. Read labels, choose wisely, and let your muscles thrive!

carmenxox - thanks! That's very helpful. My husband purchased the whey protein (after I gagged on soy protein) but it's a blend of concentrate and isolate. You are right - it is very satisfying. I put it on my cereal in the morning, and I get much more mileage out of my bowl of breakfast on the days when the stretch between breakfast and lunch is out of my control. It's great in yogurt, too. I decided to go with just half a scoop a day - especially on the days when I work out.