> 3. Say soy protein powder (the type which can be mixed with water to create a shake that is used in some diet programs) is added to a smoothie. The person who drinks this smoothie is not interested in losing weight but in gaining it, but knows that while the protein powder may not help in gaining weight, it will add the soy protein which will help in other ways. Should this person look for something else to add to her smoothie instead?
>
Maybe I'm missing the point here, or maybe the diet industry has gotten things backward again. You be the judge.

I would have thought that adding protein to anything you were going to eat anyway would help with weight gain. Same as adding carbs or adding fat. You're consuming more energy, and your body has to put it somewhere.

I'm thinking soy protein only helps with weight loss as a substitute for meat protein. Eat tofu instead of meat, and you'll improve your chances of slimming down. Similarly, if your "diet" soy protein smoothie is a meal substitute you're taking in the protein only so you can have enough protein to survive without later downing a hanburger. Otherwise it turns from a meat substitute to a high-calorie snack.

^v^:)^v^
F"protein: 4 calories per gram, same as carbs"B