soy protein powder

[Connie]

Good morning,
I have been trying to get more soy protein in my diet, and have been using a soy protein powder to make smoothies almost every morning. I was buying Genisoy's soy protein powder at GNC, until they increased the price of the container, kept the container size the same, but decreased the amount inside the container! That made me mad, so I thought I would investigate other powders. I'm usint Twin Lab's Vege Fuel right now, but it's not as smooth when I blend it up; it is more frothy. I usually use one cup of juice (most of the time apple), the powder, a ripe banana and some other fruit. Has anyone found a powder they like for smoothies?

[food girl]

Connie,
Why are you trying to increase your soy intake? Health benefits? Cancer fighting qualities?
I usally recommend that women obtain soy protein from traditional soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk...you get the idea. All of the health benefits of soy have been observed in populations that consume these foods, not soy isolate powder. Some animal studies show that soy protien in the form of soy protien isolate can cause increased breast cell proliferation- this may mean and increased risk for breast cancer. No, I am not saying that soy shakes cause cancer! I just think that to get the best benefit from soy you should ingest it in a natural form.
Lisa

[Michele]

Connie,

I like Spirutein protein powder. They have a ton of flavors - I like vanilla, chocolate, chocilate peanutbutter swirl and nutty berry burst the best. I combine these with lite soy milk (I like Westsoy lite vanilla or lite cocoa) and fruit for a great shake in the mornings.

That said, Spirutein isn't cheap either. But at least they have single serving packets, so you can try the flaovors out before you invest.

[Connie]

foodgirl/Lisa,
Thanks for the response. I was using it for health benefits. I thought that it was an easy way to get some soy into my diet; I mix the smoothie up in the morning, and have it as my mid-morning snack at work. So the powder is not considered a natural source, even though it's "pure" soy protein powder?

Michele,
Thanks for your suggestion. I saw the Spirutein powders at the store today, but did not have time to really look at them. I will another time, though.

[SCHWABMR]

Hi,
My high school sons practice football, they want to eat snack after practice before supper time.. I tried to make different but not enough.. any ideas for nutreints and vitmanins for kids? prepare make anythings?
Thank you, marilyn

[lorilei]

Connie - Why not try mixing part of a block of tofu into your smoothie each morning? It would probably be cheaper than the protein powder, and it lends a wonderful creamy texture to the smoothie...

[Connie]

Lorilei,
I have also done that. I agree, it does add creaminess. I think that after I finish the soy protein powder I have, I will stick with the tofu. That also lets me put whatever kind of fruit in there that I have on hand. I've been using fresh apricots lately. Cantaloupe is also good, even though it sounds strange. If you like cantaloupe soup, the smoothie is an easy transition.

[greentea]

Connie,

I really agree food girl's suggestion. You should have more pure and traditional intake of soy foods.

Here is a simple tofu recipe you might want to try :

Steam Chicken Tofu

19oz of soft tofu (cut them equally, about 1.5 inch by 2 inch)
1 pc chicken breast, minced. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of Oyster Flavoured Sauce or Teriyaki Sauce, mixed with 4 tablespoon of water
Greenpea (optional)

1) Cut the soft tofu equally
2) Place minced chicken onto the CENTER of tofu, only covering half of the tofu
3) (optional) Place a greenpea to each of the tofu (it will looker nicer)
4) Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu
5) steam it for about 15 to 20 mins.

Ready for serving.



[This message has been edited by greentea (edited 08-14-2000).]

[food girl]

Connie,
The soy protein isolate powders are really relatively new inventions as compared to tofu which has been around for centuries. The isoflavones(phytoestrogens)in just a small serving of soy protein isolates can be equal to several blocks of tofu. This may sound like a real bonus, but we don't know what large doses of isoflavones might do in the body. I call soy shakes, pills and genestin-fortified foods "engineered foods". Many of my patients retort that tofu certainly doesn't look "natural". http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
Lisa

[Cyn]

For those interested in a relatively cheap version of the highly recommended Spirutein powder, Vitamin World (www.vitaminworld.com) sells their generic brand for half the price, but all the same ingredients. It's called Spirulina Soy Protein Drink. Ciao!

I sent this to my friend who asked me to share this with you.

[Connie]

foodgirl,
Thanks for the info. I will finish my current open container of soy protein powder gradually, alternating with the tofu. I can also return the other unopened containers I bought. And I got some natural tofu Sunday night when I made the fresh tomato lasagna from Sept 99. Not a lot of tofu per serving, but delicious!!