Visalus soy protein powder. A scam? Replacement?

Question

My wife started buying this stuff. I will admit that it tastes good but looking on the back, I am not real impressed with the supplement data. I further learned this is a pyramid deal and that further tipped me off that this stuff might be over priced crap. Can someone confirm and if so, can you recommend something better that is economical, vanilla flavored, and lactose free?

I have always bought my stuff from walmart by simply comparing values on the nutrition chart but will admit that a few taste pretty bad and my wife is more picky about that and after taste. I just don't want her wasting her money on snake oil.

Answer 1

Just another overpriced MLM product. Nobody needs a protein shake.

We get all the protein we need from a complete diet of fresh whole foods from all food groups.

There is a small window of time immediately after intense weightlifting, not cardiovascular exercise, where the severely damaged lean muscle tissue can use (not demand) extra protein.

Marketers have taken advantage of this information and convinced consumers they NEED protein meal replacements to increase muscle size. And they are making a boat load of money selling the concept.

Along the same lines the body uses more calories to digest protein than fats or carbohydrates. The total however is insignificant. 30 additional calories from a 100 grams of protein per day diet.

Marketers have seized this information and convinced consumers that protein supplements cause weight loss. Again making a ton of money,

Try a lean meat or tuna sandwich on whole wheat an hour before exercise. Again after. Any combination of lean protein and a complex carbohydrate to extend the absorption time. This gives the body a consistent supply of protein. Muscle repair, rest, and new tissue growth occur 24/7, not only right after exercise.

A healthy complete diet and moderate exercise improve fitness, lower body fat percentage, and aid the development of new lean muscle tissue.

Luck.

Answer 2

Unless you are doing proper sports-training or regularly visit the gym in order to build muscle, there is no need for protein powders as your diet will provide the protein just fine to keep you in the shape you want.

Soy protein powders biological value is weaker than that such as whey *milk* etc as its not as readily absorbed & various proteins are not as densely found in it. That being said whey is considered one of the best sources, like i said unless you are doing serious training where that 5% can make a big difference there is little reason to be using the best product available unless you just fancy it for it being near the same price as that which is a weaker product.

Pea protein is a better source of bio-value & is a prefered choice due to the scare with faux-oestrogen that soy has & whether it f*cks with hormones. When combined with rice protein it is a considerable contender with the likes of egg white & just below whey by a small amount. It is used as an alternative for lactose intolerant people/vegans etc. Vegan 90+ is the brand i'm experimenting with at the moment, it is pure pea protein i got an unflavoured one & its fine. I'm sure there are flavoured ones on the market or heck just add some vanilla, it is a bit gloopy & thick in water but makes excellent work in smoothies & such.



Just to re-iterate if you are just your average joe who does a small bit of running or gym 3 times a week after work for a half hour there is absolutely no reason to be using protein powders & anybody who tells you otherwise is endorsing a product. I'd be more concerned about getting proper vitamin nutrition after workouts & such than my protein levels



EDIT***

Oh just to add to EddySays answer, just look back to the greeks/romans they were big on sports & were exceptionally fit & built despite protein shakes not existing back then & us having a wealth more of knowledge on nutrition than they did. The gladiators ate vegetarian diets & by and large roman foot soldiers (they were supplied with lentils etc & only when camping would get the odd bit of game that was caught).

I also believe there is some record to do with disk throwing from a standing still position that hasn't been broken for a good 2000 years that some ancient greek managed, though obviously technique is a big factor than sheer size but it shows that even back then they could do great feats

Answer 3

It's not snake oil, it's just not a magic bullet. If your wife bought it without understanding the nutritional value, that doesn't make it a scam. It just makes your wife prone to buy things without researching them.



I think the best advice, since I don't know what you consider economical, what your nutrition requirements are, and what you think tastes like crap, is to spend time researching on the Internet. Then you canbuy them, comapre them, and decide which product tastes the best.



I know that Trader Joe's carries several protein powders and I believe that Costco has a few as well.



But I'll be honest, unless you are a serious athlete, protein powder isn't necessary.

Answer 4

Keep cut-up fruits and veggies in the fridge to pick up for snacks or easy food.

Answer 5

prepare a smaller amount foods

Answer 6

Choose faster-paced styles of yoga such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa to burn more calories while also receiving a good stretch.

Answer 7

Don't just stand there! Do squats while cleaning your teeth, calf raises even though standing in line, or lunges while chatting on the phone.

Answer 8

Walking when the weather's nice is usually a super-easy way to keep match

Answer 9

Reducing fat is 8 0% about eating the right food

Answer 10

Add an extra five minutes on your cardio routine.

Answer 11

Add sprinting intervals to your workout to focus on belly fat.

Answer 12

in the event you must have a new sweet, take any berry. or a piece of food

Answer 13

consume water no enhanced sugar

Answer 14

start out walking somewhat more