Whey Protein for Weight Loss vs. Gain: What You Need to Know

Question
My mother has always been a health and fitness nut and she advised me to replace one or two meals a day with a Whey Protein drink. She said if I cut most of the carbs and replaced it with protein, I would lose weight. However, EVERYONE else who sees that I have Whey Protein powder in my kitchen says that it will make me gain weight. I exercise five days a week and lift weights twice a week now, so will the Whey protein help me lose weight or prevent me from losing it?

Answer
Dear Laura,

The protein intake question is just that - a question - when it comes to weight loss. For one thing, even if you cut most of the carbs, about 1/2 of the protein will convert into new carbohydrates. What you probably need, it a proper ratio of carb to protein to fat. Read more about it here:

The 'Carb:protein:fat' ratios and fat burning
http://bantadiet.com

About Whey Protein
http://atkinszone-faq.blogspot.com/2007/05/q-about-whey-protein.html

Are protein supplements really better than protein foods?
http://atkinszonefatloss.blogspot.com/2006/12/supplements-or-foods.html

Is skipping breakfasts always bad?
http://atkinszone-faq.blogspot.com/2008/09/skipping-breakfasts-not-that-simple.h...

Tanya Zilberter