why protein powder?  i'm not a scientist, but this is why i think protein powder would be good for me:  i don't exercise excessively so i probably wouldn't need extra protein in my diet if i weren't restricting so much.  but i'm also not eating the recommended calories for a day, so i'm probably not getting enough protein, either.  i want to get healthy nutrients in my body without eating so many calories a day, so i figure a low-cal protein supplement (around 100 cal per serving - make sure you don't get the kind for gaining weight!  check the nutritional facts!) would be a great supplement.  just mix it into water or oatmeal, and it's definitely easier than grilling chicken breast!  the assorted milkshake-like flavours would also be a nice treat, since i don't have any ice cream or milkshakes or anything anymore :)  if i eat too little, and don't get enough protein, my body will start losing muscle weight too :( cardio will help with weight loss and strength training + protein will help with toning up, so i'm not "skinny-flabby" if you know what i mean, more like "fit and lean!"

"People who exercise regularly do need more energy. They may also need alittle more protein than people who are less active. Adding protein doesn't addmuscle mass, though, as many people believe."

"If your goal is to lose body fat, change to a protein shake that's mainlyprotein, has fewer carbohydrates, and only a little bit of fat, such asSlim-Fast. 'Make sure the product is more than 50% protein if your goal is bodyfat loss'."  **be mindful with slim-fast - the POWDER is around 100 cal a scoop, which is great, but the CANS are 200+cal, which i personally wouldn't do unless it was like a breakfast replacement. 

Whey protein is:

• A protein found in milk
• Fast-absorbing
• In your body for a shorter time
• A good supplement after intense workouts
  

Casein protein is:

• The main protein in milk
• Slow-absorbing
• In your body for a longer time
• A good supplement for meal replacements or to take before bed
  

Soy protein is:

• A plant-based source of protein
• As digestible as other sources of protein
• Known for its antioxidant capabilities
• A good supplement for meal replacements