I don't shake my baking powder, nor any of my other "spices" I use for baking and cooking. I have a nice tupperware container from the 70's that I transfer my baking powder in to, when I get a new can. Then I write the expiration date on it, as I don't bake much anymore since my girls grew up. To me, it is just as weird as the expiration dates that show up now on everything... that "didn't used to expire". Moni

I'd have to ask how are you going to use it, and how often? As well as what other sources for protein do you already have in your diet? Most people actually consume more protein than what they need, and additional protein (unless you are into weight-lifting and extreme sports) can have some negative aspects from over-consumption of protein. I use unflavored whey protein isolate in some my gluten-free recipes as a substitute for high-glycemic flours/starches, but I don't use a lot of protein powders of any kind because they are highly inflammatory - whether whey, rice, soy, etc. According to a certified sports food coach I know, he doesn't encourage the use of a lot of protein powders. Often a sports fanatic will include large amounts of protein powder in their diets and will think muscular inflammation is from their workouts, while it can actually be from the protein powder (as well as lean, boneless, muscle meat they also eat in abundance). The reason I use unflavored whey protein isolate --- it's the short ingredients list: 100% whey protein isolate and lecithin. PLUS, it's high on the Biological Value Chart (which is the measure of a protein's ability to be used by the body). Whey protein powder is 100-159, eggs - 100, milk - 91, beef - 80, chicken - 79, beans - 49. So if you are needing to consume high amounts of protein (after surgery, as an example) then choose a type of protein that is high on the BV Chart. As an aside - I mentioned above how lean, boneless, muscle meat is inflammatory unless you also balance it with gelatin (which is collagen -- either naturally occurring gelatin found in bone-in meat, or in homemade bone broth, or dry unflavored gelatin). For this reason I make pan sauces with bone broth when serving lean boneless meat, or will start the meal with a cup of bone broth because the gelatin (collagen) in it balances the inflammatory protein makeup of muscle meat. I also make "healthy" gelatin desserts with dry unflavored gelatin or I'll add Collagen Hydrolystate (which is gelatin that doesn't gel) to cold/hot beverages for some pure protein that is quickly absorbed by the body. There are many health benefits from consuming bone broth and unflavored gelation. -Grainlady

nini, it feels good to know our kids are eating healthy, doesn't it? I bet you are glad your DD is eating some good vegetables, etc. -even though they are juiced. Better than she was eating before, so I would keep doing it. As far as protein, we have tried many protein shake powders and none have tasted as good as Herbalife. Believe me, it makes a difference if you get a good-tasting one. My son drinks at least two a day, and they really are good! I buy the Healthy Meal (it has some protein) one because it doesn't have soy. Their protein powder does have soy and ever so often I put some of the protein in his shake. I also put a scoop of peanut butter in his shake also, he is an athlete, and needs a little more weight on him. I'm going to get into the greens and vegetables to use in my Blendtec-I just need to take the time and get some ideas. My DS will always try anything! He might or might not like it, but he at least tries-which I'm so glad.

A smoothie that is all carbs needs some protein in it for sure and some healthy fats. Also, whey protein (dairy based) can cause an insulin rise more than other proteins in women so maybe try a plain, unsweetened, plant based protein instead. If you go to GNC or health food store, they can direct you to an unsweetened plant based protein. They typically are 100 calories per serving but keep you fuller longer. I also recommend using unsweetened coconut or almond milk as the smoothie base. At only 40 calories a cup, it adds some nice calcium and taste for less calories. If you really want to drop some weight, I would highly recommend either of these books: The blood sugar solution or 10 day detox by Hyman. Real unprocessed food, lots of vegetables and great recipes my whole family loves. The weight literally falls off and you won’t be hungry. It’s not magic or gimmick based but teaches you how to eat without the garbage. Good luck.