Q&A: Overdoing protein, dying from heat, drinking diet soda

Q. I’m a gym manager. I’m promoting a weight-loss diet of 1,300 to 1,600 calories and at least 100 grams of protein a day for our women members. Most are over 40. They do cardio and lift weights three days a week. One woman’s doctor told her that the amount of protein I’m suggesting is unhealthy. What do you think? – Hailey, Lee’s Summit, Mo. A. Your average gym rat will tell you that protein turns to muscle as fast as Tony Stark’s suit changes him into Iron Man. But that’s comic-book science and just a great way to sell protein shakes.