The maltodextrin is convenient and maybe a leftover from initial attempts to cobble together a base foundation of powder based nutrition staple (not supplement)to get me through chemo-radiation where I know most lose big poundage and most end up on a PEG which I am trying to avoid at all cost.

Also, it was a fast and easy way to get calories added to the mix but with agave and the protein maybe I can cut the maltodextrin back and still pack a decent caloric punch. Also, as you state agave has better GI properties so that would help even more if I use the daily sipping liquid.

So far week 5 of 7 and lost less than 10 pounds from peak weight.

The sipping thing is an idea to combine a way to get sufficient calories and nutrition down the gullet and also meet the daily hydration requirement. Drinking plain water is slightly painful and something with some coating effect is much smoother going down.

I forgot to include this great link I tripped across; something that I have been looking for to answer all those sugar/complex carb questions.
http://www.corn.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/NSFC2006.pdf

My son is into power building so much of what I have cobbled together is scoops of stuff he has but so much of those products have many additives I want to go simple.

Having said that, I forgot to add BCAA and other essential amino acids that are usually added to the premixed power builder powders. Any suggestions on those or just add some amino acid supplement powder to the mix?

don