Let's Shake it Up!
Protein powder has gotten a bad rap over the years…some people think it’s only for body builders or meatheads. Many people have had bad experiences in the past because they tried a powder that tasted like chalk or cardboard, or maybe it wrecked their stomach. Finally, not all protein powder is created equally…many brands on the market are chock full of artificial ingredients and chemicals which is scary! Steer clear!
Why Protein?
HUMANS REQUIRE IT! Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of life. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is essential for numerous bodily functions, including immune function, hormone production, and enzyme activity. Basically, protein is super important to your overall well-being. Nuff said!
Why Protein Powder?
CONVENIENCE: One of the challenges in getting sufficient protein is that you have to do some work to have protein ready to consume. Think about it- when you open your pantry, what do you see in abundance? Carbs and fats. There are some protein sources like canned tuna and beef jerky that are ready to eat, but most other things like chicken, salmon, eggs, and even vegan forms of protein like lentils, tofu and quinoa require cooking. EXCEPT for protein powder - takes less than 2 minutes to make a shake!
NO MORE HANGRIES: Protein shakes require very little time to prepare. When I am hungry (hangry), I need to eat like NOW! It takes under two minutes to throw some ice or frozen fruit in the blender with 2 scoops of vegan protein, a heaping tablespoon of almond butter and 6-8 oz of cashew milk, and blend. With way less time than it would take me to go through a drive thru, I have a balanced, delicious, and satisfying meal that I can eat while I drive or sip on a zoom call. Protein shakes are not for everyone, but if you struggle with getting in sufficient protein and don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, keep reading.
SUPPORTS MUSCLE GROWTH & REPAIR: Protein is essential for muscle synthesis and repair, making protein shakes an ideal post-workout recovery option to aid in muscle recovery and growth. When we replenish glycogen stores this reduces muscle breakdown and stimulates muscle protein synthesis, ultimately promoting faster recovery and adaptation to training.
HELPS WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: Protein shakes can help increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake, making them a valuable tool for weight loss or weight maintenance goals.
VERSATILITY: Protein powder is not only for protein shakes/smoothies. It can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes, including pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, and pudding, thus adding protein without significantly altering the taste or texture.
CUSTOMIZABLE NUTRITION: Protein shakes can be tailored to meet individual nutritional needs by adding fruits, vegetables (or greens powder), healthy fats, fiber and other supplements to create a balanced meal or snack.
ENHANCES NUTRIENT ABSORPTION: Combining protein powder with other nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables in a smoothie, can improve nutrient absorption and utilization by the body.
VARIETY: There are various types of protein powders available, including whey, casein, soy, pea, and hemp, making it easier for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or preferences to find a suitable option. I LOVE Arbonne which is the best because it’s allergen free and tastes amazing.
For me, protein powder has always been a normal thing, since I basically grew up in the gym setting. I had a brand I liked and recommended because it made a pudding consistency but it contained artificial sweeteners and ingredients I couldn’t recognize or pronounce. It bothered me, but I was happy for the convenience and didn’t really feel compelled to search for something else until my girls, then ages 5, 7 and 9 were asking for a bite or a sip of my shakes. I thought “what message am I sending them if it’s ok for me to put chemicals/junk in my body, but it’s not ok for them?” This is where my great hunt began. I figured there must be a better option out there, and I got to work. I tried every brand I could get my hands on. It took me an entire year and a LOT of waste to finally fall in love with “the one”…
I knew I wanted a vegan protein, definitely NOT whey since it’s so harsh on the stomach. A main requirement was taste - life is too short to eat things you don’t like just because they’re “healthy” and I wanted to find a protein powder that mixed well, and had the ability to make a pudding consistency. And I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Either the label would look great, but it would taste like garbage….OR it would taste ok, but the label was scary - ingredients that I couldn’t identify or pronounce, not real food! Until….
A friend sent me a sample of the Arbonne chocolate protein in December of 2014 and I fell in love!! It passed all my tests and met all my requirements. And I was so excited to be able to make my daughters’ shakes and baked goods using the powder knowing it was perfectly safe and a great way for them to get their protein they need to grow! I soon became known for my smoothies - the girls’ friends would all beg me for “milk shakes” every time they’d come over.
And the rest is history. I have been using, loving and recommending Arbonne protein powder to friends, family and clients for 8+ years now…and I just keep getting more and more passionate about it. The flavors used to just be chocolate and vanilla, but now we have coffee (my all time favorite flavor) and strawberry (tastes like a strawberry milkshake) as well as a couple different formulas. I have tried numerous recipes over the years. If I am baking muffins or banana bread, I’ll throw some vanilla protein in for yummy flavor and balances out the macronutrients in the bread. Some other fun recipes include protein pancakes, cookie dough, balls and pudding.
Want to try some for yourself? Here’s a cart with chocolate and coffee flavors + a great discount! 90 Day Return Policy, but you won’t need it!