A Guide to Protein Powders

As anyone who reads this blog with any regularity can attest, I like smoothies...a lot. They make for a satisfying midnight snack and the perfect accompaniment to my nightly blog reading. Part of what attracts me to these blender creations is that they provide a convenient way to sneak in an extra serving of fruit, dairy, and, most pertinent to this post's topic, protein. Not only does the added protein hit ensure that I consume adequate amounts of this very necessary macronutrient, but it also adds a lovely "shake-like" texture to my blended beverages.

Over the years, I have experimented with them all: whey, soy, rice, hemp, even pea proteins. Here is a brief review of my protein adventures:

Whole Foods Soy Protein Powder
Given my obsession with all things Whole Foods, it shouldn't surprise you that I have sampled their house brand of protein powder.
*I have come to prefer non-animal sources of protein, so I opted to use their soy variety; they also produce a whey formula.
*Just two flavors are available: chocolate and vanilla. Both are quite palatable and lend themselves well to a variety of flavors.
*Unlike some powders, they may simply be mixed with milk--and still be tasty. Often protein powders need other components such as fruit or non-dairy ice cream to mask an unpleasant "protein" taste.
*Each packet contains 110-120 kcalories, 24 grams of protein, and partial supplementation in a few vitamins and minerals.
*Also available in canisters. A formula with added spirulina is also sold in some markets.
Living Harvest Hemp Protein
Just like my pal VeggieGirl, I have a healthy appreciation for this brand of protein.
*Available in 3 varieties: original, vanilla spice, and chocolate chili. My personal fave is vanilla spice (especially with mango!).
*Hemp has a very strong and distinctive taste, so I recommend easing your way into using this variety of protein. Get acclimated to its taste in combination with other flavors (from fruit, for example) before trying it on its own. Lindsay had the brilliant idea to mix it with oatmeal!
*Each 4 tablespoon serving contains 120-130 kcalories, 9 grams of protein, and a surprising 8 grams of fiber.
*Available in packets or canisters from their online store, as well in some Whole Foods markets.
To see more of my Living Harvest creations, click here.

Nature's Plus Spirutein
This was my first protein powder obsession...I will always have a special place in my heart for Spirutein.
*Available in SEVERAL varieties:
-Fruity: Strawberry-Banana, Strawberry, Strawberry Shortcake, Pina Colada, Tropical Fruit, Peaches 'n Cream, Tangerine Dream, Cherries Jubilee, Blueberries 'n Cream, Nutty Berry Burst, Banana, Raspberry Royale, Exotic Red Fruit
-Non-fruity: Egg Nog, Chai Latte, Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Double Fudge Crunch, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies 'n Cream, S'mores, Cappuccino
-Flavors in italics are my favorites!
*Strawberry-inspired flavors are NOT good--their flavorings are simply not quite right. Think cough medicine.
*Spirutein develops a light and fluffy texture when whipped in a high-speed blender. Yum, smoothie "clouds."
*Select flavors are available in unsweetened varieties and are just as tasty!
*Nutritionals vary according to flavor, but most contain 100-130 kcalories, 14 grams of protein, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. I like that each serving provides 300 mg (30% RDA) of vegan calcium.
*Available in canisters or packets from many online stores, but I choose to order mine from Lucky Vitamin for their wide selection of flavors.
*My girl over at Gliding Calm likes to add Spirutein to her oats every now and then!
To see more of my Spirutein creations, click here.

Alive! Ultra Shakes
These provide a nice alternative to your average protein powders--great way to eat your peas!
*Available in soy and pea-rice protein blends, in vanilla and apples & cinnamon.
*Don't be turned off by their green color! They taste delicious, regardless of their slightly off-putting hue.
*Similar to Spirutein, Alive! shakes develop a pillowy texture when blended.
*Each serving contains 130 kcalories, 15 grams of protein, and whopping amounts of vitamins and minerals. You might not want to consume these daily so as to avoid excessive supplementation.
*Available in canisters or packets at Whole Foods Markets.
To see more of my Alive! shakes, click here.

Nutribody Protein
I received a large canister of Nutribody to sample for VegFamily--it turned out to be a favorite. You can read my review of it here.
*Available in a single variety, original (but it tastes like vanilla to me!)
*Sweet-tasting, despite its 0 grams of sugar...no stevia here either. Luo han is the sweetening agent here.
*Protein is derived from brown rice, making it suitable for those allergic to soy.
*Each 4 tablespoon serving contains 124 kcalories, 26 grams of protein, and 1.3 grams of fat. There is no other supplementation. (Bummer!).
*Quite possibly the most versatile protein powder I have used--perfect for any smoothie.
*Available in canisters on the company website.
To see more of my Nutribody creations, click here.

Amazing Meal
I received these packets as a result of my position at VegFamily as well--I will definitely order these for myself in the future!
*Available in 3 flavors: Original, Pomegranate-Mango, and Chocolate; all three are excellent, but I especially liked the mango and chocolate varieties.
*Protein is derived from hemp & rice, but the blend also includes a vast array of superfoods such as wheat grass, kale, and goji berries!
*Each serving contains 120 kcalories, 10 grams of protein, and an impressive 6 grams of fiber.
*Available exclusively at Whole Foods Markets.

To see more Amazing Meal creations, click here.

Nutribiotic Rice Protein
This provides the perfect compromise for the soy-averse and those who do not like the taste of hemp.
*Available in plain, vanilla, chocolate, and mixed berry. Formulas with added flax and antioxidants are also available.
*This powder tastes sweet to me as well, but it is completely free of sugar and sweeteners.
*I suggest adding a scoop of cocoa powder for a deeper, more instense chocolate flavor; otherwise it lends a "milk chocolate" flavor to your shakes.
*Each 1 tablespoon serving contains 55-60 kcalories, 12 grams of protein, and little to no other supplementation.
*Works well in Gina's breakfast cookies!

To see more of my Nutribiotic creations, click here.

Nutiva Hemp Shake
Another hemp protein after my heart...
*Available in 3 varieties: chocolate, amazon acai, and berry pomegranate. The amazon acai is undrinkable, in my opinion.
*Again, this powder has a strong hemp taste that is almost spicy; proceed with caution if you're a hemp newbie.
*This powder does not mix well with ice--combine only with fruit, milk/juice, or non-dairy ice cream/yogurt.
*Each serving contains 80-100 kcalories, 6-9 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber. You're out of luck if you're looking for additional supplementation.
*Available online at many outlets, including Amazon.
To see all my Nutiva creations, click here and here.

-You can revisit my post devoted to smoothie makin' here.
-I also reviewed another brand of protein (rather unfavorably) here.


Whew! I think that summarizes my protein powder career. I welcome comments, questions, and suggestions for other protein products. Enjoy!

Relaxing with TLC

No, I do not mean tender, loving care, nor am I referring to those ever popular Kashi crackers--I've been relaxing with my favorite channel, TLC. Monday nights are now by far my favorite night of television (Jon and Kate Plus, Eight AND Little People, Big World!), but I never get to sit down and enjoy "my" shows because of meetings, Bible study, and that pesky little thing called homework. However, thanks to my university's autumnal gift to its students, Fall Break, I was able to spend a leisurely evening with my family watching said programs. *Sigh* What a great way to recharge before the second half of the semester.

As I mentioned last week, my time was split this weekend between the lake house and our house in Birmingham; it ended up being a nice balance between tranquility and activity. While I enjoyed sipping tea by the lakeside, it was also nice to get to do some shopping with Mom:) How did you all spend the weekend?
Due to constantly being in transit these past few days, I didn't put together many elaborate meals. Nonetheless, I prepared a few things outside of my at-school repertoire...

Friday
My sister hadn't yet arrived (with my camera( by the time I broke out the blender, so I don't have a picture of Friday's smoothie. Don't worry--it was very blah. I didn't have any hemp protein around, so I just grabbed some random protein packets I've had lying around for a while. This one consisted of Super Blue Pro96 Soy Protein, frozen blueberries, soymilk, and cinnamon raisin granola. Not tasty at all. Saturday I rummaged around for some acceptable breakfast victuals and finally stumbled upon some Kashi Heart to Heart. I poured myself a bowl of that with soymilk, plus an banana with PB. After a trip to the grocery store and a little girls' afternoon out with my mom and sisters, I returned home to a simple lunch of refried beans and salsa wrapped in tortillas, salad, and an apple with almonds. The family was having chili con carne for dinner, but since I just had chili last Sunday, I decided against making a veggie version and instead made some baked beans. I used tomato sauce, maple syrup, sauteed onions, and just a touch of mustard. On the side I had corn, salad with sunflower seeds, and surprisingly tasty strawberries. We returned home that night, so I prepared a late-night smoothie with Alive! rice and pea protein, apple sauce, cinnamon, and soymilk. Odd color, yummy apple-pie taste. Sunday I took my time for breakfast yesterday and made pumpkin pancakes. My first attempt was free-form, not using a recipe--and it failed quite miserably. As a last resort, I actually looked up a recipe and that batch turned out much better. I hate to waste my precious pumpkin though:( I topped these baby pancakes with chopped almonds and dipped them in...more pumpkin. I sweetened the pumpkin with maple syrup, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. After my breakfast debacle, I decided to keep it simple for lunch, so I just made a simple veggie-tofu sandwich with tomatoes, mushrooms, guacamole, and garlic rubbed tofu. I also had salad and an apple. Last night for dinner, my dad decided he would prepare a ratatouille omelet for everyone. As a lacto-vegetarian, I don't consume eggs, so I decided to prepare something a little different. I topped ratatouille with baked polenta rounds (along with some spices) and served it alongside a Health Is Wealth Chicken-Free Patty with melted mozzarella and some cubed watermelon.
I was leaning in a more decadent direction last night when I prepared my shake. I needed chocolate--badly. I used a frozen banana, soymilk, chocolate soy protein, peanuts, and chocolate syrup. Total yum.
Monday
After a trip to Whole Foods yesterday, I was excited to eat some vegan Van's waffles this morning. I topped them with the same pumpkin mixture I used yesterday morning. I also had a sliced apple with Dark Chocolate Dreams PB. These waffles were good, but I am always looking for alternatives. What brand of waffles do you buy? I prefer egg-free varieties.
I gave the Blogger Secret Ingredient another try today. I baked a few polenta rounds and topped them with sun-dried tomato hummus; I also had a snap pea-tomato mixture and peaches with cinnamon and chopped almonds.
As my vacation draws to a close, I just wanted a comfort dish for dinner. So of course I made Cashew Ginger Tofu from ED&BV. I never get tired of it. This was delicious of course, but (as you can see), the sauce got a bit pasty. I had it with some noodles, salad, and an assortment of freezer veggies.
Whew. I am off to stuff a few last items into my bulging suitcase before I head off to bed. Be back soon!