Hey friends! Boy was it nice having yesterday off! Even though I was busy with a car appointment, shopping, dealing with canceling cable, gas, and electricity only to set them back up in my new place, I did find time to relax in the sun for a little bit! I also talked to my friend, Jess about an exciting new opportunity that I will hopefully be sharing with you in the next few weeks AND picked up the keys to my new apartment!!! Eeek!
Luckily, my shopping trips were very successful! Not only did I get some super cute things for Emma’s birthday party tomorrow, I also got some great deals for myself, including a dress for Christy’s wedding next weekend (holy crap time is flying by!). Here’s the loot! It may look like I spent a lot, but I promise I didn’t! Stores are having incredible deals right now.
(The green thing on the back of my phone is a post-it “to do” note… I keep them there so that I won’t forget things! 🙂 )
While shopping, I meandered into GNC to check out the protein options. With the amount I work out and the fact that I’ve recently cut back dramatically on sweets, I feel like I really need to up the protein in my diet. Rather than filling myself up with unnecessary sweets and “filler” foods (don’t get me wrong- I love treats and snacks and certainly don’t deprive myself, I am just trying to nourish my body with more of what it NEEDS based on my activity levels), I want to keep myself satisfied with foods that will help keep me fuller for longer and help fuel me through my workouts.
But, here’s the problem- I have NO IDEA what type of protein to buy. I asked a friend and he said:
-Whey protein
-One that has 20 grams of protein per shake
-Chocolate is the best flavor
Helpful, but I still need more help! I haven’t done a lot of research, but after checking out a number of different websites, this one in particular, I do think that Whey protein is probably the best option for me as I am just trying to supplement my diet and help repair muscle after spending 1-2 hours in the gym at least 5-6 days a week. Plus, it’s not like I don’t eat any protein; I have Greek yogurt almost daily (usually about 13g/container), in addition to chicken and/or fish, but I definitely need more!
I did a little research and read that “recreational athletes” should be consuming anywhere from .4-.75 grams of protein for every pound of body weight (every site had a number within this range), which would mean on the low end, I need about 48-50 grams of protein daily. In order to get from the 30 or so grams of protein I likely eat in a day, to the 50 or so I SHOULD be consuming, I think a protein shake would be perfect!
But, that brings me back to the question: what type of protein powder do I buy?! I would love to be able to buy a few different kinds to try them out, but they all come in such big packages and are definitely not cheap, so that wouldn’t be a smart route for me to go. I also want to make sure it TASTES good, because there is no way I’m going to suffer through drinking something that tastes like garbage.
Here’s where you come in! Do you use protein powder? Do you have a brand you’ve found to be particularly “good” in terms of effects and taste? What would you suggest for a “newbie” protein powder user? Please help! Clearly, I need it 🙂
Burpees to Bubbly 
Hi Monique! My favorite protein is Fitmixer. I buy the vanilla flavor! It is so good, even mixed with water. I like to mix half iced coffee, half almond/coconut milk, and a scoop of protein. I usually buy it online. I’ve tried a lot of proteins and this is by far the best tasting. Pretty low in calories and sugar, too! good luck 🙂
That sounds delicious! thanks for the suggestion. I’m looking for something I can mix at the gym after teaching that I can drink on my trek home.
I don’t use any of the protein powders so I’m no help there.
I love the dress you got, though – it is super cute and you look awesome in it!!
Aww, thank you so much!! I’m so excited to wear it:)
Hi Monique, I think you like Chris Freytag, right? She had just the article/blog for you in this June 30th newsletter:
http://chrisfreytag.com/my-whey-of-life/?utm_source=Blog+RSS+subscribers&utm_campaign=ffc8c6967e-My_Whey_of_Life7_2_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8575c69f8f-ffc8c6967e-86828369
I do like her! And that article is really interesting and helpful- thank you so much for passing it along!!
Love the dress, you look amazing! The shoes are adorable too.
About protein powders…talk/email my Mom. There is a ton of information about the harmful things in Whey protein and I know she’d love to talk to you about it. Arbonne’s chocolate and vanilla protein powder are better than ever and they have over 20+ grams of protein in each!
Aw thanks!! and yes, I should talk to her. I used to have the Arbonne powder and loved it!
Hi Nick,
Loved the pics–the dress looks perfect for an evening reception. Make sure you can dance in those pumps–DO NOT go barefoot–if the fancy shoes hurt when you dance, change into party flats. I can’t help with the protein powder talk, but I agree with Meredith that you should talk to her mom. She’s the nutritionist! Mom
Thanks mom!! Um, I think you know I would NEVER take off my shoes. Please. so tacky!
Hey Fit Wino,
Between my years playing football and now as a runner, I’ve tried my share of protein powders. For endurance and lean muscle, as well as pure deliciousness, I love About Time (http://tryabouttime.com/). Really great options and it’s 100% all-natural. I like the mocha mint and birthday cake flavors. Give it a go!
Have an awesome weekend!
Erol
Fit Wino- love that! I like the idea that it’s 100% all natural… I don’t want to put lots of fake stuff in my body, but I do need more nourishment right after my workouts. And birthday cake flavor?! That has my name all over it! Thanks, you too!
I’m a huge fan of Vega protein powder, it’s natural and works for me. It’s not whey though, it’s plant based. Good luck finding a protein powder!
Hey Monique! If you’d like even more insight into protein powders, please come check out my articles on the http://top10supplements.com/best-protein-powder-shakes-on-the-market/ and http://top10supplements.com/what-is-the-best-protein-powder-for-women/
They will most definitely help you out, at least a little bit! 🙂
thank you, Rick!