Best Protein Shakes Available

Years ago I started using protein powders post workout. Not a huge supplement junkie, protein powders are one supplement I will recommend. 

Why? Well let’s look at the general function of protein first:

1. It helps provide structure for your bones, teeth and skin 
2. It helps to catalyze chemical reactions 
3. It helps in bringing glucose within the cell to provide energy
4. It builds the muscle fibers actin and myosin
5. And it also helps in immunity 

Most protein powders consist of whey protein, which gets quick delivery to the muscles and usually these powders contain all the essential amino acids required fin our daily diet. 

Working in a gym setting I can attest to amount of people with their shake bottles in hand that likely contain some sort of added whey protein. However, with so many “proprietary” blends out there, how do we really know what we are getting? Truth is we don’t as many products are not FDA regulated. Most of those powders have been found to contain arsenic and lead along with lactoperoxidase, relaxin, lactollin, and other “unique blends,” whatever the heck that means! Yikes!

So naturally, when I was asked what some of the best protein shakes and meal replacement shakes out there are, I decided I would share my response with you. Below is my approved list of protein shakes- not powders but shakes that you can grab on the go. Not all are perfect but SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER than many out there..(ahem slim fast ….hydrogenation to the max!)

1) Svelte – organic/natural, low in sugar with 11 grams of protein. Soy-people friendly!

2) Orgain – an organic nutritional shake- also available for kids. 

USDA Certified Organic
16 grams of Organic Protein
Organic Complex Carbohydrates from Brown Rice
Organic blueberries, bananas, acai berry, apple and raspberry
Organic kale, beets, spinach, carrots, tomatoes
No caffeine, preservatives, gluten, soy, corn syrup, saturated fat, hormones or antibiotics

They also have a high protein shake that is: 

USDA Certified Organic
25 grams of Organic, Grass-Fed Protein
3 grams Net Carbs
150 Calories
No Sugar Added
Gluten Free
Non-GMO
No Artificial Sweeteners
Doctor Developed

3) Okay last but not least and also probably my last recommendation but..Isopure

Definitely doesn’t taste the best and does have both natural and artificial flavors but does not have sugar, glycerin, carrageenan, and hydrogenated oils like many others.

I’d love to know if you have tried any of these before or found any protein shakesyou like better. Please leave a comment and let me know!

Recipe for 6-pack: Studio Empower Review #Lagree Fitness

As as personal trainer and food blogger, I thrive on the days I actually have time to workout and blog, today being one of them. I also get really excited when I am invited to try a new workout that promises to “sculpt, tone, and define.” Through one of the blogger groups that I am a part of (Blog and tweet boston), I was invited to partake in a pilates reformer class at Studio Empower, located in Newton. And boy was it reforming! When you first walk in you are greeted with this alien-like machine (that is the Mega reformer M3 that you use throughout the class- not a traditional reformer). There are all sorts of gadgets and pulleys attached to it, and they only thing I can think of is, what the heck am I going to be doing on THAT?

For those of you who have never tried a  Megaformer class, you are in for one heck of a sweaty workout. While low impact, you hold poses on a four count for 1-2 minutes, using resistance and your own body weight to tone and sculpt. Every muscle is worked to fatigue, with an emphasis on core throughout the entire class. (I think I grew a 6-pack in 45 minutes I swear)! It was a great class to enjoy with the other bloggers as we sweated our butts off and worked to tone our physiques. The class is perfect for anyone hoping to tone, increase endurance, while also improving flexibility. It can be modified for all levels as well and honestly leaves you addicted and wanting to come back for more.

Katelyn, one of the owners, also took the time to email me and see how I enjoyed the class! The instructor we had was upbeat, energizing, corrective, yet stern. I didn’t want him to catch me with my form off that’s for sure! But I had a blast and can’t wait to come back for more. The classes are small so you never feel lost or confused and each class is a tad different so you can be sure that you will keep your muscles guessing if you sign up for a membership.

When I was finished with the class I was sweaty, energized, and ready for some food. I always try to get some type of carbohydrate, protein, and fat into my diet post workout and what better snack to come home to than protein bars! My bf surprised me with these homemade bars as I am always complaining that I can never seem to find an all natural low sugar bar that doesn’t use sugar alcohols. Well ladies and gentleman, I introduce you to the POWER BAR 🙂

I couldn’t help myself and took a bite 🙂

Phew, now time for a nap 🙂