Dinner: Turkey sausage (?) with sautéed chard, tomatoes, peas, and carrots
In addition, throughout the day I ate:
1.5 scoops protein powder, one apple, one nectarine, and salad w/protein and olive oil.
Total estimated macros:
173 g P, 110 g C, 73g F = 1789 cal
I rested yesterday after all the frenetics of Saturday, and I know it did my muscles well to repair!
Today I felt great! I am consistently making strength gains, and I am loving it!
Monday’s My Chef By Request:
Today I ate:
Eggs + some type of sausage + 3 pieces orange
Nuts + "chocolate mousse"???
Salad w/chicken + cucumber + tomato + unknown vegetable??? (those strings of yellow on top)
Some type of sausage + roasted pepper
Shrimp + green beans + squash + tomato w/some type of pesto topping?
Plus some protein pancakes, and casein (unpictured).
Today’s estimated macros: 209 g P, 67g C, 51 g F = 1563 cal.
FYI, I have been feeling really great eating such high protein, and low carb (and the occasional higher carb day, such as yesterday). I don’t recommend it to the average Jane, but if you are into fitness or figure then this is a regular way of life.
Eating out of a cooler with My Chef by Request has been nothing new to me. MCBR has saved me some time by not going grocery shopping as much, cooking as much, cleaning as much…BUT so far I am telling you that I don’t find it a panacea. I still have to consider how I will supplement the food each day and include/cook it, what I feel I will need through the day especially with regard to my workouts and schedule….and still think about the food like uhhh is this food I want to eat? Prefer to eat? Do I WANT to eat this ______ or would I prefer to eat my “own” food?
I think the My Chef By Request would be sooo helpful and ideal for people who are not knowledgeable about what healthy is, or don’t know how to cook healthy or don’t have the time/energy….but, for me, I am not the ideal client since I am so picky and self-reliant.
But I have been enjoying the variety of foods I don’t normally cook for myself, and enjoying not taking a million trips to the grocery store!
First day of My Chef By Request (MCBR). As far as taste, it was very good, everything was very tasty!! My favorite was the sauteed mushrooms for dinner..yumm! As I mentioned yesterday though, I truly don’t think that the food added up to the carbs and calories that they said. I was wondering if I could get through the whole day ONLY eating the MCBR + protein shake and I thought so, but after I took Monkey Conditioning class and I was considering how much food was left…I decided to go to Whole Foods and grab a salad and a zero cal Bragg’s apple cidar vinegar water to supplement my day’s eats.
a pinch of this, a pinch of that!!! -->kale, shrimp, tofu, turkey, chicken, tuna, hard boiled egg, kidney beans, edamame, celery, spinach, broccoli, jalapenos, red cabbage, onion, olive oil and vinegar
Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar "All-Natural Drink" - Ginger Spice Flavor, zero cal...very refreshing...
I feel justified in this act not only because I doubt the verity of MCBR’s total calorie claim (echoed by fellow trainers with sharp eyes for estimating cals/macros), but also because I probably burned over 850 calories today in exercise alone (what I call FUN TIMES [delightedly worked out solo in the morn to my heart's content mixing it up w/ kettlebells, tire flipping and sledgehammer work, and in the afternoon went to Monkey Conditioning class, which today was a mix of bodyweight exercises, gymnastics, parkour, and aerial conditioning]).
Today’s estimated macros:
Protein Shake: 50 g P, 0 g C, 2 g F = 218 cal
MCBR: 90 g P, 70 g C, 32 g F = 928 cal
Whole Foods salad: 25 g P, 11 g C, 15 g F = 279 cal
Total: 165 g P, 81 g C, 49 g F = 1425 cal
Tomorrow we’ll see how it goes! Again, I have received the food for tomorrow and the amount looks quite scant! I will for sure supplement with a protein shake, but besides that we shall see! So the experiment continues…
My Chef By Request is a delivery service that DAILY delivers to your door fresh meals with the macronutrient distribution 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats. I THOUGHT it was all organic, but I can’t find that on the website right now.
I had found out about them when they left their brochures at the gym I train out of. I paid it no mind until my fellow trainer started to sign up for their services, and I asked him all these questions, and he didn’t know the answers! So I went on to their website and was quite impressed! I loved that they are able to cater to celiacs, diabetics, vegetarians, and those who follow the Paleo Diet!
I love preparing my own foods and having control over my meals. I don’t consider myself willing to eat others’ food also because I prefer to each more protein and less carbs than the standard American diet (sometimes called the “SAD” diet). BUT I was intrigued by the option of relinquishing the responsibility (at least temporarily) of cooking, cleaning, and calculating….Not to mention that I have to try it myself to be able to whole-heartedly endorse the service to my clients. So I decided to give it a shot.I ordered the Paleo option, 3 meals and two snacks, and told them no pork or red meat. I was all set up to receive my food Wednesday night (in a cooler, they leave it at your door) so I precisely ate up all the fresh food by Wednesday night. But alas I was informed that there was a mess up with a new employee and I would not receive my food until Friday night. Darn! So I made an extra trip to the grocery store to get groceries to last me Thursday and Friday. Friday night (an hour ago) I received my food (for tomorrow).
Breakfast: looks like an omlette w/a small peach and 1/2 a chicken sausage? (not listed what type of sausage)
Lunch: Turkey salad with some type of dressing (type of dressing not listed)
Dinner: Chicken w/kale, zuchini, and mushrooms? (not listed)
Snacks: Eggplant and Thyme Dip (with walnuts- not listed)
2 sticks of celery with an unknown dip (again, not listed)
It looks pretty good and healthy. I normally eat a lot of volume but it is not calorically dense so I still end up eating not too many calories, and shoot for 50-100 carbs a day. I was a little concerned by eating a greater number of carbs but uhhh if I were to eyeball the day’s worth of it, I certainly would not have estimated it to contain the number of carbs it says it should! They say I am getting like 120 grams of carbs, but if I didn’t know better I would guess the day’s worth had more like 35 grams!!!! Well, I guess it is a blessing in disguise because I won’t feel worried about excessive carb consumption??? Lol…
I am a little worried of being hungry because I don’t like that feeling! The quantity of food looks pretttty darn small. Like I said, I am used to more volume. I have my tricks (you other figure/fitness/nutrition gals know what I’m saying!) to eat a lot of food but not many calories (e.g. a ton of veggies, mashed cauliflower, spinach, kelp noodles, protein powder, etc are some staples!)
One thing that could have been more professional was the list of what I was given! There was a list printed, but it appears that it was the “regular” menu, and I ordered the Paleo. So the typed list was crossed off, and a few words were scribbled on top, but it was far from comprehensive. E.g. for breakfast it says “omlette” but really it included also a small peach, and some type of sausage (type: unknown). For one snack, it is completely illegible—ummm looks like “chloe” something??? I have no idea. And it is just two celery sticks and some type of sesame something dip. It would be nice to know what I am eating. And for dinner, the typed item is crossed off, but nothing is written as to what I am receiving, although it looks to me like kale, zucchini, mushrooms, and chicken.
SO! I am excited to try this out. Ha. Will keep you posted how it goes tomorrow.
I have been on the go lately, but feeling pretty good. I am still adapting to my new life, and this book I got called My Miracle Manifestation Manual by Jacquelyn Aldana has been helping me!
It guarantees “substantial improvement in your sense of well-being after faithfully doing your 15-Minute Miracle in writing for at least 21 out of 30 days.” Cute, isn’t it? So far, I have diligently filled it out on 7 of the last 8 days- and have already had some positive results It’s a workbook where you fill in the blank, and it actually has 63+ days to fill out, so I’m eager to see where I am after 21, 30, or 60 days…The language is COMPLETELY over the top, but I seriously LOVE it. It is just SO over the top, that it brings a smile to my face. Each day, you fill out: (mind you, I am typing the basics from the printed workbook, so the workbook is a bit more comprehensive, but you get the idea)
Clean your slate: Today, _______, is a clean slate for me to enjoy.
Claim your POWER: As long as I can CHOOSE my thoughts, I can CHOOSE what I attract and create in my life.
Create a clear intention: Starting today, my ongoing intention is to find _______ ways to ____.
1. Appreciate what you already have: As you acknowledge your blessings, Life brings even more for you to appreciate.
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Choose how you love to feel: I love it when I feel __. When I feel this way, _______which makes it easier for me to _________.
3. Play wildly in your imagination and picture yourself living the “Life of Your Dreams” as though it were already so:
______________________________
______________________________
_____________________________
Describe how you fe-e-e-el as you re-read this step. I now feel ______.
4. Hire your Higher Power: I now invite assistance from the Loving Power that dwells within me and All Life Everywhere. Dear ______ and ALL who walk with me in Love and Light, Thank You for Your perfect guidance, unconditional love, and ongoing support. If it is in the highest good for me and All Life Everywhere, please divinely orchestrate the following in just the perfect time. (Please list your requests below)
_______________________
_______________________
________________________
I completely ________ all worries, doubts, and fears to You, ___________. As I trust You to take care of the details, everything naturally falls into place for me with amazing ease.
5. Let go of anything negative: I am now ready to ___________ and let go of _________ plus ALL issues (both known and unknown) that prevent me from living my best life now. This act of releasing enables me to ___________.
6. As your Wonderful Wisdom Within for wise advice: Dear ____, Please make it easier for me to move forward in my life by providing wise advice as I ask the following question:
______________________
Write down the answers you receive here:
_____________________________
_____________________________
___________________________
To greatly increase the benefits of doing this step, write down a tentative date when you plan to take action.
7. Be kind to yourself first: As a special treat today, I give myself permission to ___________.
Then be kind to others: My special way of being kind to someone else today is to _________.
Accept Life’s gifts: With enormous gratitude, I now agree to ____ these and even greater gifts in just the perfect time in delightful ways that bless and benefit All Life Everywhere.
Signed the Magnificent __________ Date _______
Declare with conviction: “I am an ‘Irresistible Magnet for Love, Money, Miracles, and More.’ It’s just the story of my life!”
Listen as Life exclaims: “You’re RIGHT, Magnificent One! Let me show you more evidence of how RIGHT you are!”
Ahhh…so over the top yet totally positive and DELIGHTFUL and AMAZING right?!?! I just love all the enthusiastic language…So that is what I have been working on (almost) daily. Each entry takes me about 30 minutes. They say it can only take 15 minutes, but I think that’s only if you fill out steps 1-3 and sign it (the “bare bones”). I have been filling out ALL the steps and signing…It’s been helpful.
In other news, let’s talk about nutrition on the GO. Because, as I recounted in an earlier post, I have not been spending as much time at home, so it has been a bit more a struggle to eat healthy foods that I would prefer, as sometimes I am not compelled to pack my food for ALL DAY in a cooler, as it seems the freezer pack seems to be melted by afternoon-ish so foods don’t seem so fresh. I just ran out of my Jay Robb protein packets, and now I need to re-up!!! The peeps at Jay Robb were really awesome and sent me a whole package of different protein powders for me to try!!! In fact, they delighted me with a few different protein bars (dangerously delicious, um I may or may not have eaten more than the recommended serving….) and a cool bag that I ROCKED for all of a few days until it broke (sad, but it inspired me to make my OWN bag off of Zazzle, so now I rock my own Freestyle Fitness Addiction bag, woo ha ha), and the protein powders lasted me a WHILE! They sent me an assortment of flavors of brown rice, egg white, and whey protein powders.
I must say that I had never had brown rice protein powders, and they were all pretty grody in terms of taste/texture. Maybe because I am so used to whey, but it just seemed really gritty. The egg white protein powders were very palatable, similar to whey. My favorites, though, were the whey protein powders. All the powders were SO convenient, as I would leave a few packets in my car, and once I was done sweating my ass off in boxing or kickboxing, and my muscles need that fast-acting nourishment, bam, I would pour a packet into my shaker bottle and consume a tasty and healthy protein drink of approximately 24 grams of protein, 1 g carb, and 0 g fat! Nice stats, eh? And they are free of artificial sweeteners, gluten free, and from grass-fed cows- niiiceee! Also, they come in very unique flavors like PINA COLADA! I’m all over that, son. I need to go to the Vitamin Shoppe and buy some more!
I have an exciting nutritional experiment I will embark on in a few days…will keep you posted!
That’s all for now, kiddies.
What do you think of the idea of “My Miracle Manifestation Manual”? What has helped you in transitional periods for you?
Do you like brown rice protein or egg white protein? Jay Robb protein?
After I tried the Mercola Miracle Whey in Peanut Butter Flavor (see my review (praise) here), I HAD to try the banana flavor. I LOVE banana and banana-flavored things, so I was all over it. They kindly sent me the flavor to review, and it was lovely! I have to say, that the peanut butter flavor floored me because I had never tasted such a good-tasting, actually-peanut-butter-tasting protein powder! I guess that trying so many ill-tasting, alleged “peanut butter flavor” (NOT!) protein powders set me up so when I actually TASTED one that DID taste good and like PB, I was shocked and delighted. I think, though, that since I didn’t have the previous strings of disappointments with banana-flavored protein powders (in fact, I had never tried a banana-flavored one before), that I was not as “floored.” I will tell you though, darlings, that the banana Miracle Whey is YUMMY! It’s totally banana-y and totally good, and chock-full-of-health.
“Take a look at just a few of the benefits you’ll receive when you supplement your daily diet with Miracle Whey:
Made from all-natural grass fed cows’ whey, providing more of nature’s nutrients
Is certified free of GMO ingredients, pesticides, and chemicals, protecting you from the damaging effects of chemicals and hormones*
Is cold processed, and never processed with acid chemicals, thereby retaining all its natural goodness
Provides all key amino acids, so you get all the protein building blocks your body needs*
Retains maximum biological value with beneficial micronutrients intact*
Contains the highest concentration of leucine of any dairy product, said to increase energy levels and support building of muscle mass*
Contains water-soluble fiber, which supports healthy blood sugar levels* and prebiotic properties*
Contains 25% or more glycomacropeptides for immune support, high energy, muscle building and recovery after exercise*
Contains MCTs from all-natural coconut oil for easy digestion and fast energy*
Rich in glutamic acid and branch chain amino acids which aid muscle-building and recovery *
Contains all whey microfructures, immunoglobulins and lactoferins, promoting your healthy immune function and healthy flora balance*
No sugar, sugar alcohol or artificial sweeteners added that detract from the positive benefits of whey.
Includes the same immuno compounds that are found naturally in human breast milk — responsible for providing newborns with their immune defense*
Promotes satiety, so compulsive craving for refined carbs and sweets is curbed*
Comes in your choice of six delicious flavors with no aftertaste like some powders on the market. Available in vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, blueberry, banana and peanut butter (made from all-organic peanuts)
Plus, Miracle Whey™ contains the much researched (and scientifically proven) beta glucans, so you can be sure that your immune system is getting the boost it needs.* Beta glucans modulate your immune response.* Most importantly, they don’t over-stimulate your immune system like so many other products.*”
I would say that, for me, the most significant benefit is that it is made from grass-fed cows, and free of toxins and artificial products. Ever since I got certified as a Holistic Lifestyle Coach, which required me to attend a course on improving health holistically, I became more cognizant of the pernicious effects on our bodies of hormones and chemicals from non-organic food sources, so it’s great that Mercola offers a whey from grass-fed cows! The lack of toxicity is especially relevant given the recent results from the scientific studies exposing high levels of poisons such as arsenic and cadmium in common protein powders (Mercola’s article is here; google it for more info)!
Most commonly, I used the banana protein powder to mix into my oatmeal (yum) or even to make banana sweet omelettes or banana protein pancakes. (sorry for crappy iphone pics! you get the idea, tho!)
Oatmeal
Banana Egg White Omelette
Similarly to the peanut butter Miracle Whey, I am not that excited about the amount of carbs per serving (19 carbs per 2 scoops- I typically use 1/2 to 1 scoop), but overall I would definitely recommend the banana whey as a great quality protein powder. The end! xo
I received a while back Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions. This was the first time I had used coconut oil, and I must say that I find it pretty awesome! I use it for cooking things that are sweeter, or even some things not sweet!! This includes protein pancakes and VEGGIES!!
Purple asparagus
the delicious cinnamon cabbage!!!
yummerz protein pancake
Their website states: “This Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a truly unrefined coconut oil. This coconut oil is made on Mt. Banahaw and surrounding areas from organic coconuts. Coconuts are used fresh (within 24-48 hours of harvest) from small family farms on Mt. Banahaw and other rural places in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the Philippines. Only the highest quality coconuts are hand-picked from each harvest. The volcanic soil of Mt. Banahaw makes these organic coconuts some of the most nutritionally rich coconuts in the world! Testing done in independent laboratories reveals higher levels of phenolic antioxidants than other coconut oils. The fresh coconut meat is shredded (wet milled), and then cold-pressed using the water from inside the coconuts to make coconut milk. The milk is then allowed to sit for about half a day, while the oil naturally separates from the heavier water. The oil is then filtered from the curds (coconut solids). No chemical or high-heat treatment is used, and this oil contains no trans fatty acids. We do NOT mass produce this oil. It is made by families who are coconut farmers using old-fashioned traditional methods that have been used in the Philippines for hundreds of years. Our coconut trees and family producers are certified organic according to strict USDA standards. The families who produce the oil are also trained according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and re-certified each year. This high-grade Virgin Coconut Oil has a long shelf life due to the high antioxidant properties. The Gold Label standard is our highest standard for Virgin Coconut Oil.
Virgin Coconut Oil is a food, and is one of the best cooking oils you can use. It has been a staple cooking oil for thousands of years in tropical climates. As a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains even when used in higher cooking temperatures, unlike most vegetable oils. Research shows that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss. For hundreds of tasty recipes from people who use coconut oil, visit FreeCoconutRecipes.com.”
I have a lot more experimenting to do, but ever since I got it, I have been using it waaay more than extra virgin olive oil! I like the tropical taste it imbues I have a friend who uses it with EVERYTHING including kale, brussell sprouts, spinach– anything you can sautee! It’s good stuff.
Oh by the way I forgot to mention on my blog that I did a guest post on FoodsOfApril.com! It’s a protein powder review.
Here is some of it:
WHEY-BASED PROTEIN POWDERS
Miracle Whey (Peanut Butter Flavor)- The best tasting peanut butter flavored protein powder I’ve ever had! This is Mercola’s line of super healthy cold pressed whey from only grass fed cows! It is a bit higher in carbs than I would like, but very tasty, yow! 3 g F, 12 g C, 4 g sugar, 19 g P
All The Whey (cake batter flavor)- yummmers. This may be my all time favorite protein powder?? Not only is it extremely delicious, but it has good stats: 0 g F, 1 g C, 1 g sugar, 25 g P per serving!
Optimum Nutrition (mocha cappuccino)- not too bad! I like it because it tastes like cappuccino yummm. Sometimes I add it to my morning coffee or soy latte…. ;P 1.5 g F, 4 g C, 1 g sugar, 24 g P
Nectar (Chocolate Truffle)- eh. Whatevz. A little grody but fine. 0 g F, 1 C, 0 sugar, 23 g P
Jay Robb unflavored protein powder – incredible stats: 1 g F, 0 g C/sugar; 26 g P!! Indeed it is tasteless- great for baking and cooking!
Designer Whey in French Vanilla- Very common protein powder. Not as much protein as other powders. 1.5 g F, 2 g C, 1 g sugar, 17.5 g P
Biochem Greens & Whey (Vanilla) PP (I got it at Trader Joe’s)- very nasty! Tastes nastyyy. I thought- wow, what a great way to get in some greens and some protein. But beware it tastes oddly sweet but actually nasty. After sitting on the shelf forever, I finally tossed it!
Biochem Chocolate Fudge- good.
VPX No-Carb in Graham Cracker- Not good for shakes, but awesome with peanut butter and cottage cheese!! Amazing stats too: 0g Fat, 0 g carbs/sugars, 20 g Protein
Isopure in Strawberries and Cream- decent taste. Expensive. Great stats: .5 g F, 0 C, 0 sugar, 25 g P! BUT taste is a little funky.
Isopure Vanilla- pretty good. Great stats: .5 g F, 0 C, 0 sugar, 25 g P
BSN Syntha-6 Chocolate Peanut Butter- I bought this in the hopes of peanut butter tastiness but alas not only did it taste chocolately, NOT peanut buttery but it was too high in carbs to be worth it. Disappointed, I returned it.
Met-RX Metamyosyn Protein Blend (vanilla)-Because of the multi blend “time released” formula, Met-rx Protein Plus is best taken when you won’t have your next protein meal for more than a few hours. Like if you have a long meeting, school, or before bed. However, a straight whey based protein will serve you best in your post workout shake, when your body is ready to handle a large amount of fast released amino acids. Mixability- so so. A bit higher in carbs than I would like.
April is a super awesome blogger and awesome young lady whose story is unique because every other woman is trying to only eat lettuce and do cardio because they don’t want to “bulk up” (I would be a millionaire if I got a nickel every time a female told me this!!!)…April, on the other hand, is eating and working hard pumpin some iron baby!!! Okay, maybe not all that, but check her out, she posts daily (what my goal is, one day!), she’s smart, and she wants to look like this!!!! Follow her journey
Are you constantly frustrated? Disappointed? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Are you ready to change these “negative emotions” into useful tools to create a more rewarding life? It’s all in your mind. You must consider your emotions ACTION SIGNALS, and use the action signals to…take action!! Tony Robbins’ Get The Edge, Day 5: The Power of Emotions is a phenomenal audio CD I have listened to obsessively and finally I have stopped listening to it! But I wanted to share with you the amazing messages he relayed. Maybe they will not resonate with you as much as they did with me, because you are not listening to his voice, or you are at a different stage in your life than I was and therefore the messages are not as relevant to you…but as someone who cares about her readers, I am delighted to pass along to you something I found extremely powerful and useful.
Wow. Okay. I have been wanting to share this with you for a long time, and finally got around to it. This audio CD is INCREDIBLE. My bf has a million audio CD’s and I thought they were totally wacky. Err for dummies. How about you pick up a BOOK?!!? But then…I turned to the other side. One day, I decided to thrown some in the CD player in the car because I was sick of my music and sick of the radio. It was so productive! And luckily some of his CD’s were very powerful!!! When I listened to Tony Robbins’ Power of Emotions CD, it literally was played over. And over. And over. And over. And over. And over. And over. And over. For what was it?….Two months? Yeah, it’s kind of ridiculous. But I was going through a rough time and really needed the message. As someone who sometimes lets emotions get the best of me, I really found this CD relevant and empowering. Tony Robbins is a best-selling author and a hugely popular motivational speaker for a reason! Really, one of the only motivational speakers of our modern times! He talks about a lot of stuff in the CD, but here are the main points.
We determine our reality. Wecreate our reality. By the meanings that we attach to experiences in life. How we feel at any moment in time is really the result of the meaning we ascribe to an experience, not any inherent scientific quality of an event.
Every emotion serves us, as long as it moves us forward, not backwards. An emotion is not “wrong.” We shouldn’t avoid emotions. When we feel an emotion, we must use this emotion to help us, by following these 6 steps.
1. Identify the emotion/signal- what does this emotion really mean? E.g. are you truly destroyed, or are you just uncomfortable?
2. Appreciate the message the emotion is offering us. E.g I need to change my state of fear. This is a valuable emotion. This means I may need to prepare! That’s a useful message!
3. Get incredibly curious. E.g. What can I learn from this? How can I use this to make my life better? Do I need to change my perception? Or procedure? How do I want to feel? What do I need to do to achieve that?
4. Get confident by remembering that I’ve worked this out in the past.
5. Get certain I can handle this in the future by rehearsing how to use this emotion as a tool of empowerment. E.g. playing out different scenarios so that you know you have multiple ways to deal with this emotion in a positive way.
6. Take action. Do something right away to make the changes that you need to! E.g. don’t let the emotions repeat and stack on top of one another. Use the emotions and make a change!
All emotions, even negative emotions, are ACTION SIGNALS. If you experience something negative, they are like weeds in a garden- pick them out! Don’t be all proud of being so good at picking out weeds, though! Instead, grow huge and deep roots of positive emotions!!!
Practice these 10 emotions everyday and notice you don’t need to use the negative emotions as “action signals” as much!
Love and Warmth
Appreciation and gratitude
Curiosity
Excitement and passion
Determination
Flexibility
Confidence
Cheerfulness
Health
Contribution
What do you think of his take?
Has there been any book or audio CD or speaker or anything that has really resonated with you? Anything that really inspires you? I love inspiration so please share!
Yes, I am a total protein powder whore. I just got a new protein powder in the mail that I ordered. But it is SO YUMMY that I have to tell you about it. No, this is not an affiliate link and I am not being compensated at all for this. Did they hear my prayers asking for a yummy peanut butter flavored protein powder?
Okay, so this is what happened. I was lazily scrolling through other’s Facebook stats update and I saw a post by Michael Boyle, who is one of the nation’s top strength and conditioning coaches. He wrote: “If you use whey protein try Mercola Miracle Whey. I was amazed that something so good for you could also taste so good. And, it’s from grass fed cows. I have never had a whey protein that I even thought tasted Ok, much lesss tasted good. You can check. There are no affiliate links. I just want to turn you on to great ideas and great products.” So I checked it out. Here is what the website said:
Compared to grain-fed cows, grass fed cows produce whey that:
Is nutritionally superior to grain fed
Contains an impressive amino acid and immuno-supportive nutrient profile
Is rich in healthy fats–lipolic acid and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid
2. Hormone-free Cows, NOT hormonally-treated cows
Many American dairy farmers inject the hormone rBGH in dairy cows to increase milk production. This hormone has been linked to serious disease and illness, including cancer. Choose whey made from hormone-free cows.
3. Cold processed, NOT heat processed
Most whey is heat processed which:
Makes the whey acidic and nutritionally deficient
Damages the immuno-supportive micronutrients and amino acids
Makes whey inadequate for consumption
Cold processed whey protects the nutrients in their natural state.
4. Acid-free processing, NOT Acid / Ion Exchange Processing
Acid / Ion Exchange Processing is cheaper than acid-free processing, but it denatures the amino acid profiles by using acids and chemicals to separate the whey from the fats.
5. Whey protein concentrate, NOT protein isolates
Protein isolates are proteins stripped away from their nutritional cofactors. There are three problems with that…
All isolates are exposed to acid processing
Your body cannot assimilate proteins in isolated form
Due to over-processing, isolates are deficient in key amino acids and nutritional cofactors.
6. Sweetened naturally, NOT artificially, and low carbs
Most whey products are artificially sweetened making them useless if you have sugar sensitivities, or just don’t want to put artificial sweeteners or flavors into your body.
Your whey should be low glycemic, low carb and should not contain any artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohol, glycerin, fructose, sugar or gluten.
7. Maximum biological value, NOT compromised or damaged
Most whey proteins provide some benefit. But, due to the ingredients, the source of the whey, the concentration of beneficial nutrients, or the type of processing, many whey products simply don’t deliver what they promise.
You want whey that’s guaranteed to retain its maximum biological value — one with all the key amino acids, cofactors and beneficial micronutrients present and intact rather than compromised or damaged, and not missing any amino acids or essential nutrients.
8. Easy to Digest, NOT Causing Digestive Stress
Many whey products contain long-chain fatty acids which are hard to digest and require bile acids to absorb.
You want a whey protein powder with medium chain triglycerides (MCT). These are easily absorbed, digested quickly, and utilized as energy without causing digestive stress.
Ideally, you want a product in which the MCT come from the best source of all — coconut oil.
Here is what they listed as their benefits:
Made from all-natural grass fed cows’ whey, providing more of nature’s nutrients
Is certified free of GMO ingredients, pesticides, and chemicals, protecting you from the damaging effects of chemicals and hormones*
Is cold processed, and never processed with acid chemicals, thereby retaining all its natural goodness
Provides all key amino acids, so you get all the protein building blocks your body needs*
Retains maximum biological value with beneficial micronutrients intact*
Contains the highest concentration of leucine of any dairy product, said to increase energy levels and support building of muscle mass*
Contains water-soluble fiber, which supports healthy blood sugar levels* and prebiotic properties*
Contains 25% or more glycomacropeptides for immune support, high energy, muscle building and recovery after exercise*
Contains MCTs from all-natural coconut oil for easy digestion and fast energy*
Rich in glutamic acid and branch chain amino acids which aid muscle-building and recovery *
Contains all whey microfructures, immunoglobulins and lactoferins, promoting your healthy immune function and healthy flora balance*
No sugar, sugar alcohol or artificial sweeteners added that detract from the positive benefits of whey.
Includes the same immuno compounds that are found naturally in human breast milk — responsible for providing newborns with their immune defense*
Promotes satiety, so compulsive craving for refined carbs and sweets is curbed*
Comes in your choice of six delicious flavors with no aftertaste like some powders on the market. Available in vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, blueberry, banana and peanut butter (made from all-organic peanuts)
So I bought the peanut butter kind, what the heck. I got it yesterday, and already made a few things with it. Delish!! The nutritional stats are not ideal for a wanna-be figure competitor in that it is fairly high in carbs and sugars, at least in comparison to all the other protein powders I use, but c’est la vie. 1 scoop = 40 g = 150 cal, 3 g fat, 12 g carbs (4 g sugar), 19 g protein. It TOTALLY tastes like peanut butter. Not gross at all, not nasty, not disgusting, actually tastes GOOD and FLAVORFUL!!
Yesterday night-time-ish I mixed a little bit of the PB PP (peanut butter protein powder) with my (vanilla) casein, some PB2, FAGE 0% yogurt, and xantham/guar gum. Yum!
This morning I made peanut butter oatmeal by mixing the PB PP + oatmeal + unsweetened almond milk + egg whites. Yum! Must I repeat? –> they may not look tasty but it’s yummy! And healthy!!
In conclusion: I like this Miracle Whey peanut butter protein powder. It ACTUALLY, shockingly tastes like peanut butter (YUM). Although a bit higher in carbs than I would like, I will be adding this into my rotation of protein powders
Walden Farms is a brand that sells syrups, dips, sauces, salad dressings, jams, and other condiments. With “no calories, fat, carbs, gluten, or sugars of any kind!” Wow, what is this array of toxic chemicals I enjoy? Only 20 carcinogens per scoop? YUMMMYYYY.
Okay, I kid, I kid. Well, maybe not. I would be curious what someone like Alan Aragon would say about Walden Farms. What do YOU think about it?
It comes back down to the discussion of what “healthy” or “clean” means. Yes, Walden Farms is not high in calories, fat, carbs, or any of the other elements that may be considered putrid to figure competitors or others trying to lose weight. BUT, when we use artificial “foods” (chemicals) like Walden Farms, are we helping reach our goals of uber-health, or acting in a way directly opposite to our goals? For example, whenever clients ask me nutritional advice, I hesitate to suggest Walden Farms or other non-whole foods. I advocate healthy whole food choices, including green vegetables, lean proteins, etc, etc…yet for myself, I do buy items such as protein powders, Walden Farms, and miracle noodles. Why is that?
Some of you, my lovely blog readers, have experienced the plethora of xantham gum that is Walden Farms. Some of you may have tried a few kinds, and may be curious about certain other products. Some of you may have never tried Walden Farms at all. For those of you who may be wondering about the products, I personally have ordered many. And thrown away many. Let me provide you with my personal review.
I am a certified personal trainer, avid fitness enthusiast, and creator of Freestyle Fitness Addiction. Come visit frequently, as I add articles, video clips, and personal blog posts related to building strength, power, and stability in fun, outside-of-the-box ways; nutrition; inspiration; injury prevention and rehab; figure and fitness; local attractions; random ruminations, and daily personal life. When not driven by my fitness addiction, some of my favorite things include being a badass with my hoodie up, sparkles, and kittens.
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(source 
Chocolate syrup: yummers
Pancake syrup: yummers
Mayo: gross
Peanut Butter: disgusting & nasty
Caramel dip: okay
Strawberry fruit spread: Yummy
Marinara sauce: Yummy
Ceasar salad dressing: icky
