As a “plant based enthusiast,” getting enough protein is crucial for me. Preferably, I get my proteins by eating whole foods, instead of anything processed. But adding protein powder to my morning shake is a convenient way to make sure I get enough protein in my diet.
What I put in my body and how it taste, are equally important to me.
After an exhausting search, and numerous nasty shakes later; I found two protein powders I love!
Vega Sport Performance Protein in chocolate and Orgain Organic Protein in creamy chocolate.
Vega Sport can be found at Whole Foods. It's a little pricey, but taste delicious. It’s produced by Brendan Brazier, a pro-athlete and author of one of my favorite cookbook's, Thrive. Another one of his varieties, I just found out is now available at Costco.
The Orgain brand is also at Costco. It's easy to see the good ingredients on this one.
A recent article in Mind Body Green talks about the mistakes you can make selecting protein powders.
A few things to consider:
- Stay away from whey, casein and soy protein, if possible and choose non-soy, nondairy protein powder. Other plant proteins include: rice, pea, chia, chlorella or cranberry protein.
- Read labels and look for ones with fewer ingredients and low sugar.
- Keep your shakes simple, (don't add high calorie, non-nutritious ingredients as extras).
- Pour leftovers from your blender into a popsicle container; freeze for an afternoon protein snack.
- Lastly, try adding protein powder in other recipes, besides shakes, like pancakes or ice cream.
An ideal shake consists of 3 parts: a base, main ingredients, and add-ons.
- Base: a healthy protein powder, a low or no-sugar nut milk or coconut water.
- Main: fresh organic spinach or kale, and organic frozen fruit, (bananas, strawberries, blueberries or mangos).
- Extras: avocado, peanut butter, fresh ginger, parsley, chia, flax, bee pollen, cacao powder, spirulina, hemp, maca powder.