Tonight’s Biggest Loser episode had a plug for the new “Biggest Loser Protein Powder” (the link goes to GNC because I can’t find info on the Biggest Loser site…). This grabbed my interest since I have literally tried EVERY protein powder on the market over the last 10 years. The Biggest Loser proteins are actually ”Designer Whey” products that have been given a special Biggest Loser label (Designer Whey is made by Next Protein).
Important note: There are two different Biggest Loser protein products and four different flavors; not all of these products are nutritionally equal. You’ll find “Protein-2-Go” packets ($11 for 8 packets, Flavors are; Blue Blueberry and Red Raspberry) and ”The Biggest Loser Protein” tin ($15 for 10 ounces, Flavors are; Blue Blueberry, Red Raspberry, Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Deluxe).
Definitely pass on the Protein-2-Go, it’s full of a bunch of crap (artificial flavors, chemicals and other ingredients on my “Never Never List”).
The powders found in the tins are a little different. Once again, pass on the Blue Blueberry and the Red Raspberry flavors– it’s the same crappy recipe identified above, just without the packets. Instead, choose the Vanilla Bean or Chocolate Deluxe flavors. Both have an all natural recipe and, from what I remember of Designer Whey, they should taste pretty good. There’s also a solid boost of fiber in the mix to help keep hunger at bay.
Overall, it’s not that bad of a product. However, my big concern is that if the company is ok with putting crap in some of their other products, can we really trust the quality of these “all natural” products?
As for my current protein choices, I use unsweetened hemp and rice varieties. I know, there’s a lot of controversy over protein types (I’ll save the debate and details for a future post). I choose to use vegan blends mainly because of sourcing concerns with the dairy and egg varieties. Whey often gets touted as the king of all protein powders, but I’m just not convinced that’s it’s so fabulous. For that reason, I simply decided to move away from it and go to sources I felt more confident with. Additionally, I stay away from soy blends because I have enough soy in my diet and don’t want to overdue the soy.
If you use an unsweetened, unflavored hemp or rice protein, then you can add flavors to it as you choose. This allows you a “cleaner” and healthier shake without the unnecessary ingredients that come in most powders. Sometimes I’ll add agave, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, fruit, cardamom or avocado, etc. to liven up my shake. I have lots of recipes and change it up frequently.
If you don’t dig protein shakes, no worries. Shakes are not weight loss miracles and it’s unlikely that you will find yourself deficient in protein (and in real need of protein supplementation). However, protein shakes can be a handy low-cal and healthy snack to fill in throughout the day. I especially like them because they are quick and portable.
Join the discussion here: What do you think about protein powders? What do you use?
Susan! Oh my! I thought I had already responded to your comment. I guess not… my head is a bit of a mess lately
It’s hard to give specific grams/amounts of foods for individuals without knowing more. We are all very different and need different levels and sources of fats, proteins, carbs, etc. It’s not just a simple, universal equation as some would like us to believe.
However, my questions would be what time did you wake up? What time did you eat your cereal? What type of cereal are you having? And how many calories worth? It may be that the cereal is quite processed and isn’t providing enough nutrients, calories or satiety… Also, 2 meals a day might not be the best formula for you.
Also, are you working out during the week? If so, what kind of exercise and how intense? How often per week? And for how many minutes? What time do you usually workout?
These are just a few of the questions to consider. It may also be the case that you are not eating enough calories… Looking at your day, I can certainly suggest that increasing your vegetable intake would be a helpful thing. Especially in the early afternoon.