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?
Saw this too. I was wondering how good it was. Good idea though to get a more simple powder and then add flavor.
Sue: February 26th 2009 My thoughts were, does it supress your appetite as well as give you what you need for enery or am I thinking of another product that Bob mentioned on this weeks episode? I’m working out, but seem to get hungry so much after working out?!
If I remember right, the shakes were what Bob highlighted.
The shake is a decent balance of fiber and protein- it should be somewhat satisfying. However, it won’t supress hunger in any sort of special way. You can blend your shakes with ice to “bulk” them up which may satisfy your hunger longer. You can also add 2 teaspoons of walnut or flax oil to make the shake “last” longer.
Awesome that you’re working out Sue! I hear ya about hunger after workouts! If you’re looking to lose weight, then it’s all about finding that balance. You want to be eating enough to provide energy for those workouts, but leave a little deficit so that weight loss can be achieved. Feeling a little hungry is OK… but it’s vital that you take in enough calories so that your body is working at its peak (which will increase weight loss).
Don’t be afraid to have something after your workout. Having a snack/small meal within 1 hour after your workout is great for your muscles, energy levels and metabolism. A protein shake can be a good choice. Other post-workout snacks: celery with 1 Tablespoon of raw almond butter; some raw almonds and an apple; veggie sticks dipped in Bragg’s dressing… basically anything with a little complex carbs, protein and heart healthy fats is a good post-workout snack.
Thank you!
I’ve seen these on grocery shelves, what a crappy product. As long as the label looks pretty though.
I just saw this the other day in the store. You’re so right. It should be illegal to call this protein powder. There was more protein the my side salad at lunch. Way to call it like it is!
I know Bob & Jillian are expected to hawk crap like this but it’s annoying. Yes, they should have been eating more protein but just tell them to eat real food.
Is the Biggest Loser Protein Powder found in GNC Locations?
Yup, you should be able to find it at any GNC. If you try it, stop back and let us know what you think!
Just found this site while trying to find out more about the biggest loser protein. Right now I am taking weider daily protein & fiber. Could you let me know your thoughts on this product.It say’s it’s made from all natural products. Anay thanks.
Hey Mel, Weider looks to be a better product than many of the powders out there. But (I always have a but)… I’m not a big fan of sugar alcohols (erythritol in this case). Sugar alcohols (especially when you consume a lot) can cause the runs. Seriously, it can be bad! Also, I’m still not sure how I feel about stevia. The research is inadequate, and I’m just not convinced that it’s 100% safe- especially poorly processed stevia. Additionally (concerning the other Weider proteins), I’m not a big fan of companies who write “artificial flavors” because they don’t want to reveal their ingredients. Full disclosure is important to me.
Just a few of my thoughts
I like the biggest loser protein powder because
1. it’s the only protein powder I’ve come across that tastes good with only water.
2. For only 40 calories you get some protein and a good amount of fiber that fills you up for a while or helps you eat less if you’re drinking it before a meal.
What i like most is that it tastes good and has fiber in it. I can’t find it here in Canada. The only thing i don’t like is it leaves a very sweet after taste that stays even after eating or brushing your teeth.
You can find the powder and singles in Canada at Walmart. I like them both and the powder seems to supress my hunger for about 1 hour.
I personally really like the Shaklee Cinch Shakes better than anything else on the market. They have the protein and fiber as well as meal bars to help you get through the day. They also are a sound company and not willing to put out crap products. Furthermore, if you don’t like it you can return it and get your money back. I have a long way to go but I am working it. Also, you can get a 15% discount if you sign up as a member.
I have just bought the biggest loser protein powder shakes at GNC the vanilla and the choc. I did what alley said to do on QVC I used the skim milk and added some frozen peaches and 1 packet of sweet N low. Works for me I think it taste good. I will use one of these as a snack during the day.
Now I have bought the Protien to go in the red rasberry and its OK but a hour after
i drink it my heart races,Now I now there is no caffine in there but could it be the
potassium?I also get horrible Dry Mouth!!?? Is this normal???
Now Iwasnt working out either time, is it dangerous to use whey protien if you have
NOT woked out?? I started Nutryisystem and I could not afford this month so I
started eating 6 small meals and usig th potien to go. Good or Bad??
The only protein shake that is fit to drink is the Raspberry. The Blueberry is
absolutely horrible and the chocolate is almost as bad. Need new flavors. Maybe a
Raspberry Lemon and just a Lemon.
The chocolate tastes awful! It is amazing to me to hear people say it tastes
phenomenal or tastes good. What are they drinking. This is the blandest stuff I
have ever tried. I have to hold my breath to get it down and still want to puke.
Oh dear… my deepest apologies to those comments who got deleted. I’m trying to moderate the discussions from a tiny computer center in the mountains of India… apparently some of the comments that I approved were deleted. Please comment again and I will make sure they get posted one way or another. I’m so, so sorry guys!
I am breastfeeding and was wondering if it is alright to take the protein shake?
endeaneyes,
Ahhh! Sorry about my delay in getting back to you… I just sat down to the computer after a busy weekend!
First, check with your doc/main health practitioner to see what they would advise.
Here are my thoughts…
There’s little research specifically on this. However, most practitioners give the “OK” on consuming protein powders when breastfeeding. Just a few things to watch out for:
Be sure that the powder is pure- organic if possible, non-gmo, no artificial ingredients, no added herbs, etc. The ingredient label should be pretty simple (seriously, like 2 ingredients… the actual protein- rice, soy, etc.- and maybe a flavor- natural vanilla, agave, etc.). Thus, I would not use the Biggest Loser brand.
Take notice if the baby gets more fussy. If so, back off the protein powder (especially if you are using soy- a common allergen), your lil one could be having a sensitivity.
If you are looking for weight loss… I would stick to a whole food diet, keep breastfeeding and increase activity (as Doc advises). Also, I wouldn’t replace a meal with a shake. During breastfeeding, whole and nutritious foods are even more important. A processed protein powder in place of a real meal likely won’t provide the nutrition you need.
Hope this helps
I say if you’re looking for something to just “fill” you up. Go for fruits like strawberries,watermellon,ect. and look at how many you can eat for the same amount of calories as a protein bar. Add a piece of cheese and you have your protein. All for the same calories. AFter all, if you want to lose weight, it all boils down to calories & exercise. There is no magic bullet!. I’ve lost 59 lbs since Nov by rethinking my calories. If I eat this, I won’t be able to eat that.Stick to natural food whenever you can. Chery
DAMN!! that makes me mad… that they’re capitalizing on the popularity of the tv show to crank out CRAP to an unsuspecting and trusting viewership. I mean really… they should be ashamed.
Yucko! CRAP ingredients. Why would *anyone* want to knowingly add artificial sweetener to their bodies???? Sick……. Almost enough to turn off the TV, but then again, I guess I actually enjoy getting worked up over other peoples health……
I’ve been using EAS (Energy Athletics Strength) Protein Powder for almost 2 yrs. One large bag is about $36. at Costco and is available in Vanilla and Chocolate. I have never tried the chocolate because I like to add fruit to the vanilla to get different flavors. Even by itself it tastes really good and three small scoops provide 63 grams of protein and it’s low in fat. Plus one bag lasts a really long time. It can be used as a meal replacement too. I use it to jump start every 10lb loss, every other month or so with my exercise and have lost 80 lbs. in almost 2 years. Downfall is it does have a combo of natural and artificial ingredients.
I looking for protein powders that are fruit flavored which also contain a lot of protein and fiber. After reading this discussion, I’m not interested in the Biggest Loser powders. I already using the EAS protein shakes (chocolate & vanilla). I need something different. Any suggestions?
Teresa,
I have used the Spiru-Tein (http://www.spiru-tein.com/about.asp) and Fruitein powders (I like the green foods variety: http://www.naturesplus.com/products/category.asp?cryteria=category&category=23&productNumber=45863).
This has been the only decently healthy, fruit-flavored powder I have tried that tastes good with water. They are only sold in natural foods stores though, so they may be more difficult to find.
Hope this helps
protein shots are a great thing to have before and after workouts. there are big ones that contain 50g of protein, so 1/2 before and the other 1/2 after is great. one thing that i love to eat after a workout is a protein shake w/ ice and a banana, which helps you not cramp up
I mix the Biggest Loser protein in some orange juice and a spoonful of yogurt. Keeps me feeling fuller and I think it has been helping me firm up! Just don’t like not being able to find it anywhere. I am not close to a GNC. Love to snack just on fruit but I can get hungry within an hour. Any thoughts on putting these protein powders into a hot beverage?
I’m confused now! I thought drinking protein shakes would boost weight loss and I have been using the Biggest Loser Protein plus another kind my son bought from GNC and I lost 3.2lbs this week so I was pretty excited but not now I’m confused. I have also been working out so maybe that’s what made the weight loss bigger. I was at a plateau so I thought I would try it now I’m wondering if I should stop..Any suggestions?
It’s a fine line when it come to ingesting the right amount of protien. Just do some research.
Hey PB
I’ve never had the Designer Whey powders in a hot bev, but I’ve heated other brands… honestly, each protein powder is different in its reaction to heat. Some can mix well, some clump, some get slimy and gross. Sometimes messing with the temperature can help. It’s a bit of a science experiment! Give it a try and let us know the result 
Good Q Diane (and awesome job on the weight loss!).
Here are my thoughts… Unfortunately, there are no magic ingredients in protein shakes to boost weight loss.
Weight loss after a plateau can come from many different things… a small boost in calories, changes in exercise routine, decreases in stress, increasing sleep to appropriate amount, a small decrease in calories… etc, etc, etc!
I would suggest you decide if you really like the protein shake… how does it make you feel after drinking? Are you satisfied? Does it make you feel bloated? Does it give you a boost in energy? Take notice and decide if it’s worth it or if you would rather have a different healthy snack instead.
Juice Plus makes a plant based protein shake that is awesome. Comes in chocolate and vanilla. Great as a pre or post workout recovery shake. Great as a snack or meal replacement with frozen fruit in it. No chemicals, no crap, just the good stuff.
Is there a drink, a protein drink that can substitute meals? I really don’t enjoy eating and would rather just drink something to satisfy the eating need and to keep alive.
Hey Bobby G, you would have to do some major juicing and blending to create a healthy daily intake without chewing. Living on processed drink powders would likely take a toll on your body. Perhaps focusing on meals that are really dense in nutrients and quick in prep time would help. You could also look into mindful eating, it focuses on creating a meditative practice with food. Sort of transforming beliefs about food- focusing more on where it comes from, gratitude, how food is grown and nurtured, what’s within it, how it provides nourishment, the dynamic flavors, etc. Serving Fire by Anne Scott (http://www.amazon.com/Serving-Fire-Food-Thought-Body/dp/0890877394) is an amazing book. I think everyone should give it a try
Hello Bobby G.
There are drinkable foods. They are made for individuals who have swallowing problems.
“The Thick-It® brand now offers a new line of pureed foods ideal for those who enjoy the convenience of eating on the go or those who don’t always feel like cooking their own meals. Thick-It® Purees are available in 13 delicious varieties.”
You might however want to be evaluated by a professional, such as a speech language pathologist; nutritionist;or phycologist , if you are truly anti food.
Unless it is just a that you don’t want to be bothered with taking the time to eat.
Good Luck!
what store can i find it at!!
i think people are for getting the real purpose of this protein shake its just to give a bit of protein well you workout or after or when ever you choose to take and keep your calories low alot of protein shakes and fruits and veggies most protein shakes got alot of calories and use other crap to make you feel full well this uses straight fiber and fruits and veggies run out and cost more when your eat 4-6 of them a day witch at the end of the week of buying them can add up and to much fruits gives you to much sugar the doctor told my mom to cut down on the fruits that all she eats most the time cause it was giving her a high sugar level
So the biggest loser chocolate and vanilla bean shakes should not be used as a meal replacement? I am investigating meal shake replacement for weight loss. I may get some boos for it as I know there is nothing better than eating healthy. But in m household and around my family, this is hard. Does anyone have any suggestions on a GOOD meal shake replacement that isnt full of bad stuff?