Taking protein powder on a regular basis is common for most people following a workout regime.  While I’m not a big protein shake person, I’ve been around many who are and wondered if taking a shake daily can really benefit your body?  I had a hunch most protein powders were bad news and I was right.  However, after doing some research, I found there are safe and healthy powders out there that can enhance your workouts and your muscle’s response as well as benefit your overall health.

When I discovered Organic Protein by Orgain, I decided to order it because I like the idea of having a meal alternative when I’m on the go.  Keeping hunger at bay helps me not to make bad decisions later in the day.

While researching the importance of protein I found that consuming protein is especially important for breakfast because it can help stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day and steady your circadian rhythm. Those are two huge incentives to incorporate protein in the morning!

What’s Wrong with Regular Protein Powders?

The truth is, most shakes boast nutritional benefits but this could not be further from the truth.  So to answer that questions, A LOT is wrong with regular protein powders.

First and foremost, a Consumer Reports investigation found low to moderate levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury in many well-known protein powders.

Most protein powders contain processed soy, artificial sweeteners, sugars, artificial flavors and colors, and synthetic nutrients that are not easily digested by the body.

Here’s what you can find in most protein powders:

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Sweeteners (artificial or refined natural)
• Artificial flavors
• Artificial colors
• Thickener or stabilizers like xanthan gum, guar gum, and lecithin
• Ingredients that may come from genetically modified (GMO) sources
• Non-organic ingredients that often are sprayed with toxic pesticides
• Vegetable oils
• Gluten
• Milk ingredients
• Fillers
• Soy protein or soy derivatives

Why Plant Based Protein Powders?

Like whey protein, pea protein is full of branched chain amino acids.  BCAAs can help keep your body in a muscle building state throughout the day, decrease belly fat, keep you full longer between meals and boost your energy during workouts.

Also, they are:

• Easily digested
• Vegan
• Dairy free
• Mixes well with water
• Low in carbs

How I Use Organic Protein:

Organic Protein can be used by just adding water.  It tastes fine this way but I find it tastes so much better when a nut milk is added with a bit of ice!  My favorite is non-sweetened cashew milk.

Since protein shakes are usually a daily habit for many, I thought it was important to shine a light on the dangers of most protein powders and share my findings and personal experience with a plant based protein powder.

How do you feel about protein powders?  Does anyone have another brand they like?  Share!!

xx, Jenni

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**This is not a sponsored post.  I purchased Organic Protein on my own in order to give it a try and use it when there was no time for a meal.