Weigh-in & Protein shake reviews

Yesterday was my weekly weigh-in: -0.8lbs.

another loss - yeah!  yet it seems so slight after those heady days post-op. dumb to think that tho'!  I am grateful for another losing week.  I am beginning to up the exercise - taking the dog for a walk around the lake, hiking with friends in the foothills, etc.  All lovely but I really want to get back to yoga.

This seems like a great time to do a little protein product review.  Disclaimer:  I have no past experience with protein shakes or powders.  Consider this the sole opinions of one protein virgin.  I had no pre-op diet so all my experiences are post-op (which I've heard can affect one's taste buds).  Tubs of protein powder can be very pricey so before buying a big vat of something I wanted to make sure that I'd actually like it so I'm taking the "sample far & wide" approach - these are my notes.

I initially ordered the Sample Kit from Bariatric Eating & whole bunch of random samples from VitaLady.  I mixed everything with 6-8oz water & occasionally ice in my Magic Bullet.  

Sample Kit: easy, one price kit 

         Good:  nice mix of powders, RTD & vitamins plus her book.  I liked the book the best!  I've tried several of her recipes & they were all really good.  Definitely a winner.  I also liked the different supplement samples.  Settled on the Vitaband Mixed Berry.  Its chewable & a bit chalky but no fears about getting stuck on a pill.

         Bad:  did not like *any* of the powders.  Inspire Dutch Choc Cake was ok but not good enough to order a whole vat.  Caramel Latte was also ok but I'm not a coffee drinker so that's out.  The rest were just icky.  The ready-to-drink bottles were passable but had a strange aftertaste I don't get with the powders.  Not my favorite but I can see where it could be convenient.  I plan on ordering powders online but I really don't want to pay for shipping liquids so I'll just be sampling locally available RTDs.  Look for reviews later.

Vitalady:  offers 1 scoop samples on everything she carries.  So many choices can be daunting! I ordered a mix of choc, vanilla plus some fruit flavors.

         Good:  absolute fav was BSN Syntha-6 Chocolate.   mmmm!  not the best numbers: 200 cals/15gr carbs/22gr protein but so oh good with just water. no extras required.  I also liked IDS Multi-pro Belgian Choc.  good numbers: 125cal/5gr carb/24gr protein.  Another keeper is her "Special Combo or Mixing Warm or Cold" with half Champion Pure Whey Choc & half IDS Vanilla Cinnamon.  I added hot water & whipped cream.  it was fantastic!!!!

         Bad:  did not like any of the fruit flavors. 4 Ever Fit - Lemon Iced Tea, Strawberry Kiwi, Cranrazz are all OUT!  Also not a fan of Lean Dessert Cinnamon Roll, ISO Pure Creamy Vanilla, All Max All Whey Choc or Champion Pure Whey Strawberry.

From this sampling, I can tell I don't like any of the fruit or specialty flavors.  I'll just stick to the basics.  I  did order a vat of Syntha-6 Choc & IDS Belgian Choc plus a bunch of special combo packets and whole new round of samples.  More reviews to come....


While I am waiting for my order to arrive, I did pick up a vat of Jay Robb vanilla protein at the grocery store.  Its an ok base - right now I am mixing it with 2/3c light soy milk & 1/3c frozen berries.  Nice way to start my day!


cheers,
chloe