I'm not one to suggest the use of supplements. In fact, the American Council on Exercise discourages personal trainers from encouraging their clients to use them. There's just too much funky junk in the stores and, well...in the products, too. And one can never be sure exactly how some of that stuff will affect another's body. In addition, the use of supplements to enhance physical performance and/or appearance is (one might argue) completely unnatural and therefore not good for you. I'm of hat mindset as I prefer to get (and I prefer that my clients get) the benefits of a good workout from the good workout itself. And, of course, a well balanced diet.
There is one supplement I approve of (without a doubt) for daily use. The multi-vitamin. Hardly a supplement at all in the fitness world, let's be honest, and one that's often recommended by doctors. So it must be okay. And there's but one more supplement that I occasionally dabble with—protein. But I am very, very picky about the protein powders I consume, and I prefer to get my protein from healthy foods.
I've known many a trainer to push the consumption of protein. Some push food as a source, others go right to the powders. I will never go right to the powders with my clients, however I understand that sometimes the use of protein powders is just, well...easier that cooking up a chicken breast. Especially if you're squeezing in workouts. So I encourage my clients, if that's something they're interested in, to choose a plant-based protein powder. And to familiarize themselves with the ingredients within.
I, for one, enjoy SunWarrior protein.
At 83% protein, this raw vegan protein packs a great punch—and it's completely plant based, brown rice to be specific, which makes it vegan as well. If you at other protein powders on the market, specifically the whey based powders, you'd be hard-pressed to find one without a lot of unnecessary ingredients. And they don't always taste great.
This stuff tastes great, and blends well. I put the Vanilla Raw Vegan protein in a smoothie with spinach, strawberries, half a banana and some milk.
It was awesome...
...so awesome after my morning workout. I would have taken the time to prep an egg or some chicken, but these days, I get home from the gym right when someone else gets hungry, too. So there's no time to take care of myself...except there is, thanks to this protein powder. The chocolate was delicious, too. I mixed that straight-up style with some milk.
Speaking of mixing, it does. Really well. Sometimes they don't, they kinda stay clumpy despite the blender. Despite your best efforts to shake, shake, shake it up. But this stuff does. It blends perfectly, smoothly and doesn't leave any gritty residue throughout your beverage.
That alone makes it excellent.
Well, I guess that's not the only thing that makes it excellent. Obviously.
SunWarrior's newest product is their Warrior Blend protein powder. Check this out:
I know, you want some...right? Well, you might be able to get some. SunWarrior has agreed to give one Daily Dose reader a bag of their SunWarrior Warrior Blend protein powder in either the Vanilla, Chocolate or Natural flavor. If you want that lucky reader to be you, leave a comment on this post telling me what flavor you'd like and what you'd mix it with. (Please be sure to leave your email address so that I may contact you in the event that you win.)
Additional entries can be accumulated by doing any of the following:
1) Like SunWarrior on Facebook.
2) Follow SunWarrior on Twitter.
3) Like Daily Dose on Facebook.
4) Subscribe to Daily Dose via email.
Contest ends on Friday, March 16, 2012 at midnight EST. The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
G'luck!