#HIIT and PlantFusion Protein Powder

Guys, I've got two major things to tell you about today: High intensity interval training and PlantFusion protein powder. Let's start with high intensity interval training because that's how I started my day. Are you familiar with it, otherwise known as HIIT? You can visit the FitFluential blog for a detailed description of this type of workout, but it basically involves a series of exercises that are both timed and repeated with little rest in between. All in an effort to get the heart rate up.

Sounds normal, like an everyday workout, but HIIT ups the ante with exercises that require maximum effort to increase calorie burn while subsequently firing up your metabolism—during and after your workout, which is why high intensity interval training can be so effective. My 6AM isn't really a HIIT workout, and I love HIIT workouts, so I've decided to leave Wednesday mornings open for the occasional bout of it. Today, I did this 45-minute workout:

Group #3 killed me...4-squat jumps (flips) are so awesome. And if you're wondering about those pendulum swings in Group #1, here's a short clip I found on YouTube:



Needless to say, I was zonked after this workout despite having eaten a big fat banana beforehand. I really wanted some oatmeal afterward but A) I didn't have time to make any, and B) I wanted protein...but I didn't have time to make eggs so I opted to give some PlantFusion protein powder a try. The company so graciously sent me a few samples:

I obviously zeroed in on the Chocolate Raspberry because this combination so very rarely is a bad thing.

Once shaken with a glass of water, it turned into a frothy beverage akin to a glass of chocolate milk.

With a hint of raspberry, of course. Now, I don't use protein powders on a regular basis—only when I'm in a pinch for time—but this bad boy had me wanting more. What I liked about it, aside from the flavor, was the fact that PlantFusion powders don't contain anything more than plant proteins (and obviously some natural chocolate and raspberry flavors). And yet, you get about 21 grams of protein per serving which is about half of the required amount (according to a 2,000 calorie diet). And all you have to do is combine it with water and shake-shake-shake. It's not like chicken, which has to be made and it's certainly not like conventional whey proteins that may (or may not) contain unnecessary additives (translation: chemicals).

Again, I'm not the biggest advocate of protein powders, but I like to have some on-hand. I can't get this stuff by me, but you can rest assured I'll pick up a packet or two every time I hit the natural foods store in South Bend. I know they carry it. And if they carry it by you, you might as well try some if you're into protein powders.

Speaking of getting protein. My lunch today was quite fantastic. Turkey on wheat with a tomato slice and some Laughing Cow Queso Fresco & Chipotle cheese. So simple, yet so yum:

I think tomorrow I'll add some avocado. Mmm, you bet I will!

Question: What did you have for lunch today?