I recently started to track what I eat through the iPhone app/website LoseIt and quickly discovered that I do not consume nearly enough protein as I should. I run 2-3 miles 5-6 times a week around 6:30am and therefore I need to consume 75-90 grams of protein for adequate muscle recover.
Now there’s only so much animal protein I can eat. I am not vegan or vegetarian by any means (my favorite meals include Roasted Chicken at Frank, Freemans, or The Harrison; and the pulled pork sandwich at Num Pang), but there’s only so much I can eat without starting to feel a tad… barbaric. I stopped consuming dairy in late 2010, so cheese is out. (Cottage cheese gives me hives!)
Today I opted for a new solution: protein powder. Yes, to quote one of my friends, I’ve become “one of those people.”
I read reviews online that Designer Whey protein is not gritty, but I was disappointed not to find the “Natural” flavor at my local Vitamin Shoppe. I chose Strawberry for the basic reason that I like strawberry beverages whereas I never wanted to drink chocolate and vanilla water. I chose the smallest canister – 12 oz (340) grams – because the promise of 18g of protein, 200 mg of calcium, and various nutrients in the 100-calorie scoop was the most appealing.
The reviews are right – this Designer Whey protein powder is not gritty at all. I added the scoop to a 2/3 full bottle of water and shook vigorously for about 30 seconds. No grittiness.
My issue with this powder is that it is incredibly sweet – Halloween candy sweet. I think it’s safe to assume that protein powder consumers do not seek sugar or sweet beverages in these kind of proportions. Even the smell of the protein powder is off-putting and almost… artificial.
Now it just so happened that I had to buy cranberry juice today (if you’re a liberal woman in 2012 you know why). I do not particularly enjoy consuming beverages that are akin to lemon juice, so I quickly calculated the solution for both of my health problems: Designer Whey Strawberry Protein Powder + cranberry juice!
I won’t walk around craving this, but it’s probably the best way to balance the sweet and tart flavors.
Nice work! Always good to find the magic balance of things you have to do, and two bads can sometimes make a good!