Designer Whey Protein Review

by Lauren on May 21, 2013

For many years, I’ve always attempted to introduce more protein into my daily diet.  It was a little more difficult in my non-meat eating days, but even then, I hardly ever resorted to protein-based products.  I remember reading somewhere that there were plenty of ways to get the recommended serving of protein into your diet through things like beans and vegetables. Maybe for some, but for me, it wasn’t until I started to really focus on incorporating significant amounts of protein into every meal that I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels, muscle tone, and overall health.

Now, I generally prefer to get most of my protein through animal based sources such as fish, eggs and chicken; however, there are times when a more portable and convenient method is better.

A few weeks ago, I was selected (through FitFluential) to participate in the Designer Whey Protein Campaign.

A large protein-packed package arrived on my door filled with some of their latest products.
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Designer Whey is a company founded by three-time Olympic silver medalist, David Jenkins who is simply passionate about the benefits of whey.  The mission of the company is to help others reach their fitness goals and live healthier lives.

From the website:

“Our values are equally resolute. We only work with quality, scientifically proven ingredients, ensuring each Designer Whey product delivers the optimal blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It’s this unique formula that helps to reduce appetite, build lean muscle, improve body composition, enhance the benefits of exercise, aid in recovery, and much more.” 

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In the package, I found six bars, two cans of powder, three 2-Go water enhancers, and two protein shakes.

I was particularly excited to try the powders since my newest obsession of cookie dough cereal has emerged.

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I typically use protein powder in my smoothies, but I’ve also found that adding it to oatmeal and many baking experiments is another great use.
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I used the White Chocolate flavor in the above batch of cookie dough cereal and was extremely pleased.  I was afraid it might be a bit too sweet, but it paid nicely with the oats.

The vanilla I used in a simple green smoothie – spinach, almond milk, and ice.

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I wanted to keep the smoothie simple so that I could really taste the powder.  Whey protein tends to stay on the sweeter side but also works extremely well blended into smoothies.  I sometimes notice that raw protein powders or vegetable based produce more of a chalky taste when blended, but the whey never seems render that effect.

Next, I dug into one of the bars:

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I wasn’t exactly sure what to except with the bar.  Truthfully, the packaging didn’t wow me and I often judge bars by their cover.

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The taste was right on though.  For 160 calorie bar with 10 grams of protein, I was impressed.

Now for the water enhancers.

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These are marketed as post workout recovery drink mixes that offer whey protein isolate, electrolytes and antioxidants.

I had one the other day after my workout and on my way to work.  To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the flavor but I still have the other flavors to try.

10 grams of protein added to my water is a great way to sneak in added protein without really trying.  And these packets are extremely portable and highly convenient.

I always find myself shopping for new protein based products and especially powders so I was delighted to take part in this campaign to try what Designer Whey had to offer.  Not only is whey often the most inexpensive, it’s also the most widely used of all the protein powders.  Designer Whey carries a solid and reliable product that I would find myself purchasing again.

Question: Do you use protein powder and what is your brand of choice?

 

Disclaimer: I was provided this product through FitFluential and Designer Whey.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

 

 

 

{ 2 comments }

Some Of My Favorite Granola Recipes

by Lauren on May 16, 2013


If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you may already know that for over a year, I’ve been working with Nuts About Granola as their blog manager and recipe developer.

Nuts About Granola is a locally based granola company stationed out of South Central Pennsylvania, owned and operated by one of my dear friends and entrepreneurial rockstar’s, Sarah Lanphier (now) Himes.  I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah a few years ago through a blog connection and we have been great friends and business partners ever since.

Nuts About Granola produces authentic handmade products in small batches and mixed by hand to ensure quality. Currently, the Nuts About Granola product line is largely sold in farmers markets in the South-Central PA region and online. In addition to being granola fanatics, they’ve become huge supporters of the Buy Fresh, Buy Local movement to help achieve the ultimate in freshness. All of their products contain only all natural and organic ingredients, with an emphasis on local, which has earned us the “PA Preferred” seal by from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

You can now see why I’m such a granola nut and why I feel so strongly about this company. Aside from my personal connections, I really do stand so strongly on my beliefs that this granola is by far some of the freshest and most delicious tasting I’ve ever had.

So one of my job task’s each week is to come up with a recipe for their site featuring none other than…granola.  I post these recipes every week on the NAG blog, but I just thought I would share some of my favorites recently.

 

Almond Butter and Fig Jam Sandwich with Banana and Granola

 

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Ingredients: 

2 slices whole wheat bread

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp fig jam

1/2 a banana

1 tbsp College Staple granola

Directions: 

Spread almond butter on one slice of bread and jam on the other. Thinly slice the banana and place on the bread slice with the almond butter.  Sprinkle granola on top and secure the sandwich with the jam slice on top of the banana slice. Cut in half and enjoy!

 

Fresh Blueberry Pecan Granola Trail Mix

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Makes about 4 cups

 

Ingredients: 

1 package Off Road Edition Nuts About Granola 

1/2 cup chopped raw pecans

1 cup fresh blueberries (can use dried blueberries as well)

 

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Portion into small reusable bags and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

 

Simple Blueberry Banana Yogurt Parfait

 

Blueberry Banana Parfait (1 of 1)

 

Serves 1

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 a banana, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Plain Jane Granola 

Directions: 

Layers all ingredients in a glass or bowl.

 

Whole Grain Peanut Butter Granola French Toast

 

peanut butter granola french toast 2 (1 of 1)

 

Serves 2

Ingredients: 

4 slices of whole grain French bread (cut 1 inch thick)

2 eggs

1/2 cup fat free milk (or non dairy milk alternative)

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup Plain Jane granola 

 

Directions: 

In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs into milk.  Add the cinnamon and vanilla and set aside.

Place the bread in a baking pan and pour milk mixture over the bread, making sure that all parts are covered.  Let the bread sit for 20-30 minutes to soak up most of the liquid.

Place the granola on a plate.  Remove one slice of bread from the pan and dip each side into the granola, pressing down to ensure that the granola sticks to the bread.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  Melt the butter in the pan and add the bread, one slice at a time. Cook on one side for 4 minutes, flip and cook on the other side for an additional 4 minutes.

Repeat process with all bread slices.

Top with fresh fruit and all natural maple syrup.

All of these recipe and many many more can be found on the NAG blog.  I invite you to follow me over there for weekly granola recipes that will give you a whole new perspective on your normal yogurt topping.
Let’s face it, granola is one of those “health foods” that has transformed into more of a guilty pleasure than a nutritious meal option, but when you are consuming local, all natural, fresh, and organic ingredients, it makes eating this stuff every single day a little more acceptable.
Enjoy!

Question:

What is your normal use for granola? How often do you eat it? 

 

Giveaway:

The Winner of the MoringStar Farms Giveaway has been selected and contacted.  Thanks to all who entered!

{ 3 comments }

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