Tag: bcaas

What is Pea Protein Powder?

Post author By De
Post date May 8, 2020
4 Comments on What is Pea Protein Powder?

I am a #NOWWellness Influencer. I have included an affiliate link in this post that I receive a commission from purchases, and I am compensated for my post. All my opinions are my own. My full disclosure policy

Pea protein powder fuels my post workouts. Over the years, I have tried so many protein powders and shared them with you. I have written several posts over the years for protein powder. I’ve gone from having it daily to eliminating it altogether. I am always coming back to add it to my diet because it’s a convenient way to get clean protein.

My Criteria for Choosing a Plant-based Protein

What’s in it?
How does it taste?
Can I bake and make pancakes with it?

Pea Protein Powder is a High-Quality Plant-Based Protein Powder

I also want it to be a high-quality source of protein. Pea protein is considered a highly bioavailable protein meaning your body quickly absorbs and uses pea protein as a fuel source. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein that is a high source of protein that is easily applied and absorbed by the body. There are many types of plant-based protein. I find pea protein to be a superior source when looking for a plant-based protein.

Why not Whey Protein Powder?

I don’t do Whey Protein at all, mostly because it has milk in it, and I am lactose intolerant. My husband drinks Whey Protein and has also fallen in love with the taste of NOW® Sports Whey Chocolate Isolate. Whey protein is also a highly bioavailable protein and has higher absorption than pea protein, especially if you drink an isolate. I prefer Pea Protein because I digest it better than Whey because of the dairy content. Whey is great for some people, and others, we have a great option like NOW® Sports Pea Protein Powder that comes in different flavors. My husband says Whey Protein tastes better than others he has tried.

My first experience with NOW® Sports Pea Protein Powder

Last summer at Empower Summer Camp, I was introduced to NOW® Sports Vanilla Toffee Pea Protein, and I became addicted. We had fun making smoothie bowls my first time, and the taste is fantastic. I am not a huge chocolate fan. I enjoy a brownie from time to time, but vanilla is my go-to in protein powders. Check out my everyday post-workout shake below. They have other flavors too. Pick your choice of Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate, Vanilla Toffee, or unflavored and make it your own.

Clean Pea Protein Powder

I pretty much trust all NOW products because they are CERTIFIED (you know I love me a cert)! NOW has provided natural health products and supplements since 1968. They’re not one of these new companies that are popping up on Instagram with the claim of all “natural” ingredients or the naturalistic fallacy. NOW’s testing is why they have been a leader in producing products for health and wellness. The label is entirely transparent; there is no questioning what is in the bottle. I trust them for my family’s needs.

What’s in Pea Protein Powder?

NOW Sports Pea Protein passed my high standards for quality protein, but why NOW Sports Pea Protein? Two reasons. It has quality ingredients and 4,400 mg of branched chain amino acids and over 2,200 mg of arginine.Pea Protein has become the go-to plant-based protein because of all of the things I have said above:

It’s very clean; It’s just protein, nothing else. It does have branched chain amino acids and is a complete protein profile, which is why it needs no fillers, unlike dairy-based products.
It does not have an overpowering taste, any smart smell, and no bad aftertaste.
High Source of quality Protein some people find it hard to find high quality and clean plant-based protein. Usually, plant-based protein is not enough for dietary needs.
Helps maintain healthy weight when people think of losing weight; they first grab veggies, not protein, but protein is an excellent way to maintain healthy body weight. If you get .7-1 gram per the amount you weigh in protein a day, you will build muscle faster that will help you burn fat faster. Weight x .8= Amount of Protein you should eat a day. Another reason that proteins help you feel less hungry. Studies have shown that Pea Protein is equal to dairy-based protein in suppressing hunger.

Why do I recommend Pea Protein Powder?

As I said before, I have been drinking the same protein shake daily for over a year with the same enthusiasm. No, seriously, it tastes so good. It’s really creamy, and BCAAs are great for when I am trying to grow for my fitness competitions. I am not a fan of meal replacement shakes, but I am a huge fan of the convenience of quality Protein Shakes for snacks and post-workout fuel. I sometimes work out as late as 11 at night. It just works. Some people get up at crazy early hours and exercise, and some of us stay up late to crazy hours and workout. Pick your crazy, but don’t judge. The last thing I want to do is eat. I usually Shake, Chug, and pass out, so when I eliminated Protein Shakes from my life, it made post-workout meals a chore.

It’s not gritty, and it tastes AMAZING, and some Pea Protein I have tried are gritty. Light but filling because it is 25g of protein. Shake, and some nut butter and I am ready to go.

Pancakes, Cookies, Donuts, and Muffins

Yes, yes, and yes, it has passed the baking test, and because the powder is so refined, everything is light and fluffy. I also love that NOW has a variety of flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla Toffee Vanilla, and Unflavored. Unflavored is excellent because you can use it to make savory items. It is so good. I made “You’d think they Could be Ritz” Protein Crackers. They resembled those buttery crackers mm mm. <Recipe to come>

I haven’t had a protein that I have completely loved until now. I really am ending the search and found something that is affordable, delicious, actually truly clean with no fillers, and something that I would recommend to my clients, friends, and family with the confidence they will like it, and it’s good for them. If you want to give NOW Foods, a try take $10 off your $40 order with coupon code “FaithFueledNOW10.”

Do you have a particular protein you love?

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Tags bcaas, dairy free, pea protein, pea protein shake, plant based protein powder, plant based protein powder at walmart, plant based protein powder organic, plant based protein powder reviews, plant based protein powder vanilla, plant based protein powder vegan, plant based protein powder walmart, plant based protein shake, plant based workout shake, vegan bodybuilder, vegan protein shake, what is pea protein powder, what kind of plant based protein powder are there

Fitness Wellness

My Fitness Supplements Recommendation

Post author By De
Post date July 10, 2019
10 Comments on My Fitness Supplements Recommendation

My Favorite Supplements

I have heard good, bad, Safe, unsafe, junk and clean but there are so many supplements out there which one is the one for you? Honestly, I have no idea, but I have tried, tasted and trashed lots of supplements in the last few years.

Although, I prefer natural sources or to eat my calories. I have found some supplements that I would recommend for those who don’t have the time, availability or options to eat food they need. Supplements are available to increase what we lack to have in our diet or because of age degenerate or give us more convenient options. No matter the reason to have supplements in your diet. I put my recommendations together because I often get the question, “What supps do you take?”

Pre-Workout

I have found and tried my concoctions, nasty alternatives, but one of my favorite and what I highly recommend pre-workouts is Ujido Matcha Energy Drink Mix makes me feel amazing, and I believe in the ingredients.

Now the debate with supplements is if they have what the ingredient label says. It is unregulated meaning companies can put whatever they want in the container and label it otherwise. At the end of the day, I can’t say 100% yes what is on the label is what’s in the container. I do know the ingredients that are labeled are great, clean and healthy sources of energy. The company Ujido is known for providing a higher standard of matcha ingredient source. I believe in the company and love the effect when I take “Matcha Energy” pre-workout.

During Workouts

I also really love Collagen endurance for pre/during workouts. It gives me amazing natural energy with no crash. My stomach is sensitive to artificial sweeteners, so I have to be wary. That’s why I love Collagen Endurance not only is it easy on my digestion it’s great for healing my gut health because of the collagen. It’s a win-win!

During Workout my workout I usually drink water, BCAAs or . I typically try to time my eating around my workouts so that I don’t need to drink a supplement. Sometimes you are low on energy and need a kick, and that is when Can’t beet this or Collagen Endurance is the excellent solution.

BCAAs

I sometimes use BCAAs during workouts. BCAAs are Branched Chain Amino Acids they are essential acids meaning your body needs them. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They occur naturally in the body, but because of lifestyle and stressors. We usually don’t get what we need especially when following a weightlifting regimen.

BCAAs give your skeletal muscles what they need while you are training. They contribute to preserving your glycogen stores offering you the energy you need especially in strenuous workouts which is what glycogen does-gives our energy. Making sure that your glycogen stores are at full capacity also helps with muscle development. If you have the essential acids, you need that you receive from BCAAs your body is less likely to break down the muscle protein that already exists to use for energy and uses the BCAAs that you have supplemented. BCAAs are allowing you to have greater gains and maximize your workout potential.

I love MomSanity BCAAs they are usually recommended for post workout very similarly to help you recover. Combined with a good source of carbohydrate can increase the potential and effect of the BCAAs. Yes, I said eat carbs, especially post workout. Carbs are right for you and if eaten correctly and proportionately can help your post-workout recovery. How much do you need? On average about five grams of BCAAs is helpful to recover. I choose Momsanity BCAAs again because the ingredients are clean less than seven ingredients they taste good and they work.

POST WORKOUT

I try to eat food post workouts it is the best way to fuel your body, but that is not always available or convenient. I still have a Funnel filled with either Nuzest Protein Powder, Nuzest Fruit & Veg or Nuzest Vita Quick. When I was prepping, I would have all three because my coach was about 45 minutes from my house. It was nice to have a clean, lean source of protein ready to go for those long rides home, got my fruits, veggies and vitamins all in one shake.

I discovered Nuzest about two years ago when I thought that supplementation was necessary to be a fit person. According to Instagram, that’s the thing to do. I needed to find a Protein that didn’t aggravate my stomach because of sucralose or other artificial ingredients. I also don’t do whey or casein (same thing pretty much) because of lactose intolerance. Navigating plant-based proteins was not exactly fun, but once I tried Nuzest, I was hooked. It has less than seven ingredients, so creamy and smooth and a high source of protein.

The Problem with Shakes

The problem with protein shakes is they begin with junk. There are no regulations, and after you add you bananas, strawberries, veggies and almond milk they can be the reason you do not see the results you desire. Most people just add the nutrition labels to their My Fitness Pal not accounting for all the extra’s the loaded their shake. Like I said I prefer to eat my calories and a loaded shake can be a calorie killer. Another reason I love Nuzest it starts off low calories and carbs because there are less than seven ingredients. If you did want to add your favorite fruit and veggie mix, it’s not as impactful as other shakes.

Then my friends at Nuzest did one better they came out with Fruit & Veg shakes which are so delicious! I give them to Milah on occasion. Also, great for the winter time when it’s hard to find a lot of seasonal fruits. Nuzest has you covered with their Berry, Mint and my favorite coconut Protein Smoothie.

Collagen

I have written about the benefits of collagen before I can’t reiterate it enough. If you are over 25 years of age, you should be taking collagen daily. As your natural collagen reserves are increasing as you age. This is probably one of the only supplements that I consistently take daily. Usually, while I fast it helps me to get over cravings, headaches and hunger pains.

Meanwhile, providing me with the collagen that is depleting in my body daily as I age. It’s great for heart, liver, digestive, skin, nails and hair and Great Lakes Gelatin is tasteless and hydrolysate meaning more concentrated and easily absorbed in your system. If you don’t take any of my suggestions but this one it will help you tremendously in many areas of your health.

Vitamins

At one point I had to stop taking Vitamins because I was overdosing on Vitamin C and potassium due to my diet of mostly fruits, veggies and meats. After analyzing my nutrition in my College Nutrition class. I found that I was at levels of 160-200% in some micronutrients primarily due to taking in addition to what I was eating a multi-vitamin. I would only recommend a Multi-vitamin if you’re not getting a balanced diet to supplement what you’re lacking. If you eat all the colors, all the veggies and quality carbohydrates, and protein you may be overdoing it. It’s something that you should be aware.

I find in the winter my diet can have ebbs and flows of quality due to availability. I also tend to not eat as many salads as I do in the Spring/Summer months, so I do supplement with a Multi-vitamin. My favorite Multi-vitamin is Smarty Pants Organics Womens Complete. Mostly because of the ingredients and the formula I use is specific to women offering Omega 3s, Probiotics, B12, D3 and Zinc which is great to ward off winter germs. They also come in Vegetarian Gummies in Raspberry, Lemon Lime, and Grape that are tasty. They are not certified gluten-free so that you may be cautious.

So like I have said before. Ideally, I prefer food over supplements but when in need or out of convenience I have these products in my pantry and recommend them to anyone who asks. I figured I would write a post for those who don’t question but wonder.

Why I choose these brands?

I also am an affiliate or sponsored by these products. This post is not to increase my affiliate commission but to share with you what I use and the reason I have become an ambassador, affiliate or sponsored by these companies because I believe in their product. I encourage you to do your research. See what works for you and hopefully give you the additional supplementation that you need. I also am confident if you don’t do your research and choose based on my recommendations that you will be completely satisfied.

Is there a specific criterion that you have when choosing supplements or is it an “anything that taste good” your deciding factor?

My blog is in partnership with all of these brands with the exception of Smarty Pants. I make a commission off the affiliates links, but that does not affect my opinion. I chose these brands because I believe in the product and what they stand for. My Full Disclosure Policy

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Tags bcaas, best supplements, bodybuilding, clean protein, clean supplements, collagen, fitness supplements, hydrolysate, junk free supplements, natural supplements, preworkout, protein powder, supplements, weightlifting

Fitness and Health Product Review Product Reviews

My Must Haves of 2017

Just a few Must Haves for the New Year

So, you’ve got your planner packed in your meal planning bag as you just strapped on your fitness tracker and ready to tackle your day with your new protein shaker (with protein in it) and 64 ounce water bottle to wash down your salad and chicken breast that you’re going to devour because it’s the New Year and you’re ready for this New You to emerge in the next two weeks, right? Am I exaggerating? Just a little. It has come the time of year that I love the enthusiasm and energy of people making a really effort to stick to their resolutions but I think people miss the mark and don’t adequately prepare. They’ve been watching their social media feed of all the things that they really need to be fit and healthy and don’t really need any of this stuff to be fit and healthy. I’ve put together a few must haves that I will be using this year to keep me focused and on track!

Last year this time I was ready! Ready to really give this getting fit thing my best effort. After many months of trial and error I realized the things that I prepared for and the actual stuff I needed would be just that trial and error but I have a few tips and suggestions; 5 Things that I found and Love in 2016 that I will be taking into 2017 with me are:

What’s in the bottle counts!

In 2016, I discovered that I had a wheat allergy. Since being diagnosed with a wheat allergy and learning I have learned that skincare products contain wheat, who knew? So, I need to avoid those things and applying them to my skin. I was at the Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Expo and met KissFreely . Kiss Freely products does not contain 8 of the major allergens and more. Then I discovered there AMAZING KissFreely Body Butter! Did I say it was amazing? It is amazing. Whether you have skincare allergies, food allergies or sensitivities their products can be trusted. After trying their silky soft body butter I knew the lil diva’s and I had to try it. Two of my daughters suffer from sever eczema and I am very leary of the products I use on them but with KissFreely I could trust the product before doing the the 3 day skin test that it wouldn’t cause a major flair up.

Flair Ups with Eczema takes moments to pop up and months to get rid of so you really try to avoid them as much as possible. Although, I have found natural products such as coconut oil and shea butter that help I am always looking for something better or that will work season-to season. Another issue that I have is that their skincare needs change from season to season. So far, Kiss Freely has made it from Fall to Winter seamlessly and like I said feels amazing. This is something that I must keep for my 2017 skincare needs.

2. Sometimes you need to workout anywhere!

My life is getting busier by the moment. In 2016, I went back to school to get my Fitness and Exercise Science Associates degree (which I will be pursuing my Bachelor’s in it in April.) I know I am crazy! My girls are getting older and I feel like the older they get the busier I get. I need to be very flexible with my workouts especially since I am training to be Figure Body Competitor. (Oh yeah there’s that too). When I first started this journey I needed the comfort of predicatability and comfort of my home. Now that this is a lifestyle and I plan on being very active in the future Soma Sole Resistance Bands are a must have for me.

SomaSole bands are perfect for anyone who is new to resistance training from those who aren’t. They’re great to take anywhere use anywhere and you all have seen my YouTube I love love love to incorporate in my workouts. I am so glad that I connected with them last year at IdeaWorld! I actually plan on using these even more in the New Year while I train for my very first Figure Bodybuilding Competition. When it gets warm I’m going to be that Fit mom at the park “pumping bands”, haha! Hopefully, I’ll have a whole crew of other Fit Mom’s working with me….wink wink! I am really looking forward to adding these to my training in 2017.

3. MomSanity Core Sliders These things are the absolute best for working out your full body! I LOVE them because they ease the stress on your joints and slide on both wood floors or carpets. Like the SomaSole you can take these anywhere and even use them with the SomaSole Bands too! I really love them for Mountain Climbers and plank jacks those are both I used to struggle with for my knees and ankles but not anymore. In February I am going to be joining some ladies in a I hope you join us! Alot, of people ask me, “What makes these different from furniture movers?” The shape! Most furniture movers or core sliders are circular the triangular sliders fit anyones feet correctly and you’re not constantly adjusting yourself during your workout. They’re actually really reasonable and worth the shipping. if you don’t have any grab some here and join me and my #fitfriends in February on Instagram as FaithFueled™ Women from all walks of life accept the challenge! MomSanity has a Great 15 minute Core Slider video to get you started!

4. MomSanity BCAAs

I have been back and forth if I want to go Supplement free for my Figure training. I believe that God has provided us everything that we need for our bodies but if you’re not consuming those things naturally then supplements are necessary. The only protein I take is Collagen Peptides I don’t drink protein powders any longer. I eat the necessary amount I need if I did there are a few that I would choose. As for BCAAs that is something that I don’t get a lot of in my diet and feel the need to supplement. Branch Chain Amino Acids refereed to as BCAAs is created naturally in the body but because of our busy stressful lifestyles and exercise is often depleted. I found MomSanity BCAAs last year and it is a Must Have for me! It contains a 3:1:1 Ratio of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine and its made for mom’s and sweetened with naturally found sweeteners like Stevia, Erythritol and Monk Fruit and comes in Fruit Punch its tasty unlike other BCAAs I’ve had and not overly sweet. This is a lifestyle for me and I want to be able to enjoy food without causing my body harm. So, MomSanity BCAAs get my stamp or approval this year and will be apart of my exercise pre and post recovery. If you use promo code: 5OFFBCAA You’ll get $5 off this week and FREE SHIPPING till Jan. 9, 2017.

5.ProYo

I was introduced to this yumminess the last week of the 2016 and it’s will be a fixture in my home for 2017. My daughters and husband are icecream addicts. I am more a cookie and cake girl but they can do some damage to a quart of icecream. ProYo is so filling the it’s a small serving size so you don’t over-indulge. It’s prebiotics and probiotics alleviates bloating and even I can eat it. I love it because I can have a ProYo instead of a Protein Shake and get 20g of Protein, 3g of fiber, 2g of fat and they’re rich in calcium. We’ve also been make some treats with it too. Oh and they’re gluten-free. No binders! The lil diva’s will clean their plate for a ProYo dessert and I get away with giving them a healthy treat. Comes in 4 delicious flavors! Bluberry Pomegrante which is my fave, Ed and Boo love Chocolate and Kyhia loves Vanilla and Blueberry Pomegrante. It also comes in Banana and I made the most yumminess Banana Yogurt Cake with. Since the family enjoys these so much this is a Must Have and a great compromise. #MomWin

There is so much out there on the market, thousands of products but these are just a few that I really believe can help you with your goal this year to live a happy healthier life!

What are some products you discovered last year?

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