I work out really, and I mean REALLY hard, about twice a week. The other days I do a little yoga and/or hike, but on those killer weight-bearing strength workouts I feel that I need to boost my protein-intake with a good quality plant protein powder. There are now so many to choose from that it’s become extremely confusing. Some of them are a single plant source, such as hemp or rice, whereas others boast combinations of two or three with a few super foods tossed in for good measure. Here are my top 5 favorites:
Manitoba Harvest: Hemp protein 70
What’s in it? Non GMO-certified hemp.
How does it perform? It has an earthy/nutty taste, and has a slightly gritty texture, but I love it. It goes straight through you, so great for your plumbing! I like that hemp is also a great source of Omega Fatty Acids.
Nutrition: 20g protein per 30g serving.
Warrior Blend (Vanilla Plus)
What’s in it? Proprietary blend (GMO-free sprouted brown rice, hemp, real vanilla bean, Arctic Root, Nopal Cactus, Stevia, Enzymes, Milk Thistle.
How does it perform? Makes a creamy smoothie, and the vanilla flavor is delicious. Not too sweet.
Nutrition: 17g protein/scoop
What’s in it? Sprouted brown rice, pea protein, quinoa, chia, Amaranth.
How does it perform? It has a bland taste (which I like), but it’s a bit little bit chalky and thick. However, mixed with plenty of water/coconut water and blended up into a smoothie with tons of frozen fruit and leafy greens makes a great protein-packed drink.
Nutrition: 18g protein per serving.
Plant Fusion, original (chocolate raspberry, chocolate, cookies n’ creme, unflavored, vanilla)
What’s in it? Protein from pea, artichoke, sprouted amaranth, and sprouted quinoa.
How does it perform? I love the taste of the cookies n’creme, but it makes for a very thick smoothie if you mix it with nut milk, so I would recommend mixing with water/coconut water to really thin it out, and add a bunch of crushed ice.
Nutrition: 21g protein/serving (4500 mg BCAA’s)
Vega One (french vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai, and natural)
What’s in it? Pea, hemp, Saviseed protein. Also contains an antioxidant blend, green blend, omega-3 blend, digestive and probiotic enzymes, and vitamins/minerals- a “meal” protein supplement.
How does it perform? It has the strongest flavor out of all the powders I tasted because of the greens such as chlorella and spirulina, and it also has rather a grainy texture. I do like the fact that it contains these super foods. I need to mask the flavor with loads of frozen fruit such as berries and banana. A tsp of cinnamon also helps. I also recommend thinning it out with water or coconut water.
Nutrition: 17g protein/scoop
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Be sure you sign-up for my One-A-Week Challenge – For the next four weeks I’m sharing one habit a week to integrate into your routine to help you feel healthy and gorgeous! First up – Go meat free!
