If something is good then more of something is even better right? Not always. Calories are good, they give you energy. But we all know that too many calories means weight gain, among other things. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. But, can you get too much protein or are the highest protein bars really the best?

Protein bars are most often used as a fitness supplement. They are eaten by people who are trying to increase protein consumption most often to build muscle mass. Lean protein consumption is often encouraged when building muscle. This is due to several reasons but mainly because protein is the main substance used by the body in the repair of muscle tissue torn during weight training. In addition, it’s beneficial to those who want to lose weight to substitute lean protein for higher calorie carbohydrates. But the best protein bar isn’t always the highest protein bar.

There are many ingredients and nutrients that go into a protein bar. Some bars claim to be meal replacement bars and have very little protein. Others may state they are a nutritional supplement but be packed with sugar and unwanted components. The best bet when looking for the right protein bar is one that combines high quality protein with limited sugars and processed ingredients. Instead of only seeking out the highest protein bar, make sure to pay attention to what else is in there.

It can happen that a manufacturer tries to cram so much protein into a bar that it ends up tasting horrible. When you’re looking for the highest protein bar that still manages to taste good, you’re looking at about 15 to 25 grams of protein. Because what’s the purpose of a protein bar if the taste is repulsive. Remember protein bars are designed to supplement the diet. Getting lean natural protein at all meal times is a good idea. Lean chicken breast, seafood and similar high protein items are a staple to any muscle building diet.

Before you get too much of a good thing, do your research on just how much protein you should be getting for your fitness goals and dietary needs.

Adjectives like “best”, “premium”, “superior”, and “premier” are thrown around to describe all kinds of nutritional supplements. Some companies even use these words in the actual names of their supplements. But, using a word like this on a wrapper doesn’t make it so. A premier protein bar should be one that stands out against the competition and not just in name. It is a protein supplement that delivers top of the line ingredients in a tasty package. It should also be born under a reputable company name, one that is recognized for its products, not its catchy title.

Let me make one thing clear, this is not an article to blast the bars known as “Premier Protein Bars” from the Premier supplement company. On the contrary, this is a general article about protein bars and their quality. Many people online are looking for the best, the premium, the premier protein bars and we want to make sure they know what they’re getting.

By definition, “premier” means the first of its kind. Of course, we know you aren’t looking for the first protein bar ever made because in all honesty—that’s just gross.

Beachbody is a company known for its quality. From P90X to the latest Insanity Workout, Beachbody knows a thing or two about fitness. Likewise, they know a thing or two about fitness nutrition. This is why they make some of the best protein bars, hands down. You could say they are measures above the competition or superior in nature, but the fancy adjectives shouldn’t sell the bar, the bar itself should.

P90X Protein Bars from BeachBody come in a variety of flavors. They provide good quality protein with a yummy taste. When you are working on fitness goals, protein snacks are crucial and the more variety you have the better. Protein shakes and protein bars make it easy to get your protein in when you’re on the go or just in need of a quick bite. These particular protein bars can be easily kept in your purse or desk drawer for when snack time rolls around and you aren’t at home.

When it comes to supplements, be cautious of the fancy adjectives companies use. Look for a name you can trust and a product that can actually deliver good nutrition without the hoopla.

Summertime is definitely not the best time for hot soups and firing up the oven. When it comes to eating in the summer, cooler is better and salads take a front seat. Salads certainly don’t have to be the basic lettuce, tomato, cucumber mixture, however. Adding some creativity and protein to your salad is an excellent way to stay fit and cool. Monitoring your salad ingredients and portions will ensure your summer noshing doesn’t jeopardize your P90X or Insanity Workout progress too!

Many people think all salads are healthy. Rather than a burger they’ll opt for a steak salad, with bleu cheese, and crumbled eggs. This kind of salad can have more than twice the fat and calories of your typical burger. Just because a dish carries the “salad” label, doesn’t make it healthy! The ingredients in your salad need to be monitored just as you would any other dish, ensuring you get a ton of flavor without a ton of fat and calories.

Be cautious of cheeses and creamy dressings—they can quickly ruin what would otherwise be a healthy delight.

The best in summer salads are packed with fresh veggies and also feature a good quality protein. Some of my favorites use seafood. Here’s a great Thai Salmon Salad that offers a unique flavor and is protein packed. Many people are hesitant to use fish in their salads. One quick search online, however, will reveal numerous options for healthy minded salad seekers.

Chicken is the old standby when it comes to salad protein and it’s because chicken is so versatile. A fajita salad complete with bell peppers and onions served on romaine is a great way to get your veggies. Add some black beans and corn, and a dressing of cilantro, lime juice, and oil to kick it up. Skip the sour cream and cheddar and use your fats wisely by chopping some avocado on the top.

Another good chicken salad recipe uses fruit to sweeten the deal. This recipe uses some white sugar which can easily be cut back on for the fitness conscious. Some strawberries and pecans add flavor and interest to the dish. For something different, try cranberries and walnuts or almonds. This is a great recipe starting point that allows for endless healthy substitutions.

Regardless of the exact fitness plan you are following, it’s easy to make yummy summer salads that won’t jeopardize your goals.

Your workout regimen is only as effective as your workout fuel. What I mean is that it doesn’t matter how hard and often you workout, if you aren’t eating the right foods and getting the right nutrients, your results will suffer. When it comes to a program as intense as Insanity Workout, your fuel is crucial. Most of the best fitness programs, Insanity and P90X included, come with a Nutrition Guide to assist people in reaching their goals and ensuring they are eating the right things. One particular answer to the need for convenient and quick nutrition is the Results and Recovery Formula.

You will find the Beachbody Results and Recovery Formula suggested in both the P90X Nutrition Guide and the Insanity Workout Elite Nutrition book. This supplement is based on cutting edge nutritional science. It is designed to replenish the body with nutrients and valuable fuel lost during an intense workout. It is highly recommended to be used within the one hour following your Insanity Workout sessions to get maximum results.

Protein is essential in the repair and growth of muscles. As you work out, small traumas occur within the muscle tissue. (This is why you feel sore the morning after a strenuous workout!) These tears in the muscle are slowly repaired by proteins. Like a weld on metal, where the tears are reinforced they become both stronger and slightly larger. This is the simplified science of muscle growth. The Results and Recovery Formula helps speed this process because of its inclusion of superior quality proteins.

Carbohydrates are necessary for energy. Why do you think so many “energy bars” are loaded with sugars? The key to proper energy, however, is balancing both simple (sugars) and complex carbohydrates. The Results & Recovery Formula does just that, ensuring you replenish those glycogen stores depleted during the Insanity Workout and giving you a quick blast of energy to carry on throughout the day.

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are also included in the Results & Recovery Formula. This nutritional supplement is truly a powerhouse of all sorts of good things to maximize your fitness program. Whether you are doing Insanity Workout or P90X, this is an excellent post workout snack and overall fitness supplement.

When you enter the world of fitness and nutrition, protein is everywhere you turn. Protein shakes, protein bars, protein supplements—it’s everywhere! But why? Knowing why you should be eating protein rich snacks is just as important as actually eating them. You can’t fully reap the benefits of something you don’t fully understand. High protein foods are an excellent addition to an active lifestyle, particularly one with fitness goals on the horizon. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.

Weight Loss– Studies have shown that a diet rich in lean protein can be effective in the battle of the bulge. This is because lean proteins will take the place of higher calorie foods within the diet. If you up your consumption of chicken breasts, seafood, and protein rich snacks, you will decrease your consumption of the bad stuff, leading to greater weight loss.

Muscle Development– A high protein diet is one of the core tenets of a bodybuilders lifestyle. Bodybuilders are on to something. Protein helps mend torn muscle tissue after a strenuous workout. This mending leads to increased muscle mass, by continually patching up the trauma that strength training does. Don’t worry about the “trauma” or “tears”, that’s exactly how muscle is built. A protein rich snack after a strenuous workout is an excellent choice.

Decreased Hunger– There is evidence that a diet rich in protein is more satisfying. A study out of Denmark in 2005 stated that protein rich snacks and foods kept people satisfied for longer than fats or carbohydrates. This means greater fuel for your day and less of a crash between meals. A satisfied belly is a belly less prone to wayward snacking and diet blunders.

There are numerous reasons why you should include protein rich snacks in your diet and these are just a few. Having things like protein bars, shakes, chicken breasts, nuts, and low fat cheeses around for when hunger strikes is a great way to ensure your body has the fuel necessary for your fit lifestyle and those goals you are reaching towards.

When starting the P90X program you want to be prepared for the life changing experience that it offers. You could purchase just the workout program or the workout program and all of the accessories we offer. While we’re okay with either of those choices, the vast majority of you will likely elect to purchase the workout system and one or two accessories to get you started. One of those accessories that should be at the top of your list is the P90X Recovery Drink. When shopping for it, you will find something very interesting about the P90X Recovery Drink price.

P90X and the P90X accessories are currently available at several retailer sites—we aren’t the only retailer in the game. Interestingly, however, there is no pricing competition. That’s right—you will not find much if any differences in the P90X Recovery Drink price. The drink currently sells for $43.95 on all of the retailer sites we could find.

When the prices are the same, the only thing left to help you make your purchasing decision is the level of service you receive.

Most people take several things into consideration when choosing where to buy something. For the majority of us, price is at the top of that list. When the P90X Recovery Drink price is identical across the board you can focus more clearly on which retailer is going to offer you the best service.

Take a moment to peruse our site. We are one of the few P90X retailers that have a daily updated blog. Not only do we take the time to address common questions about all of our workout systems here, we also respond to your comments. This added arena for support is not only good for the consumer/provider relationship, but also as an added support for your workout goals.

If looking for the best place to buy your recovery drink and other P90X accessories, look no further. Not only do we have the right P90X Recovery Drink price, we also have the service and knowledge to make this a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

The title says it all and for those people seeking to lose weight with the P90X program (or any other extreme fitness training program), increasing your calories is not likely what you want to do. However, some people who start the P90X program to lose a little fat and tone up may begin losing more than they are comfortable with. If you feel you are losing your too much of your curves or feel like you are looking skinny, slightly increasing your calories may be just what you need an high protein nutrition bars are a great way to do it.

As you soldier through the 90 day P90X challenge, you are building a lot of muscle. So much muscle that your metabolism will go through the roof. This is great for people who are using P90X as a weight loss plan but not so great for people who just want to tone up. If you like to look a little more solid and toned, you will want to be very conscious of the changes in your body. There’s a chance that you will want to increase your daily calories by just a few hundred to ensure you don’t lose too much too fast.

High protein nutrition bars are a great way to get those added calories without feeling too full at mealtime. Sure, adding a bit more chicken breast with your dinner or some extra tuna with your lunch works too, but those things might get a little old and high protein nutrition bars, like the P90X protein bars, can seem like a sweet treat.

Protein is the best way to increase your calories when going through an intense fitness program. Things like high protein nutrition bars contain the best balance of protein and carbohydrates to ensure your energy levels stay high while your body has plenty of fuel to maintain your new found muscle mass.

For every new food you introduce, you potentially remove one that is less healthy. Adding vegetables, fruits, and even healthy protein bars can be a great way to gradually change your diet into one that keeps your body functioning on high. Learning how to eat healthier, however, isn’t always easy. Old habits die hard and if you are accustomed to high fat, high calorie fast food with little whole foods, making the switch can be tricky. Some easy to implement practices can really add up, however. By gradually changing what and when you eat you can gain control of what may feel like an out of control diet.

Healthy protein bars are a great way to get your daily diet on track. They taste good and are good for you. They are easier, for some, to add into the diet because they feel like a treat. Finding a healthy protein bar that tastes good and provides optimal nutrition isn’t too difficult. We carry three flavor varieties here including Café Mocha, Berry, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it stops the fasting that your body sustained overnight. For many people, however, breakfast is a hard habit to get into. Throw a healthy protein bar in your briefcase on your way out the door in the morning and eat it on your morning commute. It doesn’t feel like a whole meal but delivers the nutrients you need to start your day right.

Snacks: Between meal snacks can destroy your diet efforts if you aren’t fueling up on the right things. By keeping a few healthy protein bars in your desk, you are less likely to head to the vending machine when you get the midday munchies.

Lunch: Healthy protein bars can be a great meal replacement product. Add a side salad or some fruit to ensure your light lunch is enough to keep you going throughout the afternoon.

High quality healthy protein bars are a great addition to your diet. When used in conjunction with a fitness training plan they become a great source of nutrition.

When it comes to nutrition, your snacks are just as important as your meals. Being able to consistently choose healthy foods throughout the day will ensure that you reach your goal much faster than if you relied on your workouts to do it all. High protein snacks like protein shakes and bars are just one aspect of a healthy muscle-building and fat loss program.

When you set your sights on a fitness goal, you want to make sure that all of your lifestyle choices point in the same direction. Your workouts are a huge part of achieving the body you want. But, your workouts will only get you so far. Being able to make the right food choices is essential in making the most of those workouts. Not only will high protein snacks help keep your metabolism running high throughout the day, they also help to repair and build muscle tissue.

Eating small meals or several snacks throughout the day has been shown to keep the metabolism running at a steady rate. It’s when you starve yourself that the blood sugar sinks and spikes, leading to increased fat storage. A steady stream of fuel, through sources like high quality protein bars, can keep the metabolic fires burning consistently throughout the day.

Another benefit of high protein snacks, and why you see bodybuilders taking protein supplements, is their ability to repair and help build muscle tissue. When you workout, your muscles experience tiny tears or trauma. This explains the muscle soreness you feel after a good workout. The repair of these tissues is what leads to muscle growth. Protein is responsible for muscle repair and therefore muscle repair and strength gains.

The best high protein snacks are those that contain high quality ingredients at a reasonable price and with great flavor. Egg whites, chicken breasts, and yogurt are awesome choices but check out the P90X protein bars for superior quality protein that is perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Protein shakes are used by a variety of people for a variety of reasons. There are numerous brand names and types of protein shakes out there, making your choices extensive and the purchasing decision slightly more difficult. What do you look for when choosing a protein shake? That largely depends on your fitness goals. The results you are looking for determine just how to use protein shakes. For those of us seeking to lose a few pounds using protein shakes as meal replacements provides a great opportunity for lower calorie, convenient meals on the go.

Using meal replacements in your weight loss efforts is as easy as substituting a regular meal with a lower calorie option. When phrased like this it is easy to see how just about any healthy food could be used in a meal replacement weight loss program.

High quality protein shakes like the P90X Whey Protein Shakes are made with superior quality ingredients and infused with nutrients necessary for optimal overall health. This means they make a perfect meal replacement.

Meal replacements, whether protein shakes or protein bars, are best used as a breakfast or lunch meal solution. They not only provide a lower calorie meal option, but an option that is measures more convenient. Consider using protein shakes as a healthy breakfast, or pair one with a side salad for a lunch.

One of the best things about protein shakes is their convenience. This makes them a perfect choice for meal replacements. Fill your to-go coffee mug with a protein shake for the morning commute. Not only will it provide the stomach filling breakfast you need but it will provide a good energy source without the caffeine let-down.

Protein shakes as meal replacements make a great option for those people who want to lose weight and even increase their protein consumption. The P90X Whey Protein powders provide optimal nutrition for a variety of fitness goals.

Many people are looking for an instruction manual for their diet. They may know the basics of good nutrition, but prefer the scheduled and structured assistance of a healthy eating guid. The P90X Nutrition Guide is just the plan for these folks. And if you are someone who likes structure and clear cut guidelines, it’s just the program for you as well.

The P90X Nutrition Guide is specifically designed to go with the strenuous life changing, 90 day P90X workout system. When developing this healthy eating guide, they took into consideration all of the work that your body would be doing throughout the 90 days. It includes the extra nutrients that someone on a strenuous workout plan would need, those things that would fuel an athlete’s body perfectly. For this reason, the P90X Nutrition Guide is for people who are very serious about changing how they feel and how they look.

The program will not leave you starving as the experts at BeachBody made it to ensure you would have enough fuel for your metabolic fire. As you choose the best approach within this healthy eating guide, you have a definite say in how your diet will go.

The Portion Approach is one option. This is suitable for people who like flexibility and want to make things as easy or as simple in the kitchen. With an approved list of foods and portion sizes, this plan is one that is perfect for someone who wants variety and wants to determine their own meals.

The second approach is the Meal Plan Approach. This plan is great for people who simply want to be told what to do. With delicious recipes all included in the Nutrition Guide, this is great for people who don’t want to have to come up with their own ideas at mealtime.

If you are looking for the perfect pairing of a serious workout and a healthy eating guide, the P90X program is for you. Take a look at the Special Package we are offering with everything you need to get started!

Turkey time is almost here. For some of us this is a pretty stressful time. All of you P90x’ers may have some anxiety over the up and coming holidays, not knowing what to do when it comes to eating. Well don’t worry, here is a little information that will help.

First and foremost you need to know the average amount of fat and calories that are in your typical Thanksgiving meal.

Roasted Turkey-(no skin) 4 slices, about 4 oz. = 190 calories & 6g fat

Cranberry Sauce-1/2 cup = 209 calories & 0g fat

Cornbread Stuffing-1 cup = 431 calories & 21g fat

Green Bean Casserole -1 cup = 168 calories & 10g fat

Mashed Potatoes-1 cup = 243 calories & 11g fat

Pecan Pie-1/8 of 9″ pie = 456 calories & 21g fat

Pumpkin Pie (without whipped cream)-1/8 of 9″ pie = 323 calories & 15g fat

Having this basic information will help you to make the right choices. If you’re following the portion approach of the P90X diet plan then its pretty simple. All you have to do is make sure the portions fit within the parameters of your nutrition level. For example, if you are a Level 1 you’re allowed to have 1,800 calories a day, which consist of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, condiments & snack. Look to your P90X nutrition guide for more details on how many servings of each of these you should be eating.

If you’re not following the portion approach then its perfectly fine to switch over for the holiday season. It will make it a lot easier when making you food choices.

Also, you may want to plan ahead of time. Ask what is going to be on the menu beforehand and figure out what you can eat and how much. It will take the stress out of the holidays and you won’t have to feel guilty about your choices.

If you plan on making the meal yourself check out this video for cooking tips to reduce fat and calories in your Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

Happy Holidays!

If you’re just getting into the P90X workout system then you probably still have a few questions. In Todays post we are addressing the importance of the P90X Protein Bars for all of you who have asked. 

The P90X Nutrition Guide breaks down your daily caloric intake into 5 meals:

Breakfast

Snack

Lunch

Snack

Dinner

Notice how you have 2 “snack” slots in there. Well the reason you’re eating 5 meals a day instead of the traditional 3, is that eating several sensibly portioned meals throughout the entire day has actually been proven to increase your body’s metabolism. If you’re introducing food into the body, the digestive system is stimulated and although you’re adding calories you engaging the metabolic process which helps burn calories and keep the body “running” at a higher level of activity. So the next time you think about skipping a meal or starving yourself to lose weight…THINK AGAIN! It’s actually counter productive for this and other reasons.

The P90X Workouts are intense and in order to perform effectively your body needs fuel and that fuel comes from what you eat. The nutritionists who developed the P90X Nutrition Guide understand that protein is a key component as it’s involved in transporting oxygen, contracting muscles, transporting electrons, and is the primary component of muscle tissue itself! That’s where the P90X Protein Bars step in. In fact if you take a look in your nutrition guide you’re going to see it specifically called for in your daily meal plans in the snack categories.

2 of our 3 flavors of P90X Protein Bars have 20 grams of protein! Cafe Mocha trails right behind with 18 grams, still not too shabby! Check out the full list of ingredients by visiting the following links to our P90X Protein Bars:

(By the way our #1 customer favorite is Chocolate Peanut Butter)

P90X Protein Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter)

P90X Protein Bars (Berry)

P90X Protein Bars (Cafe Mocha)

Getting on the path to fitness can mean a big life change for most people. It means dedicating yourself to some hard work. It means not only making physical fitness a real part of your life but also taking a serious look at your diet as well. For a lot of us, knowing what to eat and when is tough. If you have considered taking the plunge with P90X you can breath a little easier knowing that the P90X Meal Plan Approach will have you coved in this department.

The P90X Meal Plan makes planning and preparing your meals a breeze. What you’ll find is an easy to follow meal schedule that will give you exact recipes of what to eat throughout the 13 week program. If you’re like me this is a godsend. Not only do the meals taste good, but it takes all the guess workout out of what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It even has your snack recommendations laid out for you too—it couldn’t be easier.

The P90X Meal Plan Approach is just one of 3 approaches that the P90X nutrition guide offers. You can choose one approach or combine the approaches to add a little variety  Here are the options:

1.) P90X Portion Approach

2.) P90X Meal Plan Approach

3.) P90X Quick Options Approach

The P90X Portion Approach

It’s pretty simple. On page 5 of the P90X Nutrition Guide you first determine your “nutrition level” by filling in your current body weight and crunching a few numbers in the formula it provides. Once you figure out what level you are you are you turn to the “P90X Portion Approach”  table which lays out how much proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, fats, carbs etc. you should be eating in a given day. So lets say you are a Level 1, as the guide indicates you should be shooting for 5 “servings” of proteins per day. So, if you flip to the next page after the table food recommendations for each category. Now simply locate the proteins section and choice from the many suggestions. For example:

3 oz boneless, skinless chicken or turkey breast

This would qualify as one serving of protein. The portion approach makes it easy to put together interesting, healthy meals while keeping you on course with how much you should be eating.

P90X Meal Plan Approach

If you aren’t interested or don’t know how to be creative in the meal department the P90X Meal Plan Approach will be your best friend. You get a weekly meal planner complete with the actual recipes to make each meal of the day. For example, lets take a look at a dinner:

6 oz Turkey

2 tbs Gravey

1/2 cup of Green Beans

1 cup Butternut Squash Soup

Now flip to the recipe page and it will give you the exact ingrediets and spices you need to make each course of the meal. It’s really hard to mess up. You know exactly what to eat, when and how to make it!

P90X Quick Options

These are really convenience foods and this option cannot be used as the primary focus of your nutrition. What’s great about it though, is if you are pressed for time you can grab these in the frozen food section of the grocery store and whip it up in a flash. No muss no fuss. Look for these brands:

-Amy’s Kitchen

- Weight Watchers Smart Ones

- Lean Cuisine 

- and more!

Keep in mind you should NOT exceed more than one of these meals in a day, and be sure to follow the calorie, fat and sodium guidelines that this section outlines.

Whether it’s the P90X Meal Plan Approach, The Portion Approach or the Quick Option Approach, the P90X Nutrition guide offers really simple ways to eat healthy and give your body the fuel it needs to keep up with the workouts. If you aren’t a five star chef don’t worry P90X still has you covered. While that outlines the 3 Approaches if you want to learn a little about the 3 Phases of the P90X Nutrition Guide checkout this article:

P90X Diet: 3 Phase Nutrition Plan

When trying to get fit, proper nutrition is just as important as a hardcore fitness program. Eating right is crucial in getting the best results. Supplementing with capsule and liquid supplements can help fill in the gaps, so to speak, when it comes to your nutrition. Just like a superior multivitamin can ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals missing in your diet, so too can vanilla whey protein shakes assist you in getting additional protein throughout the day.

Good vanilla whey protein shakes can serve several purposes in the diet of an athlete. And if you are doing workouts like those in P90X you are already an athlete or well on your way!

Vanilla whey protein shakes are a protein supplement first and foremost. Many high intensity fitness programs require you to increase your protein intake far beyond what you might normally be accustomed to. Supplements like vanilla whey protein shakes make this far easier to take. Because there are times when a chicken breast just doesn’t sound appetizing!

In addition to a basic protein supplement, vanilla whey protein shakes are also a good choice for convenient meal replacement. In a rush? A protein shake for breakfast can jump start your metabolism for the day and it’s super convenient. If you are considering a snack from the vending machine, it might serve you well to bring your protein shake mix to the office. Vanilla whey protein shakes make great snacks as well.

There are several options when considering vanilla whey protein shakes and other ways to up your protein throughout the day. Not only are there additional flavors, there are also protein bars. By keeping a good variety of protein sources in your diet, you will find it isn’t as easy to get ridiculously bored with your new eating habits.

Check out the Vanilla Whey Protein supplement we carry here. You will find that it is filled with premium ingredients and tastes great. We also offer chocolate shakes and a variety of protein bars.