protein shakes

Using P90X Powder and Supplements

P90X Meal Replacement Formula

P90X isn’t just a great workout program, it’s an entire system of great nutritional supplements too! The P90X powder and supplements are designed to accompany folks as they work through the P90X and other home workout systems. They are made with top of the line ingredients in order to give you high quality results. But many people who do P90X are newbies when it comes to supplements. They aren’t sure where to start and don’t know for certain how to use these supplements to maximize their potential. That’s where we come in.

More

Looking to Bruce Lee for Fitness Inspiration

The name Bruce Lee conjures images of a sleek and incredibly strong physique. An actor, martial arts instructor, and lay-philosopher, Lee was born in China and immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. It’s then that he began teaching martial arts and soon began starring in movie roles. He became a “cultural icon” and is now a face (and body) that’s recognized the world over. But, in addition to martial arts, what did Bruce Lee do to attain that physique and can you incorporate some of his fitness wisdom into yours?

Bruce Lee can provide some serious inspiration and worthwhile guidance to people who want to turn their bodies into well-oiled machines. It wasn’t just good genetics or film roles that made Lee so fit, it was tireless training and a commitment to good health.

Like most wise fitness trainers, Lee recognized the importance of both diet and exercise.

In regards to Bruce Lee’s diet, he preferred the cuisine of his homeland. He believed Westerners depended too much on animal proteins and fats and neglected vegetables and good carbs. It’s said that his favorite dishes were beef in oyster sauce and tofu. He shied away from refined flours like those included in baked goods and white breads. He avoided all dairy products, ate small portions and more frequent meals, and did some juicing and blending.

Another thing Bruce Lee incorporated into his diet was supplements. He advocated the use of protein shakes, and this was really the only dairy products he consumed. He would add things like wheat germ, peanut butter, bananas, brewer’s years, and eggs to his concoctions. He also is said to have taken Vitamins C & E, Bee Pollen, Rose Hips, Wheat Germ Oil, and Protein Tablets, just to name a few.

As far as Bruce Lee’s workouts go, they were varied and they were intense. He included strength training with weights, boxing workouts and punching routines, ab routines, stretching workouts, isometric training, and of course, martial arts. A well rounded fitness plan, he believed, was crucial in keeping the body fit and the mind quick as well.

Bruce Lee is an inspiration to many. While many of us strive to have it all in regards to fitness, he attained it. On a daily basis, he lived the ultimate fitness life, eating high quality and healthy foods while working out tirelessly. His commitment to fitness was evident in his appearance and his seeming life-satisfaction.

 

High Protein Snacks That Won’t Undo Your Workout Progress

Are there healthy protein snacks in here?

Not all snacks are created equal. Duh, right? Obviously a Twinkie doesn’t have the same nutritional perks as a handful of almonds or an apple. But even when it comes to something that we commonly think of as “nutritious” there can be major differences. A trail mix made with nuts and raisins is obviously a better choice than one made with nuts and candies, for example. With every food choice we make, there is one that’s potentially better. The key to getting in shape is always choosing the best meal, snack, or even beverage available.

High protein snacks are important when you are trying to lose fat and gain muscle. They provide direct fuel to your muscles and can help you recover after particularly difficult workouts. But things like bacon, peanut butter cups, and fried eggs are not the high protein snacks we have in mind.

You can’t just choose something high in protein and call it a healthy high protein snack. It must have other nutritional perks.

A healthy high protein snack is one that has limited fat and sugar. Sure, a little bit of fat is okay and so is a smidge of sugar. But too much and you might as well be eating a candy bar or an ice cream sundae. You also want to steer clear of high fructose corn syrup. When it comes to protein bars in particular, many sweeteners are used to make them taste good, be cautious of what’s on that ingredients list and be certain it’s something you want in your body!

Chicken breasts are a great source of protein. Keep some chicken breast strips already grilled and in the refrigerator for last minute high protein snacks. You can roll them in a tortilla and top with fresh salsa for a fast and healthy snack option. You can also throw them on a salad, eat them plain, or toss a few pieces into an egg white omelet.

There are numerous healthy high protein snacks out there. If you need some additional suggestions, search this blog. I’ve written several posts on the importance of protein and how you can get some into your daily diet. In the search box at the right simply type “protein” and you’ll find a number of worthwhile articles including snack lists and recipes to keep your diet interesting.

 

Making Protein Rich Snacks

If you’ve spent any amount of time working towards fitness goals or even reading about fitness nutrition, you know the value of a diet high in protein. Protein is essential for building muscles and keeping your body in shape. As you go through the workouts necessary to create the body of your dreams, you’ll find protein can give you an extra edge in muscle recovery and even in weight loss. But not all protein sources are created equally. Learning how to make protein rich snacks at home can ensure you have plenty of options when you find yourself hungry in between meals.

Of course you can buy protein rich snacks. We sell several. But sometimes it is rewarding to make your own, to get your snacks from something other than a cellophane wrapper or drink mix. This is when it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Homemade protein rich snacks don’t have to be difficult. We often overlook the simplest and best forms of protein when we try to get original. Here are just a few protein rich snacks that can be made in a matter of minutes:

  • Trail mix with almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower kernels, and dried cranberries
  • Celery sticks filled with low fat cream cheese
  • Apple slices and peanut butter
  • Tortilla filled with grilled chicken breast strips and salsa
  • Boiled eggs
  • Low fat cheese slices with sliced tomatoes
  • Tuna and whole grain crackers

Of course this is only a starter list. Get creative with your protein rich snacks and you’ll find they are much easier to bear. Eating shouldn’t be a chore, but you may have to learn to enjoy new foods as you pursue your fitness goals.

If you prefer protein shakes, adding fruit and even peanut butter can keep them interesting and still convenient. Whey protein shakes make great protein rich snacks that can be taken on the go. They are an excellent snack but also make a good breakfast, completely portable and a cinch to take on your commute.

 

 

Tired of the Same High Protein Snacks?

Another day, another boiled egg.

When you are working on your health and trying to get a leaner, meaner physique you hear a lot about high protein snacks, protein supplements, protein shakes, protein bars, protein, protein, protein. It can all get a little old and frankly, so can the snacks and protein sources. As you try to maximize the protein in your diet, it’s pretty easy to fall into a habit, eating the same protein sources day in and day out. If you’re tired of high protein snacks, you are not alone.

We are creatures of habit. And generally, if it “ain’t broke”, we don’t fix it. This is true even when talking about high protein snacks. You may get in the habit of eating the same egg white omelet for breakfast every morning and snacking on the same nuts and cheese in the afternoon. A post workout protein shake might have been great tasting and refreshing a few months ago but after weeks of the same routine, it can get boring. This is why it’s crucial to shake things up sometimes!

When you are bored of your high protein snacks, it’s not time to give up the protein and opt for a donut. It’s time to get creative and find new and interesting high protein snacks instead!

If you’re used to egg whites in the morning, try a protein shake blended with fruit or a protein bar. If you’ve got the time to cook, have a chicken breast wrap for breakfast. You’ve got to think outside the box sometimes to keep a diet interesting. It’s during these periods of boredom that we are tempted to throw caution to the wind and potentially really screw up our fitness efforts.

Routine can be comforting but it can also be mind-numbingly boring! The moment you start to get tired of your old high protein snacks it’s time to search for something new. If you haven’t tried our Peak Performance Protein Bars, they come in several flavors to keep things interesting. We also have chocolate and vanilla Whey Protein that go great with some fruit or other additions for breakfast or a post workout snack.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and definitely don’t let a little boredom stop you from reaching your fitness goals!

 

Looking for a Recipe – High Protein Snacks?

When you have fitness goals, protein is crucial. It’s imperative that you get enough protein to repair and build the muscle tissues you are working so hard on. From whey protein shakes to protein bars, there are numerous ways to get your protein up. If you’re online looking for a recipe – high protein snacks, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve already got several recipe – high protein snacks in this blog. You can check out a fairly recent addition in the comment section of this blog post. Nate put up two excellent recipes: one for a homemade protein bar or meal replacement bar and one for a recovery drink. Both are excellent sources of fitness nutrition.

If you like shakes for your protein, take a look at this simple recipe – high protein snacks that I posted last year. It’s a banana protein shake recipe that is a staple in my personal nutrition regimen. I’m big on smoothies and throwing some protein powder into the blender with some fruit and yogurt is my favorite way to increase my protein intake for the day.

Want more? Simply type “recipe” in the search box on the right and you’ll get a ton of blog posts with high protein snacks ideas!

Another quick recipe – high protein snacks is the ever popular and easy egg-white omelet. Use 3-4 egg whites and some veggies for a great breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack. Pair it with a protein shake if you’re really trying to boost your daily intake. If you want to add turkey sausages or some meat, be sure to check out the sodium levels. While processed meats may be yummy, they aren’t always the best choice.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to eating right. Before you know it you are eating the same things day in and day out. Try to add something new a few times a week. Not only will this keep things interesting, it will keep your nutrition on track and lessen the likelihood that you will go off your eating plan.

Shake Up Your Protein Shake Routine!

j0402350Protein shakes are a great addition to any healthy lifestyle. Particularly if you are working on increasing protein consumption, they offer a great alternative to the old standby chicken breasts and tuna fish. Drinking the same shake day in and day out, however, can lead you to tire of them quickly. As with every nutritional food supplement, a little variety is needed to keep you on the right track and interested in keeping protein shakes as part of your daily diet.

 

My first suggestion: have more than one flavor in your cupboard. If your favorite protein shake comes in more than one flavor, indulge and buy at least two! I say this because even when you use add-ins, some days just scream for chocolate while others are more of a plain vanilla day. The more flavor varieties you have to play with the more likely you will be to stick with the shakes and not cringe at the thought.

 

Secondly, stock up on add-ins. Add-ins are those things that can easily be added to your protein shake to completely change the flavor and add nutritional value. Fruit is an obvious choice here with berries being a top recommendation for their antioxidant benefits. Peanut butter is another great idea if you can afford the fat; it further boosts the protein in your shake and gives the beverage a smooth creamy consistency. Yogurt, ground flax seeds, and honey are some other great ideas.

 

Lastly, don’t drink your protein shake at the same time every day. If you are using the protein shake as a recovery drink you are the exception. However, if you use it as a snack or meal replacement, switch it out from breakfast to lunch or vice versa. It’s all about variety here and because protein shakes are so versatile, using them at different times of day can provide a nice change.

 

Just like your workouts, changing up the routine with your protein shake can make a big difference in how you feel about them. Don’t get stuck in a boring rut if you plan on making this a long term habit. And with high quality protein like our Whey Protein Powders, why would you want anything different?

Eating Protein vs. Drinking a Protein Shake

1097279_chicken_saladOne of the issues many people have with supplements of any kind are the fact that they are a substitution for actual, nutritious food. Our bodies crave nourishment and proper nourishment at that. They were designed perfectly to process foods, from the chewing to the elimination. Our digestive systems are obviously equipped for food so some wonder why we would substitute liquid or capsule supplements for it. In discussing eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, looking at the motivation behind supplementation is crucial.

 

Most people who are thinking about using protein supplements are already healthy. They are typically on a fitness program and seeking a way to get high quality protein in a convenient matter. Very seldom, though it does occur, are people under the misconception that supplements can somehow make them healthy.

 

For those people weighing the benefits of eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, it often boils down to convenience.

 

Plain and simple: when undertaking a muscle building workout plan, protein consumption is often increased to assist the body’s natural muscle building abilities. Protein can help us build muscle by facilitating the repair of tissues broken down in a strenuous workout. In order to further encourage this, you will often see people cutting back on carbs and sugars in exchange for high quality protein.

 

Wanting to boost protein consumption is easy, stomaching it can be difficult. There aren’t many snack options today that combine concentrated protein levels with convenience. Carrying around a chicken breast isn’t really feasible; neither is making an egg white omelet at work. While real food is always a good choice, supplementing with protein shakes and good quality protein bars like the P90X protein bars is an easy move that allows you to boost your protein while moving throughout the day.

 

Are we suggesting you get all of your protein from protein supplements? Never. However, using them as a tool in your nutritional arsenal simply gives you a quick and easy way of boosting protein without growing tired of the old standbys. When considering eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, go with the food when you can but don’t be afraid to use protein shakes as a good secondary option.

 

If you’re looking for the right kind of protein shakes to add to your plan, take a look at the Vanilla and Chocolate Whey Protein Powders we carry here. These shake mixes taste excellent and deliver 18 grams of protein per serving.