Many know that protein intake is good for your body, but you may find yourself asking “why is it good?” When you exercise, you create micro-tears in your muscles which need repaired, which is how muscle growth occurs. Protein helps aid the process in muscle repair, which is why many consume protein within 30 minutes post-workout. Protein intake can leave you feeling fuller as well, which can help you avoid those vending machine chips!
PROTEIN SHAKES– Ready to Drink
Pre-packaged protein shakes are super convenient for those who are frequently on-the-go or who easily forget to clean out your shaker bottles. We all have fallen victim to that NASTY smell. Below you can find some clean & tasty ready to drink protein shakes!
1) ICONIC PROTEIN
WHAT MAKES ICONIC SO GREAT?
Besides for tasting great, this protein shake is very clean & low cal! We love this brand so much that we actually sell it at the Cardinal Health Fitness Center. Our favorite flavors are the Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Truffle & Cafe Mocha. Each bottle serves 20g of protein, 130 calories & only has 3g of sugar. Another great thing about this product is it is created from grass-fed cow protein.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Drew, Susan, Ryan & Kristen
2) MUSCLE MILK PRO SERIES
WHAT MAKES MUSCLE MILK SO GREAT?
Another great protein shake that we sell at the Fitness Center is the Muscle Milk Pro Series. Our favorite flavors are the Intense Vanilla & Knockout Chocolate. We have this ranked at #2 because of the higher calorie content of 200 calories. This may be a little higher than what some people will want to consume for their post-workout shake if their goal is weight-loss, but it is great for those who want to gain muscle & need a calorie surplus.
Muscle Milk has a very high protein content of 40g, only 1g of sugar and is dairy-free.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Ryan
3) OWYN PROTEIN SHAKES
WHAT MAKES OWYN SO GREAT?
OWYN Protein is a great low-sugar option that still tastes good, with only 4 grams of sugar and a whopping 20 grams of protein. This shake only has 180 calories per bottle and flavors include: Cold Brew Coffee, Cookies N Cream, Chocolate, Vanilla & Strawberry Banana. You can find these shakes on Amazon for $33 per 12 pack.
“100% CERTIFIED VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE: 100% plant-based protein shakes that provide superior health benefits & never compromises on taste. Delicious nutrition made for active & healthy people who care about what they put in their body.”
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Kristen
HONORABLE MENTION: Premier Protein
PROTEIN POWDERS
Protein powders are a great versatile protein product as many powders can be used for making shakes or for baking. You can even choose your own base to combine with the powder: water, milk, smoothie, juice, etc.
1) BODY FORTRESS ISOLATE
WHAT MAKES BODY FORTRESS ISOLATE SO GREAT?
Isolate Protein is different from Whey Protein as it undergoes more processing/filtering that lowers the carbohydrate, fat, & lactose content while increasing the protein content. Isolate tends to be a little more expensive than your traditional whey protein, but the nutritional benefits are worth it! The nutrition label provides facts for both 1 scoop & 2 scoops of the protein powder, but most people only do one scoop!
Body Fortress has a very high protein content of 30g, only 1g of sugar, and has a low calorie content of 140 calories.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Kristen
2) BOWMAR NUTRITION PROTEIN SHAKES
WHAT MAKES BOWMAR NUTRITION SO GREAT?
Bowmar Nutrition is a very popular brand because of its low fat/calorie content & great unique flavors such as Blueberry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Spice, Orangesicle & more.
Body Fortress has a moderate protein content of 22g, only 1.5g of sugar, and has a very low calorie content just a little over 100 calories. The major downfall of this product: you have to order online as it is not found in stores & they are fairly expensive compared to most brands.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Kristen
3) BODYLOGIX NATURAL PROTEIN POWDER
WHAT MAKES BODYLOGIX SO GREAT?
Bodylogix is an affordable & clean protein powder option. Some great things about this product: it is all natural (has no artificial ingredients), it’s made from milk from grass-fed cows, low-cost, & has a great taste!
Body Fortress has a moderate protein content of 24g, only 1g of sugar, and has a very low calorie content of 120 calories.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Drew
HONORABLE MENTION: UMP BEVERLY & GHOST
PROTEIN BARS
Protein bars are great for on-the-go or for snacks! Many brands are very creative with their unique bar flavors & can taste really great! One thing to watch out for is the sugar & calorie content. Some bars taste like a chocolate bar because it basically is one! You want to find a bar that is a healthy balance of nutritious & yummy!
1) QUEST PROTEIN BARS
WHAT MAKES QUEST SO GREAT?
Quest is a very popular brand for a reason! They offer so many unique flavors, such as mint chocolate chip, smores, chocolate donut, and more while maintaining a fairly clean nutrition label based on their very low sugar & calorie content. Another perk of this brand: you can find Quest bars almost anywhere even including the Cardinal Health Fitness Center!
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Drew, Ryan
2) RX BARS
WHAT MAKES RX BARS SO GREAT?
RX Bars are known for their “no b.s.” ingredients. All the ingredients in the bar are listed on the front of the bar so you know exactly what you’re getting into! Taste wise, you either love Rx Bars or hate them usually because of the chewier texture. This bar has no added sugars, 12g of protein and 210 calories. Many nutritionist have ranked this bar (specifically the Chocolate Sea Salt) the healthiest protein bar on the market.
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Drew
3) OATMEGA BARS
WHAT MAKES OATMEGA SO GREAT?
Oatmega’s bars have a lot going for them.The whey protein is from grass-fed cows and just 5g of sugar, plus added fish oil for an omega-3 boost. Overall, this bar is a pretty clean option as far as nutrition goes!
1 BAR (56 G): 200 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 5 g sugar, 14 g protein
WHICH STAFF MEMBER LOVES THIS PRODUCT?
Kristen
HONORABLE MENTION: Naked Nutrition Bars & Protein One Bars
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