Which Protein Shake Should I Buy?

Protein Shakes. For me, these words used to conjur up images of big, beefy men in footy shorts and nipple revealing singlets, cruising around the scarily sized weight stack at the gym and sipping from weird plastic bottles. Not intimidating at all... right? All I could think was, “what the hell are they drinking? Why are their muscles so big? Have they discovered some secret workout serum that I need to be drinking too? RIGHT NOW! Or will sipping that super-serum just make me huge? And why are their shorts so short anyway!?”Well, I doubt we’ll ever have the answer to that last question, but the good news is that I have since found out what all the hype about ‘protein shakes’ is really about.Sticking true to form and staying away from the highly processed and engineered versions (like those in my original image) nowadays, I’m happily filing my protein shaker with all sorts of wondrous health foods and putting my own girlie touch on this once testosterone dominated activity of shake sipping.If you’ve been in need of a good clean product to buy to help out pre/post workout, or for a quick snack (or mini meal) on the go (remember though, nothing will ever beat whole fresh foods!) below is a short list of my faves.I’ve included a couple of recipes to get you started and added in a little info on macronutrients and prices where possible (if you have an amazing protein powder that you think we’d love, let me know and I’ll test it out and find a cool recipe to add it to!). 

Ezy Rice Protein (the chocolate flavour)

This is a rice based protein and is certified organic, gluten and dairy free and vegan friendly! It’s got a chalky kind of texture, but if you’re used to the taste and feel of ‘health foods’, you won’t mind at all. I like it just on its own in water.Per 100gEnergy- 388calProtein- 80gCarbs- 12gFat- 2gPrice- $69.95 

Sun Warrior (vanilla flavour)

Another vegan friendly product (and one of Libby's faves), this is great in water or you could try mixing the vanilla flavor with orange juice and freezing it for ice-creamy protein treats!Per 100gEnergy- 350calProtein- 80gCarbs- 5gFat- 5gPrice- $69.95 

Garden of Life

Yep, another gluten free, dairy free, vegan happy protein! (getting the gist?)This one is the taste of ‘health’. It’s good mixed in with smoothie ingredients and if you don't want to order it onine, GoVita on Oxford Street (Sydney) stock it.One of my favourite ways with this gem is:

• ¼ - ½ an avocado
• ½ tablespoon of maca powder
• small handful of cashews
• ½ a small banana
• honey to taste (or stevia!)
• teaspoon of spirulina powder
• handful of ice
• Plus your serve of protein powder

All in the blender and off you go!Per 100gEnergy- 400calProtein- 82gCarbs- 14gFat- 5g 

Nuzest

This is a new one on the market. It’s a plant-based protein and full of all sorts of goodness. Only thing to note is, those peeps with less-than-amazing skin shouldn’t go too hard with pea proteins (occasionally can cause an inflammatory acne response if you’re already prone to big breakouts). Bonus for any coffee lovers - creamy cappuccino flavour!Per 100 g (creamy cappuccino)Energy- 373calProtein- 80gCarbs- 6gFat- 1.6gPrice - $42 (500g) 

180 Nutrition

Lots of nutrients, low GI, high fiber, high protein, packed with extra superfood ingredients and gluten free. It’s a winner!Per 100 g (Original Formula)Energy- 425calProtein- 44gCarbs- 21gFat- 22gPrice - $69.95 (1.5kg) 

Mirrabooka

This is a good clean whey protein AND it’s gluten free (obviously, gluten free isn’t essential for everyone. But the fact that it is GF means we can all have a taste). This one makes my superfood smoothies taste even better.Particularly with:

• 3 x dates
• Big handful of blueberries
• ¼ - ½ an avocado
• Pinch of stevia
• Tablespoon of chia seeds
• Handful of ice
• Mirrabooka protein

Blend(-er) away!!!Per 100gEnergy- 380calProtein- 81gCarbs- 5gFat- 6gPrice- $159.95  (3kg) 

Juice Plus Complete

This is a product I’m seriously interested in trying.  It’s currently on its way to my house for tasting, mixing, blending, shaking and judging! Stay tuned!