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I’m all about eating a healthy well balanced diet but as a busy working wife and mom of two boys it can be really difficult to do sometimes. One way I make sure I get a balanced “meal” when I’m in a hurry to get out the door, or if I know I’ll be out and about all day is by drinking protein shakes.

I think sometimes people think protein powder is just for before or after a workout but that’s not the case. They’re a great quick meal and there are so many varieties on the market today that you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. Maybe you want high protein or low carb and maybe you’re like me in that it has to also taste delicious. My husband will eat or drink almost anything if it’s good for you but I’m all about taste and texture. There is no way you will find me drinking a protein shake that doesn’t taste good.

Another great thing about protein powders is that they’re always good to have on hand. It doesn’t matter if you live in the gym or prefer to get your exercise in outdoors, protein powder will give your body what it needs to fuel you when you need it. With the change in our weather many outdoor fitness lovers like myself find themselves having to transition to working out indoors. It doesn’t matter where or how you get your exercise in, having a protein powder handy will just ensure your body’s getting the right fuel.

Whey Protein

Kaizen whey-Optimized.jpgOne of the most popular protein varieties on the market is whey protein. Whey protein is derived from milk. It’s formed during cheese making and is the liquid remaining after cheese is made.

Kaizen has a great line of protein powders and what I love most about their products is that they use New Zealand whey which means it comes from grass fed cows. Protein powder provides your body with energy, helps you feel full longer, regulates metabolic processes and helps to repair bones, cells and muscle tissue.

Kaizen has been mine and my husbands go to protein powder for years so I speak from experience when I say it’s one of the best tasting protein powders I’ve tried. It also mixes really easily so it’s great for on the go when you don’t have a blender and are using the good old shake method to mix it up.

Vegan Protein

kaizen vegan.jpgEating a balanced diet is really important to keep our bodies healthy and full of energy. Eating a vegan diet is picking up in popularity and I’ve been really impressed at the variety of vegan proteins I’ve been seeing in stores. Kaizen has done a really great job at combining 6 plant based proteins such as hemp, chia, brown rice, potato, quinoa, and pea protein to get a complete protein. I don’t eat a strict vegan diet but I do occasionally use a vegan protein because of their high iron content which is something I sometimes don’t get enough of from foods alone.

brown rice protein-Optimized.jpgAnother great vegan option is a brown rice protein like this North Coast Naturals Brown Rice Protein Powder. It’s organic, gmo-free and vegan all in one. It’s also the least allergenic of all plant based proteins which would be perfect for anyone who has a lot of diet restrictions due to allergies or food sensitivities.

 

Protein powders on the whole are a great addition to anyone’s daily diet. Depending on the one you choose, they can help ensure you get enough proteins, vitamins and minerals each day. I also love that they can easily be incorporated into baking to help give your muffins and cookies a little healthy boost.

You can find a great variety of protein powders at bestbuy.ca.

Main image @ www.drnibber.com

Lindsey Reed
I am a mom of two boys who loves reading and trail runs. I am passionate about health, fitness and food and write about these topics and more on my personal blog www.organicfitnesstips.net.