Nov 16 2011
Protein
This is the protein powder that I have started to use on a daily basis as part of my muscle building diet. I only use this when I am trying to build muscle.
Keep in mind that when I am trying to lean down, I make sure that all of my protein comes from whole food sources, meaning I do not use a protein powder during that phase.
What I personally like about this particular protein powder is that it is made from raw, plant-based, whole foods. I like that it tastes great. I like how it makes me feel.
It is an easily digestible, nutrient-dense superfood. It is exceptionally high in glutamic acid, arginine, leucine, and branched chain amino acids. It doesn’t have any sugar; not even naturally occurring from whole foods like fruits. It doesn’t contain excessive fruits like some other ‘super food’ protein powders or meal replacement shakes.
Buy the same nutrition products as me:
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PROTEIN Get your protein here |
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SUPER GREENS Get your super greens here |
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Peanut Butter Get your PB2 here |
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EGG WHITES Get your egg whites here |
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Tea Get your tea here |
The Importance of Protein:
Protein intake is a key factor in accelerating muscle development. Sometimes it is extremely challenging to get the protein your body needs with the right timing. Sunwarrior protein is great because it is convenient and it is a non-soy plant based protein that also has a complete amino acid profile.
Amino Acid Profile:
Ingredients and Nutritional Data:
It is made from raw, sprouted, whole grain brown rice.
While I am “off season” and building muscle, I jump start my metabolism every morning with this protein and a glass of water to help sculpt and define muscle. I also have a scoop before and after a workout. It mixes up into a really smooth texture. I love to add it to almond milk, 100% pasteurized liquid egg whites, coffee, or even just a bit of water.
Keep in mind that whole food sources are always best, this is just to supplement your already very healthy diet. The majority of your protein should come from whole foods.
Pros of Sunwarrior Protein:
Here’s the basic points of awesomeness about this protein powder:
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100% Raw Vegan
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83% Pure Protein
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Complete Amino Acid Profile
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Hypoallergenic
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Non-GMO
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Soy Free
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Lactose Free
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Gluten Free
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Easily Digestible
I highly recommend this protein powder. I have tried other raw, vegan powders as well, like Garden of Life, Vega, Warrior Power, and Nutribiotic. This is my personal favorite.
I used to use Muscle Milk and although I must admit that Muscle Milk tastes delicious, I personally had increased sugar cravings while I used it compared to when I use Sunwarrior. I feel fuller when I use Sunwarrior, but without any stomach upset. I also don’t get as hungry.
Also, Sunwarrior protein has about half the calories in each scoop, but still has the same amount of protein.
If you are currently using a whey protein powder or soy protein powder, try this one for a few days instead and see if you notice a difference.
Have you tried this protein? Did you like it? Tell me in the comments!
Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments. Don’t be shy! Your comments may help to inspire another. Your questions may help someone else who has the exact same question, but is too shy to ask. I love hearing from you!
Apr 04, 2012 @ 11:27:52
Hi Cori! What would you suggest if I was still trying to get lean but wanted to use a protein powder in my shakes or added to food (oatmeal). I’m sorry if this is a silly question or does not make sense! It looks like you cut it out completely when you are only trying to get lean instead of building muscle. I’m trying to do both at the same time….
THANK U!
Apr 04, 2012 @ 22:57:01
Patty, that’s a hard question because I don’t recommend protein powders when you are trying to lose. That is precisely why I take them out of my own diet when I’m trying to lose body fat. When I am trying to lose body fat I only eat whole, natural foods. An alternative to protein powder during a fat loss goal would be to use pasteurized liquid egg whites (http://bpm.tv/gear/egg-whites).
Protein powders are broken down differently in your body, when compared to whole foods, so they’re not optimal when you are trying to lose body fat.
If you are vegan (or vegetarian), protein powders and supplementation will be a necessity in order to get in enough protein, but it still really is not optimal.
Here’s why:
When you consume whole foods, your body goes through a complete process of digestion. I’m not really talking about your typical “stomach to intestine” digestion. That’s just a small part of it. I’m talking about getting the nutrients to the cells where they can actually do something. When you consume whole foods, your body has to work for it’s nutrients. It’s like a lioness who needs to stalk, chase, catch, and kill it’s own prey.
When you digest protein powder, your body doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s like a sloth that just hangs out and has his monkey friends feed him ground up leaves.
That is precisely why I use protein powders when I’m trying to gain. I don’t want any extra energy wasted on silly things like digesting food and breaking it up into nutrients.
Conversely, when I’m trying to lose body fat, I want every last little bit of extra energy used up. I want my body to learn to be efficient by making it work hard for everything. I want to squeeze every last little drop of energy out of it, so I don’t use protein powders since that would make my body a lazy sloth when it comes to breaking down protein.
It just isn’t the same process inside your body.
I know it’s a hard idea to wrap your head around because it’s so different from what a lot of marketing companies tell you, but it really is the process within your body that matters the most.
You create, train, and fine tune that process through what foods you eat, how you cook your food (or don’t cook your food), how often you eat, and even in what order you eat your food (veggies first, then protein, then carbs… always). The little things matter. Fine tuning that process is the secret to losing body fat while you retain muscle.
I know it’s not the answer you probably wanted to hear. Sorry for being the bearer of bad news.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 02:34:36
Cori I really love your posts! Your blog is so detailed and informative, it shows that you are passionate about fitness for sure! Well I had not thought about the whole food vs protein powder before. I understand where you are coming from now completely about wanting to make your body ‘work’ for its protein by giving it whole foods. I always thought it was better to consume the shake than food to ‘build muscle’ just like you said, but I have always had fat loss goals that were always paramount to muscle building. I feel like I’ve been doing something wrong all along now! Regardless, I think I will use protein powder only when its convenient and will definitely try to use whole foods predominantly! Thanks…
Sep 10, 2012 @ 10:12:04
Hey Cori!
What are your thoughts/suggestions for post work outs while you are trying to LOSE body fat?
You don’t recommend protein powders (which makes complete sense) but I feel like post work out I want to deliver the protein in a liquid form so my muscles and cells can get it quickly, while they are open and receptive to receiving nutrients?
An egg white smoothie or something?!
Love to hear your thoughts!
M
Sep 10, 2012 @ 10:39:46
It’s actually the carbs and the water that help to push the benefits of protein into your cells. The best thing to do is to make sure you have healthy faster acting carbs and adequate water along with the protein of your choice. When I say healthy faster acting carb I’m talking about potatoes instead of sweet potatoes, or rice… Maybe even a peice of fruit if that works for you.
Every body is a little different. Fruit doesn’t work well for me. Eggs also don’t work well after a work out for me because my body burns through them too fast.
Try a few different combinations and journal how you feel after.
I have found what works best for me after a workout is potatoes or rice and either chicken or red meat. Fish is another option, but my body burns through that really fast too so that only works if I’m planning to eat again 1 to 2 hours later and only if I eat about 2 to 4 additional ounces of fish as opposed to chicken or red meat.
This is where journaling and noting your hunger, cravings and energy level really helps.
No matter what… I recommend solid food after a work out, not a smoothie. You need to feel full and satisfied. Your post workout meal should also be a little higher in each macronutrient.