Are all Protein Powders created equal?

There are so many protein powders out there these days and its important to distinguish the good ones from the bad.  After a hard workout, added to a smoothie, or as a meal replacement many of us choose to throw in a scoop of whey protein along with fruits, juices, yogurts, etc...The fact of the matter is that they are not all created equal and picking the right one from the large selection out there can sometimes be very confusing.  Dr. Mercola from http://www.mercola.com/ has written many articles on this subject and I think its important to point out some highlights.   "Picking the right form of whey protein can make all the difference in how you feel.   As we age our bodies loses their ability to produce critical amino acids -- the essential proteins you need for energy production, immune actions and protein buildup in the muscle. Therefore, the need to supplement with these amino acids increases as you get older and increases even more in times of high physical stress, like after a workout, or when recovering from injury or illness."  This is where a good whey protein can come in.  Whey protein contains all the essential amino acids. Plus it boasts the highest protein quality rating among all proteins. Thus, it is a complete protein. 
 
Benefits include:  

• Supports your immune health
• Boosts your energy
• Supports your joint and muscle health
• Supports your beneficial gut bacteria
• Promotes your muscle strength, endurance and recovery
• Protects all your tissues' cells via its antioxidant properties
• Provides critical amino acids and proteins for overall optimal health
• Supports your body's optimal metabolic rate and fat burning level

Many commercially-available whey protein powders are significantly damaged and nutritionally deficient due to over-processing and because the original source of the whey is compromised.  Some popular leading brands of protein powder may contain dangerous levels of heavy metals. A recent Consumer Reports’ test showed that 3 of the 15 protein drinks tested contained risky levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead. (for link to article go to http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/what-our-tests-found/index.htm ).

 

Do yourself a favor and make sure you're buying a whey protein powder that has all the right qualities.

 

Personally, I enjoy drinking my Isagenix Isalean shakes that are made with whey protein powder.  There is no better way for me to begin my day or finish a hard workout than with an amazing, yummy and cold protein shake.


Isagenix has made it their business to come up with a shake that is undenatured (not heated so nutrients remain in tact).  The whey comes from cows that are grass-fed on crops that contain no herbicides or pesticides.  They come in two flavors, Isalean vanilla and chocolate which are meal replacement shakes containing 23 grams of protein each and are complete balanced meal and then Isapro which is just a protein source and great for athletes or individuals who are trying to add more protein to their diet.  Both are great for weight loss and the Isapro has helped many get over the weight-loss plateaus.  Other benefits include:

• May support increased energy*
• Highest quality of amino acids
• Exclusive source of whey and casein protein
• Supports digestive health*
• Low lactose
• Zero trans fats
• No artificial flavors
• Gluten-Free
• Wheat-Free 

The shakes also contains Ionic Alfalfa™, which is a proprietary blend of 70 super-charged minerals, trace minerals and alfalfa juice. Active enzymes in each serving helps maximize the absorption of key nutrients.

I'll say it, I think they are AMAZING!  It's going to be 2 years in August and I can tell you that there has not been many days that I haven't had atleast one shake (not including my cleanse days of course).  For more information on the shakes click on this link.
http://www.isagenix.com/us/us/en/isaleanshake_new.dhtml#videoBox
Most clients have been known to say they miss their shakes if they don't have one.  I couldn't agree more!

As with anything make good choices when it comes to your nutrition.  What you put in your body matters.  As I always say, your body is a miracle if you give it what it needs.

For more information on the products and to contact me about them go to:
http://danaappelyoung.isagenix.com/

Getting to and Maintaining a Healthy Weight

For most of my clients and most people these days getting to a healthy weight can be a struggle but also maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge. Living a healthy lifestyle is hard work so making informed decisions about nutrition is so important. It's about lifestyle changes, making good food choices and of course keeping the balance between enjoying food but not going overboard and overeating. What works for one client doesn't always work for the next but the overall plan can be simple. The support that you get from me can be so important especially at the beginning of your journey to health as it's so much easier to slip back into your comfort zone.


What has made my practice even better is having Isagenix to fall back on with so many of my clients. I have put almost 100 people on the products in the last year and the results speak for themselves. The testimonials are endless. From the weight loss and inches lost, the structure that is so needed at the beginning and the energy they feel from all the great ingredients in the products. Every story is amazing!

I've taken many on tours of Whole Foods to help them see what other foods they can be trying and spent time with one on one sessions supporting them through this time. My program is less about specific meal plans but more about introducing them to healthier options and opening their eyes to what is out there. I want to coach them through whatever struggles they have to get them to where they want to be.

Not only is there an emphasis on Nutrition but also on getting them into a regular exercise program that works for them (or restructuring one for some who are stuck in one that isn't working anymore).  I have seen so many clients going from not working out at all to suddenly spending 4-6 days a week in the gym. Suddenly after feeding their bodies the right foods the desire to be at the gym becomes stronger. It's less about being a personal trainer and more about being a workout partner. It's about teaching them about all the different equipment and changing their routine. It is also about actually getting on the machine next to them, keeping them company and doing the work with them if needed.

There are so many tools needed to maintain a healthy weight. Start by finding friends and family to support you, educating yourself, writing things down in a food journal, and most of all being committed to make the changes for good.

For the next couple of weeks my goal is to blog more. I want the information out there with regards to Isagenix and so much more. I am almost at my 2 year anniversary with Isagenix products myself. I myself made the decision to make Isagenix a part of my life and it has certainly helped me maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. That coupled with making healthy choices and exercising regularly and I feel great. Let me help you get there as well.

For more information check out my Contact page on my website at http://www.amazingnewday.com/.