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Designer Whey Protein + WIAW

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I eat a lot of protein.

Oh?  You didn’t notice? 😉

My primary source of protein comes from fish and meat, but I do use protein powders.  After yesterday’s supplements post, I realized I needed to address protein powder too.

I have started religiously having a serving a whey protein after each workout, and it’s really made a difference in muscle development.  My current favorite is Designer Whey.  I received an awesome package from Designer Whey through the Fitfluential Ambassador program to review.  As always, all opinions are my OWN.

Designer Whey protein review

Their whey powders are delicious.  I’d never tried a White Chocolate powder before, and this is my new favorite.  It’s not too sweet or “fake” tasting.  In addition to the fantastic taste, it blends well.  In my meal 5 today I used it without anything creamy (like Greek yogurt).  It blended in with my carrots without the slightest hint or grit or chalk.  Nutritionally, they are awesome as well.  Low in sugar, low in sodium, and high in protein.  It also contains calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

Next were the bars.  I loved the taste – especially the Peanut Butter Crunch.  A lot.  I do wish they were lower sugar and higher in protein, but appreciate that they don’t use a lot of “mystery” sweeteners that you see in SO many lower sugar bars.  I loved it as a quick punch of energy before hitting the gym!

Designer Whey protein bar review

I’ve been experimenting a lot with the Designer Whey powders in recipes.  I have one today that I’m in LOVE with (see meal 1), and I’m working on a new microwave cake… I just have to figure out how to prevent the microwave explosion.  Tasty, but messy.

As soon as I can quit eating the powders, I’ll review the drink mix.  Can I use it with vodka? 😉

This WIAW Jenn is going green!  I love my veggies.  Despite being a protein whore, I make sure to have a fruit or veggie at every meal.  The proof is in my eats today!

WIAW GOES GREEN

Check out my 7 veggie-laced, protein-filled meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how everyone else is green-ing up their food this month!

Meal 1:

As always, I began my day with a cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Aminos).

In addition to White Chocolate protein powder, my other latest addiction is whipped cottage cheese.  I’d gotten on the kick a few weeks ago, but forgot about it until I made Monday’s Everything Bagel Schmear.  That creation lead me to the solution for the problem I was having with THIS creation.

Fail

#fail

The problem with the first experiments was the “cream” was more of a sauce.  I had been trying to make it with a mix of protein powder and Greek yogurt, which became too thin when the warm berries were added.  By using whipped cottage cheese, the mixture stayed creamy!

Balsamic Strawberries and Cream 1

If you’ve never had strawberries and balsamic, you are missing out.  My balsamic is a thick, aged variety from Italy, but you can reduce a standard balsamic to thicken it and achieve the same syrup-y richness.  That tang with the sweet berries is not to be missed!

I also added chia seeds, cinnamon, fresh nutmeg, and a bit of lemon stevia.  Nutmeg and lemon stevia aren’t common ingredients, but if you have them on hand I urge you to use them.  If not, try a ground nutmeg and a couple drops of lemon juice.  It takes the flavors to a whole new level!

Meal 2:

Some call it a rut.  I call it delicious.  More salmon and fruit has become a meal 2 staple.  Last week’s curry salmon was so good I did it again this week.  On Sunday night (food prep time) I coat a large piece of salmon with lime juice and curry power, then roast it in the oven for ~12 mins on 375.

Mixed with grapes and raw pepitas (again).

Curried Salmon and Grape Salad

Meal 3:

Lunch is another recipe I cannot wait to share… but I will.  Mostly because I really hate editing pictures, so I’ve procrastinated too long to share it today.  It’s a new, healthy version of the Spaghetti Pie my mom used to make when I was growing up.  I ate it for lunch with a side of cucumber slices.

I took it to Starbucks where I spent the afternoon working.  Shameless.

Spaghetti Pie

After lunch I drank my green tea with a little dessert surprise.  They have a new carrot muffin, and the barista brought around samples for the patrons.

It’s delicious.  Probably loaded with sugar.

Starbucks Carrot muffin

Meal 4:

This snack was also taken in to Starbucks.  Tuna salad mixed with celery, cauliflower, red onion, coconut vinegar, and Brown Beer Hummus.  No one seemed upset by the tuna smell. 

Tuna Salad

Meal 5:

Another meal on the go.  I had a leg appointment with my trainer before dinner, so I took my whey creation with my to the gym.  372 calories later, I inhaled this.  It’s a repeat… but I love it.  Carrot Cake Overnight (Over-afternoon?) Oats:

Carrot Cake Whey Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 scoop French Vanilla Designer Whey
  • 1/4 C raw oatmeal
  • 5 g creatine
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • Water (just enough to mix the powder… maybe 3 T?)

Mix, let soak for at least an hour to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.  Enjoy!

Meal 6:

After I got home (it’s a 40 min drive), I was hungry again.  Leg day leaves me ravenous!

This came together really quickly thanks to my Sunday  meal prep.  This Mexican-ish bowl had a crumbled turkey burger (pre-cooked with Mexican spices), spinach, parsnip “rice,” salsa, and an eggplant chip on the side.

Healthy Mexican Bowl

Meal 7:

My Greek yogurt addiction is still going strong.  This bowl was the perfect end to the day.  It’s hard to believe it was healthy!

I mixed my Greek with cinnamon and peanut flour (purchased from iHerb – use code USO924 for a discount) and a little stevia.  The toppings are banana, cacao nibs, coconut shreds, cocoa powder sauce (cocoa powder + liquid + stevia), and a crumbled Nutty Quinoa Fuel Bar.

PB + Banana Greek Yogurt Bowl

Balsamic Strawberries and White Chocolate Cream

Balsamic Strawberries & White Chocolate Cream

  • 1 Ezekial english muffin (or other bread)
  • 1/4 C no-salt cottage cheese
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 scoop White Chocolate Designer Whey
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract
  • 3-4 drops lemon liquid stevia
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 C strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp aged (or reduced) balsamic vinegar

Toast english muffin and set aside on a plate.

In a small blender, mix cottage cheese, chia seeds, and milk until desired level of “smooth” is reached.  Add liquid as needed.

Stir in protein powder, cinnamon, extract, stevia, and nutmeg.

In a small pan, saute strawberries and balsamic until warmed and becoming soft, ~2-3 mins.

Top the toast with protein cream and berries.  Enjoy!

***

The protein count for the day: 157.9g. Other good news: I went for my annual at my Dr. (ladies, you know the one), and I’ve gained 7 lbs since last year!!!  That’s muscle.  Woot!

What is your favorite way to get more greens in your diet?

Do you use protein powder?  What is your favorite?

Comments

  2. I bet I eat more protein than yoU! LOL!! Yes, it is now a competition, LMFAO! JK! On a more serious note, my goodness do you get all Martha Stewart CREATIVE with your protein powder!!

  4. Agreed about strawberries and balsamic- SO good..even better when feta is thrown in the mix! Although I rarely use protein powder anymore, I am a fan of Sunwarrior or Dynatize Natural!

  8. You eat a lot of protein? I never noticed… jk! I always admire how you get your protein from different sources all the time and that you always switch things up and try new flavors and combos of flavors. It totally inspires me. 🙂 As for protein powder… I use it.. but not regularly LOL.

    • Isn’t it awesome?! Please let me know if you do make this – would love feedback!

  11. I’ve heard of balsamic strawberries but I’ve never tried them. Must get on that soon! Congrats on the muscle gain!

    • Isn’t it? Balsamic and cherries is good too – I have a chickpea salad recipe with that combo somewhere on here…

  17. OK I’m dying for the spaghetti pie recipe, dying over the Mexican bowl, dying over the strawberries and balsamic…. “i die”

    Favorite way to sneak greens into my diet is either spinach smoothies or taking zucchini/squash and grating it into dishes like pasta or rice. You can’t taste it but the nutrition is totally there!

    • LOL! The pie is coming tomorrow! 🙂

      I need to grate some squash into pasta… I always use it alone as noodles but I like the carbs too.

  19. I always love all the protein-filled meals you can put together! Impressive.
    Haha, I like the idea of adding it to vodka;) My kind of girl.
    My favorite protein is probably peanut flour. I actually am not a huge protein lover.

  20. Yum i love balsamic and strawberries together – tastes like heaven!
    That spaghetti pie looks delicious as well!! In fact all your food does hehe; at least your tuna didn’t offend anyone! I always get worried when I take tuna for my lunch..I try and open it sneakily ahaha!

    • Ha! The only time I really got a comment was when I brought sea bass to work. Whoops.

  21. hmm… I have never taken food INTO a food establishment. I have walked out of my favorite bar with full cocktails, is that sort of the same? 😉 this was back way long ago, and I lived within walking distance of work AND my favorite bar. I always brought the glasses back…

    strawberries and balsamic – that is a fantastic combination for sure. I cannot wait for the spaghetti pie, have been waiting since I first saw the photo…

    • Ha! I’ve been there, too… and I didn’t return the glasses. Shhhhh…

      Pie tomorrow!!!

    • It’s just 40 mins to my trainer’s gym. My local gym is a 5 min walk, and work is 15 mins drive… but yeah, I work from home a lot. 🙂

  24. I must say, until now, I had no interest in Designer Whey. But- this post changes my mind! I want to try the white chocolate- and the bars! All of your food looks so delicious- I just love the way your mind thinks. Can we open a cafe together (in Boulder of course)? Strange But Good Cafe?

    • I’m always skeptical when I start seeing something EVERYWHERE…. but this really is good. My trainer told me when it frist came out it wasn’t good, but they must have re-formulated because it’s legit tasty!

      I’m really liking that idea… Strange But Good Delights? Hee hee.

  26. Damn you and your crazy delicious creations. I want this protein powder now! So also damn my lack of ability to buy it.

    Also, it’s funny how different kitchens can be; growing up, nutmeg was very common for me!

    • You should order some! I’ve seen it as low at $12.99 on bodybuilding.com. 😉

      Nutmeg isn’t terribly uncommon here, but grating it fresh is rare. So much bette than the pre-ground though!

  30. Honestly – you are so friggin creative with the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You & a few others should collaborate on a book!! I will hire you & Sarah & a few others if I ever win the lotto! 🙂

    • Thank you, Jody! I’d love to do a book one day… but I hate taking pictures… 😉

  32. Greek yogurt with peanut flour and stevia is really good.
    I like the Growing Naturals rice protein powder, I had a protein drink with water/almond milk and almond milk ice cubes today that was good. I think I read about it on your blog and its my favorite, first powder I’ve really liked. I don’t buy whey powders and I don’t like any that have pea protein. The Growing Naturals Chocolate Power is great, I’m thinking of trying the Vanilla Blast, have you tried that one?

    • I love Growing Natruals for a rice-based powder. Their chocolate is the BEST! I haven’t tried the vanilla, but a friend of mine says it’s good!

  37. That recipe looks really good! Never would have thought of adding protein powder to cottage cheese.

    I CANNOT wait for your spaghetti pie recipe. My mom used to make it when I was a kid and I loved it, but as an adult wasn’t thrilled with the nutritional value. Yay!

    • Thank you, Alex! I mix it in cottage cheese all the time – makes for a great “dessert.”

      Spaghetti pie is coming tomorrow! 🙂

  40. Fabulous recipes!! I can’t wait to try them all. Another idea for the balsamic and strawberry would be to use a strawberry infused balsamic or any other fruit flavor. I have this amazing Stawberry and Peach White Balsamic vinegar from “Oliv” that I slather on everything. They are based in Scottsdale but you can get it on their website. And there’s no extra sugar added which is important to me!

  42. I am so glad my power is back and now I can perhaps get a little experimental in the ktichen with some more dairy-free whips! Tofu gets a little too runny as well, but I find that once it has been in the fridge for a bit, it thickens back up. I am totally making what I am about to say up, but maybe the cottage cheese stays think because you are just breaking down the curds, rather than whipping in air or releasing water or something? I have no idea. This is when you need xantham or guar gum. 🙂

    (Sigh) We will have to find out where Chobani is stashing their breakfast yogurt when we get to Blend. I only like it at night. [I think something about eating it and then going to bed not only is delicious, doesn’t jostle my stomach in an ‘I hate lactose’ way.]

    • I think your theory sounds plausible! And yes to the gums… I was trying to make it so that it only had basic ingredients… apparently xanthan isn’t something “normal” people keep around. Go figure.

      We can make finding their stash a mission. I want to dress up and put on eye black! Mission: Strange.

  43. Balsamic and strawberries 0.0 I’ve never tried it before but I now will 🙂

    As for veggies I’m really just into salads. Nothing beats a salad the size of my head. Green smoothies are nice too 😛

  44. Yum that all looks so delicious!! How is the peanut flour?? I’ve been thinking about getting some but wanted some opinions on it before I went ahead and got some. Also the balsamic strawberries sounds delicious!! Can’t wait to give it a try!

    • Thanks! I adore peanut flour – definitely my favorite discovery. I order it here: http://www.iherb.com/. My discount code is USO924. It’s good for $5-10 off your first order! Let me know if you try it!

  46. Ok, so I guess I started reading this last week, but got distracted or something because for SOME REASON I never made it past the balsamic strawberries…and now I’m KICKING MYSELF for finishing off the last of my frozen stash this morning! Damn!

    I’ve never tried the Designer Whey line…mainly because when I worked at GNC it was one of “those brands” always making the *insert eye roll* promises to women to give them gorgeous bodies…oh, and protein too! 😉 But seriously, your review is the second one I’ve seen in the last week and I think I’m pretty much convinced that they’ve grown up a bit! The entire line seems to have gone through a bit of an overhaul…and I’m definitely liking the fact that they have BCAAs in them now…you know, for that day that I FINALLY can get back in the gym! As of right now….I swear I can FEEL my muscle tissue leaving my body and implanting into the couch cushions! 🙁

    You just reminded me that I need to check out that recipe for your quinoa bars! At first glance, I totally thought it was bacon “sprinkles”! 😉 Oh and yeah, I’ve been on a total pepita kick lately…can’t believe I forgot how good they are…they’re like butter…butter NUTS! Lol

    • It funny you say that – my trainer had tried DW back in the day and didn’t like it. I guess they re-formulated because it’s really good now! I actually used the last of the white chocolate tonight. Sad.

      You WILL get your strength back in no-time. Muscle memory!

      You are my hero for thinking of the bacon sprinkles term. And now butter nuts. Hahaha!

Trackbacks

  1. […] probably her I have to blame for my carrot obsession.  Oatmeals, shakes, protein batters, overnight oats… I put carrot in […]

  2. […]  I brought my old favorite to the gym.  Carrot Cake Protein Batter.  Made with french vanilla Designer Whey and topped with brown rice crispies.  After 100 hack squats, I would have eaten my first.  But […]

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