Lately it seems all of my friends are moving to Colorado.
For reasons that are not hemp-related.
I want to move to Colorado too – not for the recent legalization, but for the healthy vibe people have and the amazing skiing. In the meantime, I’ll gladly enjoy my hemp down here in Georgia thanks to Onnit.
Onnit sent over an awesome package of their hemp-based products for me to try out via a FitFluential campaign. (FYI: hemp will not get you high and it won’t cause you to fail a drug test). I received Onnit’s Hemp FORCE in Cocoa-Maca and Vanilla-Acai, the Walnut Almond Cashew & Macadamia Cacao Cherry Nut Butters, and a canister of Earth Grown Nutrients.
I’d been lucky enough to meet a couple of the Onnit team members and try them out at the Blend Retreat last year. Their Walnut Almond Cashew Nut Butter left a lasting impression (I may have absconded with a jar).
Needless to say, I didn’t waste anytime devouring opening that jar. It was fabulous atop a #strangebutgood protein cake for breakfast! This creation was based on the protein loaf Debbie linked up.
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My favorite was the Coca Maca. I live for chocolate. I mean… it’s all about the health benefits! Cocoa in antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It’s even thought to relax sore muscles. Many of you know about maca already; it helps boost the endocrine system and libido.
I’ve been using a scoop mixed with almond milk and a little cinnamon in healthy desserts. I mix it together in a teeny bowl and microwave it for 10-12 seconds to make a hot, fudg-y topping.
This one was particularly good – sweet potato cubes, a diced Arctic Zero ice cream bar, and the aforementioned hot fudge. Strange? Yes. Good? Most definitely.
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The Vanilla-Acai protein powder surprised me. I’m normally not a big fan of fruity-protein powders but this one had a fantastic taste – not fake or processed.
I couldn’t resist making a #strangebutgood combo with it (recipe at the bottom). It has tofu in it. Don’t freak out. If you’ve ever tried my Carrot Cake Batter Shake, you know that tofu makes for an amazingly thick ‘n creamy smoothie. Besides texture, I added it here for the extra protein. The only downside to this protein powder is that a serving is only 15g of protein.
Vanilla Acai Protein Smoothie (Bowl)
- 1 serving (3 scoops) Onnit Vanilla Acai Hemp Protein Powder
- 3 oz tofu
- 1 C spinach
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 in piece fresh ginger
- Ice and water, to taste
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender (I use a Vitamx) and blend until smooth.
Transfer to a cup or bowl, top as desired, and enjoy!
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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂
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Don’t take my word for it – try it for yourself here using coupon code FitFood10 for 10% off any Onnit product!
Do you like hemp? (The protein. Don’t incriminate yourself. 😉 )
What’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten this week?
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
I do like hemp protein (and tofu in my smoothies!). The Walnut Almond Cashew sounds amazing.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I’m ONNIT!
But do I seriously need any more hemp in my life? LMFAO!
Laura says
I can’t even imagine you on hemp… 😉
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
I’ve never tried hemp protein and have been curious about Onnit since Blend last year. I’m not sure why I didn’t try it then? Anyhow, sounds delicious!
Laura says
You should have! They were making awesome smoothies! Wonder if they’re coming back…
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
oh my gee my friend….what is going on with us. Twinning AGAIN.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I absolutely love that Onnit! Soo good right????!?!
Cat says
If it’s good enough for Joe Rogan it’s good enough for me! I actually really like the taste of hemp protein but it’s that coco maca stuff that I’m eyeing up… I’m pretty sure I could bathe in that
Laura says
It might give you an odd color… but definitely good enough to roll around in. 😉
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
The flavors alone are enough to make me hungry. Yum!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
We actually have a Denver office, and I could totally take an all expense paid trip there. I’d have to work during normal business hours but my nights and weekend would be free. I keep meaning to schedule something because I hear so many good things about Colorado.
Laura says
Sooooo why aren’t you there right now? Lucky!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I don’t actually know anybody in Denver, so you’d have to meet me there. 😉
Laura says
You don’t know Heather?!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
Not really no, although I suspect Blend is going to change that. 🙂
lindsay says
i love onnit! yes, blend got me hooked! and they are local… which you should be too! come work for them here!!!!
Laura says
I tried to hit them up last year!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Sounds good to me! I like the TJ’s brand hemp protein powder, chocolate, of course!
Laura says
I’ve never tried TJs protein. They’re right down the street and I don’t ever go!
Amanda @runtothefinish says
A. I am so working on the CO move.
B. I love the chocolate hemp powder for making sweet potato dessert
C…..umm I’m out..happy friday!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i have GOT to get my hands on that macadamia cacao cherry!!
Kierston says
I love the addition of toFU!
Alex @ therunwithin says
gosh I wish they sold the arctic zero bars near me, I can’t find them anywhere.
Laura says
I’ve only found them once. They’re like unicorns.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Walnut Almond Cashew Nut Butter? YUM. I like hemp seeds in my refrigerator special lunches. I like the sort of nutty flavor they have.
Laura says
I’ve been eating them on everything lately! You’re right on with the nutty flavor; I love the texture add too.
Morganne @ NutButterRunner says
YUM! This sounds amazing! Vanilla Acai sounds like such a great flavor that could definitely be versatile!
Lee says
I’ve only really had hemp hearts in some recipe, but I liked them.
Tina Muir says
Haahahah! I know this is the first thing you mentioned, but I still get so scared of hemp as an athlete as I do get drug tested from time to time. I cant get over the idea of it being….well hemp! I need to confront this fear….its just my running career means so much to me that its hard to get my head around it! Does look good though!
Laura says
Hahaha! I don’t think it shows as a drug. 😉
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
That Macadamia Cacao Cherry Nut Butter has me so intrigued! It sounds so fantastic! As does your Vanilla Acai Protein Smoothie!
Lyric says
That sweet potato combo sounds heavenly. I like hemp seeds but Ive never tried hemp protein. I guess they’re basically the same. I toss em in smoothies for a little extra staying power!
Laura says
Thanks! It’s a little different in that it’s more concentrated to get a significant amount of protein, but still has that delicious nutty taste to it. 🙂
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
I wish you were one of my friends moving to Colorado! 🙂 I have looked at this protein powder before and would probably try this if I were looking for a new one!
Laura says
Didn’t you try it at Blend last year? I still have my favorite protein, but I like to keep a variety on hand. I’m moody like that. 😉
Jody - Fit at 56 says
I have tried hemp seeds & love. I so wanted to get on this campaign just for those nut butters! 😉
Laura says
They’d make good cookies. 😉
Laura says
Who else is moving to Colorado? My lease in Denver starts on March 22 and I can’t WAIT. Tell me who else I get to make friends with! (And PS, come visit anytime.)
Laura says
Everyone is there!!! Heather (Better With Veggies), Katie (Yes I Want Cake), Lauren (Me & the Mountains)… it’s like a blogger mecca. Must figure this out… in the meantime, I will totally crash! Heather probably gets sick of me taking over her guest room. 😉
Kaitlyn says
I’ve always wanted to try hemp protein and I think you convinced me! Thanks 🙂
Laura says
Awesome! I’d love to hear what you think!
Choc Chip Uru says
Thanks for telling me about hemp protein it is so new to me!! Almost exotic sounding 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura says
Exotic like Amsterdam? 😉
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
I want to move to Coloradooooo! Never tried hemp protein but keep hearing great things, kinda taking a break from powders etc for now due to the expense but will def take a look when I’m back in the market for some! 🙂
Laura says
Let’s move! We can have a truing business. 😉
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Those nut butters look amazing. Nothing too strange this week, but I did try out some new GF pizza crust that was GOOD!