Yet again I am on the road. On Tuesday all my coworkers and I made the 11 hour drive to Gaitlinburg, Tennessee for our annual team retreat in the mountains. We initially thought the whole week was going to be in the 20s, but the weather has turned out to be beautiful. Today we played ultimate frisbee and I was even able to squeeze in a 30 minute run on a trail. Tomorrow we'll hit the trails again for a hike which should be a good time.
The view the morning of our drive.
My travel buddies for the road trip.
Before I left I made sure Brett had a lot of good, healthy food to eat: curry quinoa, an apple walnut lentil loaf, veggies and chicken for fajitas and veggie burgers. Turns out he's been sick the whole time I've been gone which is a bummer.
Since I'm traveling I don't have any new recipes for you today, but I do have a review on Arbonne Protein Powder. Not long after I started this blog, a friend from college messaged me saying she had recently found out about some vegan protein powder and wanted to send me some samples to try. I was so excited because I have yet to find a protein powder that I like (mainly because I haven't had time to do research and try out different flavors and brands.)
She sent me the Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake mixes, one chocolate and one vanilla. I actually found these in the mail on Christmas right after Brett and I had gone on a trail run, so it was perfect timing to try them out.
I tried out the Chocolate flavor first and loved it! All you have to do is mix the powder with 8 ounces of cold water and you're all set. As I mixed, I was excited to find that the mixture gets really thick so that it really looks and tastes like a shake. It was delicious and filling.
I did some research on the nutrition of one packet and was excited about what I found out.
Nutrition summary:
|
Calories
160
|
Fat
3.5g
|
Carbs
15g
|
Protein
20g
|
| There are 160 calories in a 2 scoops serving of Arbonne Chocolate Protein Shake Mix. |
| Calorie breakdown: 18% fat, 35% carbs, 47% protein. |
Other Ingredients: Arbonne Protein Matrix Blend (pea protein isolate, cranberry protein, rice protein),
sugar cane, cocoa powder, natural chocolate flavor, sunflower oil, corn starch, inulin, xanthan gum, stevia leaf extract, flax seed, gum acacia, guar gum.
Arbonne Protein Powder is high in protein for the amount of calories in each packet and I love that the protein source are plant based coming from peas, cranberries and rice. While it does have 9 grams of sugar per serving, I've found that that is necessary for protein powders that you are going to drink plain.
My one complaint with Arbonne powders is that they are expensive. It's about $4 per serving. I'll have to keep looking to see if I can find a powder that is just as delicious, hight in protein and more affordable.
If you've tried Arbonne Protein Powder before, I'd love to hear your review!
Meg French says
I use Arbonne’s Protein powder with 1 cup of almond milk, half of a banana, a mix of fresh berries, and ice. Put all that in a blender, I have a vita mix. It makes it great shape. I have it for breakfast every morning. Often I will add Brewers east, niacin and a “ greens” probiotic powder.
Faith VanderMolen says
Oh man, that sounds delicious Meg! Thanks for sharing!
Teri says
I was wondering if there is another protein powder other than arbonne, that is just as good but alittle cheaper? I have been buying the chocolate one and love it, but expensive at this time. Please let me know if u have any knowledge of this. Thank you
Faith VanderMolen says
It's so expensive, isn't it?! I'm currently using Women's Best Vegan Chocolate protein powder and loving it. They have sales often so I find it much more affordable.
Joshua Howard says
Thank you for your review! I've never tried Arbonne protein powder but I want to do it. I've used a lot of protein powders but still can't find the best one for me. What is your favorite brand?
Faith says
You're welcome! I have a hard time with protein powders as well, so I actually don't use them really. I remember loving arbonne (I wrote this post ages ago!) and my husband and I also like Almond pro a lot, but other than those, I'm still not sold on any. Peanut Flour makes a good protein powder! Let me know if you find something good!
Joshua Howard says
Thank you! I've heard a lot about peanut flour so I'll definitely try it!
Faith says
You’re welcome Joshua! I hope you can get your hands on some peanut flour soon!
Jamie Hahn says
Its actually only $2.50 a serving and that's if you pay retail. Most buy as a fit kit set and its less than $2 a serving.
Message me for more info [email protected]
Faith VanderMolen says
Great to know! Thanks Jamie!
Sylvia says
The shake gets to thick for me I follow directions but the thickness is a problem for me
Faith says
I've only tried this protein powder one time years ago. I hope you can find another brand that works better for you Sylvia!
Karen P says
Add ice, which makes it better anyway. But you are right, you cannot let it sit long as it will thicken.
Faith says
I’ve definitely makes this better! Thanks Karen!
Tracy says
Add more liquid. I use 1 1/2 cups plus ice. Many times I make it ahead of time and take it with me to drink hours later - in an insulated container - and I have not experienced it ever being too thick. It is supposed to be a shake so some thickness is desirable.
Faith VanderMolen says
Thanks for the tips Tracy!
www.videosfriv.com says
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick
question that I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your
thoughts prior to writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Thanks!
Faith says
Thank you! That's a good question. I actually keep a list of topics that I want to talk about on my phone (things I'm either thinking about or situations I've experienced) so when it comes to sitting down and writing I already have some initial thoughts to get me started. Somedays it is hard to begin, but just start writing whatever comes to your mind and you can go back and edit later. Good luck!
Anonymous says
Aww, I thought I had left a comment on here but I guess it didn't go through. YAY you tried it!! I'm glad you liked it!! I actually didn't even know that it foams up when you drink it straight with water - I always add it to my smoothies. To make it last longer, since it is fairly expensive, I normally just do half a serving (1 scoop out of the big bag). Or you could buy a bag and split it with a friend. 🙂 -Sydni
Faith VanderMolen says
Hey Sydni! Sorry it took me so long to respond, i've been out of the country:) Yeah, I seriously loved this powder. Thanks again for sending it! And that's a good idea to only use half to make it last longer!
Pamela Planter says
Hi! Just saw this blog! Did you know that you can reduce the cost of this shake down to $2 or less? You can become a preferred member for only $20.
I can be reached @760 533. 9058 I would be happy to answer any questions 🙂
Faith says
Thanks for the info!