Tag Archives: protein powder

Physical Therapy Results

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I finally got in with the physical therapist (pt) this week, and it was kind of what I expected. He prescribed two exercises for me to do to strengthen my glute. I have known it was weak since this spring, and I have been doing strengthening exercises for it about twice a week, but maybe the exercises I was doing weren’t actually strengthening it?? I don’t know, but I am going back to see him on Monday and have him do some “dry needling,” which is not to be confused with acupuncture apparently. Has anyone done dry needling or know anything about it?

The one good thing that the pt told me is that I can keep running!! He said not to do more than the 12 or so miles a week I have been running, but I may have run 18 miles this week. I know; I’m a rebel.

Picture taken prior to running Saturday morning in 4*F weather. I was hoping the bitter cold temperatures were over for a little while, but no such luck. (And, no, I did not cut my hair.)

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I ended up running a whole 5 miles, which is a long run for me these days. It was kind of tough. I’d better get my butt in gear for Boston! I did have some glute pain throughout the run, but it comes and goes throughout my runs.

After running, I went to the gym and walked on the treadmill at 3.0 mph at a 15% incline. The physical therapist said I need to do more cardio if I want to get ready for Boston by April. (I knew I should be doing more cardio, but running is really the only type of exercise where I feel as though I get a true cardio workout—swimming would be up there.) So I did this workout on the treadmill for 30 minutes since this is what the pt prescribed. It was challenging, but still not the cardio workout I get by running.

Picture taken after my run Saturday morning.

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When I got home on Saturday, I was very hungry. I have this breakfast about four times a week. I love it for the combination of carbs + protein and the hot + cold aspects. I know it doesn’t look appetizing but it sure hits the spot.

- Spinach protein smoothie with instant coffee

- Original oatmeal made in the microwave with raisins and brown sugar

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I just finished this container of Jillian Michaels protein powder. I usually try to get plant-based proteins, but I got a recommendation from a friend for this kind, so I decided to give it a try. I am not opposed to whey proteins. My sister, who is an RD (registered dietician) claims whey protein is better anyway. (I’m not sure ‘better’ in what way—more easily absorbed? better for building muscle? Kristy, maybe you can clarify in the comments below.)

Anyway, I liked this protein powder. It wasn’t my favorite, but I often craved the creamy texture and vanilla flavor after my morning runs.

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I also finally made my way through this container of vanilla chai Vega protein powder. I had heard some good reviews about this flavor, but I was not a fan from the start. The vanilla chai flavor was too odd for me, so I am very glad it is finally gone. (I reviewed more protein powders in this post.)

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Saturday afternoon I treated myself to a facial. I had a certificate for half off a facial at Glaze Nail Bar. I really do love Glaze, but I just wish they weren’t quite so expensive! I had a 30 minute facial with Melissa, and it was awesome. I would highly recommend Melissa for a facial. I had a facial about 6 years ago, which I didn’t think was anything special, but I would go back again for services here. . . . . .if it wasn’t quite so expensive. I’m cheap.IMG_1680

Friday at work, I was a nerd and dressed up in my best holiday apparel. People were supposed to wear a holiday sweater/sweatshirt, but everyone was holding me to a higher standard since I dressed up as Christmas tree the week before. I did my best, but it didn’t compare to the Christmas tree. I tried. I made my own candy cane striped socks with red electrical tape. I am hoping ProCompression gets some more of their Marathon Holiday socks in stock, so I can order the real thing.

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Weekly Fitness Recap

Monday: 3 mile run/ 29:40 + 30 minutes weight lifting

Tuesday: 3 mile run/27:30 + 30 minutes weight lifting

Wednesday: 10 minutes stationary bike, 30 minutes weight lifting

Thursday: 4 mile run/ 39:40

Friday: 30 minutes elliptical, 35 minutes weight lifting

Saturday: 5 mile run/45:00 + 30 minutes walking on the treadmill (15% incline at 3.0 mph)

Sunday: 3 mile run/27:00

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Questions

What is your favorite protein powder?

How do you like to pamper yourself?

Protein Powders – Review

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I eat quite a bit of protein powder since I don’t eat a lot of meat. I love making protein smoothies, homemade protein bars, and adding protein to my oatmeal. Over the years, I have tried quite a few protein powders, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on some of them.

I’m always on the hunt for a solid protein powder that doesn’t have artificial ingredients, a lot of sugar, and tastes good. I have found one in particular I’m a fan of, which I feature at the end. But first let’s start with the sub-par ones.

I really liked this protein powder but after seeing it had 13 grams of sugar per serving, I had to bid farewell to it. It is definitely the best-tasting protein powder I’ve tried, so if you don’t mind the extra sugar, I’d give this a try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This plain soy protein powder, also from Genisoy, is a great option for those who don’t want any added flavor. (I used this to make soy protein bars since there are other ingredients that provide flavor to the bars.) I used this kind until I started buying plain protein powder from the bulk section simply because it is cheaper. The “ultra” kind has 25 grams of protein per serving, which is really good.

I’ve also tried this Nature’s Plus Spiru-tein vanilla protein powder. It was okay but nothing I would buy again. To me, it had a weird super creamy, tacky texture I just wasn’t a fan of. Plus it has a lot of mystery ingredients.

This Plant Fusion protein powder is by far my least favorite protein powder I’ve tried. I did not think it tasted good at all!

I was bummed because I had read a good review about it on a different blog, but maybe everyone’s tastes buds are different.

I love the ingredients and it is made only from plant sources, is gluten-free, and easily digestible. It does, however, have stevia in it, which I’m torn about how I feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for my favorite protein powder: Rainbow Light Creamy Vanilla Protein Energizer.

I love the ingredients, it is gluten-free, no soy, no dairy, or added sugar! Score! (It does have stevia in it though.)

But seriously, this has a very good flavor and awesome ingredients.


And even better than the vanilla flavor is the chocolate flavor!

But since I’m supposed to cut out chocolate after finding out I am slightly allergic to it, I’ve had hold off on it. (Although, I did cheat the other day by eating some chocolate chips.)

If I had to recommend any of these protein powders, this would be it!

Questions

I’ve been wanting to try Sunwarrior brand and Vega protein powders but they seem awfully expensive. Has anyone tried these? Do you have a favorite protein powder?