Are Protein Supplements Necessary?
One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of fitness is the role of protein in a nutrition plan. The way many bodybuilders and gym buffs talk about protein, you’d think all you need to do is guzzle a few protein shakes every day and then sit back and watch your muscles grow. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. During a tough workout, your muscles sustain tiny strains and tears. After exercise, your body goes to work repairing that damage, and it’s this process that builds and strengthens muscle. Muscle isn’t built during a workout, but during the...
Read MoreProtein and Weight Loss: What’s the Connection?
Take a look at some of the latest popular diet programs, and one thing is clear: people are looking for that "magic" solution. Whether it's a specific ratio of carbs to protein to fat, a low-carb/high-protein plan or a special combination of "fat-burning foods", it seems that everyone wants to believe that if they could just find that elusive formula, the pounds would suddenly fall off.
Read MoreReview: BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder
In my search for the best protein powders, I posted a review of BSN Lean Dessert last week. This week I tried BSN Syntha-6 and…we have a winner! The Stats Per 44 g scoop: 200 calories 6 g fat 2 g sugar 22 g protein The Verdict: Five stars out of five I’m thrilled to say that BSN Syntha-6 is the best whey protein powder I’ve tried. I picked the chocolate milkshake flavor, which absolutely rocks. My previous chocolate protein powder (MGN Pure Whey) was tasty, and had a lightly sweet flavor similar to chocolate milk. BSN’s chocolate milkshake is much richer and...
Read MoreReview: BSN Lean Dessert Protein Powder
Now that I’m using protein powder several times per week (and have even gotten my husband into it), we’re going through it pretty fast. I’d been using MGN Pure Whey, which I liked, but when I could no longer find it online, I realized it was time to try something new. After hearing rave reviews on a certain fitness board I frequent, I decided to try BSN Lean Dessert Protein. The most fun part, of course, was choosing a flavor. Sure, you know it’s just powder and it shouldn’t be all that exciting, but somehow the flavor names they come up with sound sooo delicious...
Read MoreHow I (Finally) Met My Protein Goal
As I mentioned, I’ve been struggling to reach my daily goal of 130+ grams of protein. Yesterday, for the first time in a while, I finally managed to not only meet that goal, but surpass it! I thought I’d let you know what I ate in cause you’re in need of some ideas for protein-rich meals and snacks: Post-workout shake: 1 scoop protein powder with 1 cup skim milk Breakfast: 1 whole-wheat bagel thin topped with 2 poached eggs and salsa Snack: leftover taco soup with a few tortilla chips crushed on top Lunch: 2 oz. tuna with a bit of mayo and 1/2 whole-wheat pita...
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Welcome, I'm Kristen! I'm a 20-something mother of two working to make exercise and healthy eating a simpler and more enjoyable part of life. I love lifting, running, being outdoors and enjoying food in all it's healthy and not-so-healthy forms. I believe that happiness is as essential to 'healthy living' as exercise and vegetables - that's why I never turn down dessert! 
