Some thoughts and discussions from me.
High Protein, Low Sugar – Pure Protein Giveaway
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know about the changes I’ve made to my diet fairly recently. for the past few months, I’ve been following a paleo-ish diet (but I’m FAR from strict…hello chips and salsa and beer!) In order to get my PCOS in control, I’ve been following a high protein, low sugar diet. I’ve also cut out gluten, and have drastically increased my intake of healthy fats – this is not only what my body needs right now, but also helps keep me incredibly satiated. (You can read my latest update here.)
So when the opportunity to work with Pure Protein came up, I jumped at the chance. Here’s what originally attracted me to the product:
The suga. Pure Protein products have only 1-5 grams of sugar per serving. That’s extremely hard to come by in protein bars, shakes, and supplements, so I was down to try it out. Plus, I’d never tried the all-natural Pure Protein, and was intrigued. Plus, my naturopath recommends that I eat protein at every meal, so having high protein snacks on hand gives me another options besides meat for protein.
I tried out the whey protein this week. Since I teach classes in the morning, and have about a 15 minute drive, breakfast can be tough. I either have to make it and eat it way early, or pack it up and eat it after teaching… Or, I can have breakfast on the drive!
Before my Monday morning interval class, I made a protein shake with the vanilla crème protein powder, ice, and water. I kept it pretty simple since I’d be having a fuller breakfast after, and I didn’t want to add in much fruit anyway. I’m always a bit hesitant to mix protein powder with just water and ice, because it can taste pretty chalky. However, I was really impressed with the mix-ability of the powder.
The taste was great, too! This was the vanilla crème flavor, which was very tasty.
I’m a nerd, so I always check out the amino profile on protein powders and BCAA’s. Check out this profile. It stacks up with some of the other powders I consume.
Not too shabby!
I gave the protein bars a try yesterday – I had an errand to run near Denver, and then decided to take a CorePower class (a great one, btw!) afterward. When class was done, I was starving, but knew I wouldn’t get to lunch for another hour, so I cracked into the bar I packed in my purse:
Ha, look at the steam in my water bottle from hot yoga 
The protein bars are high protein, low carb, low sugar, so it wasn’t your typical crunchy protein/granola combo bar, but more of a chewy nougat center:
That said, the bars taste nothing like the typical protein bar (you know, with that obvious protein flavor and weird consistency,) but tasted really great! It kind of reminded me of a Snickers bar. I say “kind of” because really, nothing actually tastes like a Snickers bar except a Snickers bar, right? Anyway, I was impressed. And full. I wasn’t even hungry for lunch after my shower, so I waited another hour and had a smaller lunch.
The third product I received to try is the ready to drink shake.
I tried this one a little after lunch yesterday. I was craving something sweet, and this definitely satisfied that craving. The flavor, vanilla crème, tasted like vanilla milk! However, this drink has more than 5 grams of sugar (25 grams per bottle) so I didn’t drink the entire bottle. That said, it was tasty, the sugar it is made with is from all natural sugar cane.
Now here comes the fun part –
Giveaway – One reader will win a Pure Protein package with the following products:
- 1 1-lb container of Pure Protein whey powder in vanilla crème
- 3 4-bottle packages of ready-to-drink Pure Protein Shake
- 3 Pure Protein bars
To Enter: Leave a comment below saying how much protein plays a part in your nutrition!
Giveaway is open to US residents only. I will pick a winner Tuesday, 2/26/13.
This post is sponsored by Pure Protein. Check out great ways to Eat Good and Look Great.
I recently started more strength training, so I think I should start incorporating protein powder!
protein plays a huge part in my diet – i try to incorporate protein into every single meal using real foods and then supplement with protein powder in shakes or bars for snacks! i’ve been reading about the pure protein line and love the low sugar!
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted…just what the dr. ordered
I have it after EVERY workout. Especially bars and powder because my lifestyle is GO GO GO!
Nelly recently posted…What is in my purse
I really really love their bars… they actually taste great!
I’ve been working on adding more protein to my breakfast – been doing more egg whites, and then I do have oatmeal, I mix in protein powder…
Amy B @ Second City Randomness recently posted…New Year, New Chapter
I have been trying to add more protein into every meal. I really take a look at labels to see if the snack/food will keep me feeling full or wanting more, pretty much determined by the amount of protein in it! I also enjoy making a thick protein shake after a workout to feel like I’m having a milk shake 🙂
Protein definitely plays a big part of my diet, I aim to get some at every meal, greek yogurt being my favorite option and I also love protein bars and some powders occassionally. I would love to try this chocolate flavor!
As I’m marathon training along with instructing about five fitness classes a week, I find I need protein to help fuel my muscles and for a faster, better recovery. I’ve recently been aiming for 105g/day–and it’s been TOUGH!
Katie H. recently posted…What I’ve Been Eating Wednesday: Breakfast
Being pregnant, my protein needs have increased. What better way to increase them then through these products!
Jenn@Be ME recently posted…Self love and self care guidelines
other than a cliff mini before working out protein doesn’t play a big role in my life. But i’ve been trying to research more about the best ways to add in more protein during the day. This sounds like a good starting point.
Protein plays a huge role in my daily meals. I like to strength train 4 days a week and I need that extra protein to help my muscles recover.
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted…What’s in my Purse?
I would love to try out PureProtein. I need to look for it the next time I hit up the grocery store. After workouts, I always have a scoop of protein preferably with almond milk. Yum!
Genelle recently posted…Foam Roller
I love pure protein peanut butter bars. Protein is a huge part of my nutirition. I try and eat some at every meal and snack!
First off, I’d like to state that I love pure protein! They are my go to protein bar (in addition to low sugar promax!).
I am really big into the high protein/low sugar diet. Low sugar because I am a sugar-holic and I know I eat too much of it. I do a high protein diet because it’s the most satisfying diet change I’ve ever done. I’ll eat an entire cups worth of egg whites and mix it with a cup of spinach and some mozzarella. I’ll usually add a little meat like chicken sausage or turkey pepperoni! I love adding a scoop of GNC total lean 25 mixed berry protein powder to my pancakes!
A happy bonus is that I am an athlete as well so the high protein diet is really key for me!
omg I LOVE pure protein! Their chocolate peanut butter protein bars are out of this world, especially after being stored in the fridge! Protein is such an important aspect in my nutrition, always including protein keeps me full and away from temptations.
Allie recently posted…Smelly Girl & Spelling Arguments
Protein plays a huge part of my nutrition because I am trying to lose weight while building strength, so I actually need protein even more than someone who is in a caloric surplus and strength training! I aim for at least 175g per day, so finding bars and powder that can give me lots of protein without a lot of unnecessary sugar is perfect!
I am doing strength training 3 days a week, and intense cardio for 5. I’m down 63 lbs so far, but I need a push to get me over this hump.
Khaleef @ Fat Guy, Skinny Wallet recently posted…Price Battle: Aldi Vs. Peapod
Protein plays a very important part of my diet due to the fact that I’m 5 months pregnant! I also love pure protein. I’m very interesting in trying the whey protein powder!
I really need to pay more attention to my protein intake. Some nights, I do really well with eating a dinner with good amounts of protein, but others I will just have what is easy (which is usually meatless and fairly carb heavy). I like the sound of a protein bar that doesn’t taste like a protein bar 🙂
Kacy recently posted…Comment on Eatin’ & Drinkin’ – St. Michael’s, MD by stephanie
I Just started protein shakes & bars recently as an effort to raise my weight & gain muscle. I lost too much of both from suffering from anorexia for the past several months. I’d love to try more, they seem to be helping 🙂
Protein plays a HUGE role in my diet. I have decided to run a marathon this October, but I want to train and stay injury free so I am going to incorporate a lot of strength training into my endurance training and I will need all the protein I can get to help my muscles recover.
Protein plays a big part in my diet. So hard to find a protein powder that tastes good mixed with water. Would love to try this brand.
protein is very important to me and I am always looking for new, good tasting protein powders! I am trying to get more toned/build more muscle and protein intake is a key ingredient for that to happen!
I too follow a far from strict paleo diet so this would be great to try 🙂
I just finished an Optimal Health Challenge were we had different “challenges” weekly and I found that my body thrives on protein. I eat some form of protein at every meal. This would give me some other options for increasing my protein.
I love the pure protein bars! They are my favorite! I try to eat a high protein breakfast. It keeps me full for a much longer time that a carb-laden one!
I actually just started to up my protein because I realized I wasn’t getting enough. I haven’t gotten into the whole protein powder craze yet because I don’t know enough about which ones are good so this seems like an excellent place to start!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…WIAW: He Cooks!
i have been searching for a great protein. When I had a trainer she gave me reccomendations.
Protein is a huge part of my diet, particularly right now for my growing babe! It also helps me feel full and satiated, which is very important to me.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…02/21/13: Thursday Thoughts
I do protein drinks for breakfast (with a little nut butter added for real staying power). Starts my day off on the right foot. I’ve had Pure Protein in the past and they are yumm-a-licious! Wouldn’t mind trying it again now that you’ve endorsed it. 😉
I eat protein powder everyday in either my oatmeal or plain greek yogurt. I love the flavor that it adds.
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Stereotypes of Healthy Living Bloggers
I too like to keep my protein shakes in the low sugar range – I try and have one after a hard workout, if I can’t eat dinner within 30 or so minutes. I would love to try this one, I am shopping around for a new protein powder now!!
Katie recently posted…Jerry’s favorite things
I always try to add a hefty serving of protein to each meal to keep me full and satisfied. I don’t use much protein powder but I’d like to try it!
Protein is super important for my satiety (as well as yummy fats!). I also follow a paleo-ish diet (90% of the time), but quick protein filled snacks like these would be really helpful for days when I am on campus for long hours. I am a college student and it’s easy to be tempted to buy the cheap/unhealthy stuff that they sell in mini marts if I forget my own snack. I am surprised that the bars and powder are natural and not made with artificial sweeteners! That’s a plus!
Kate Emmenegger recently posted…My Quest to Freedom (and an update on my “Striving” post)
As a vegetarian who is also addicted to strength training I need extra protein in any place I can get it!!
Having an array of hormonal and digestive issues, protein is my key ingredient to keep me satiated throughout the day. Unfortunately with my job it’s impossible to get away from the computer and eat a normal meal sometimes. Protein packed snacks are constantly needed by my side to help keep hunger at bay!!
I am always looking for new, easy ways to incorporate protein into my diet. I don’t ever crave protein, so I have to force myself to eat it.
I’ve been exercising regularly for about 2 years but I will start training for my first half marathon soon & I’m really trying to pay attention to what I eat & I know protein plays a big part in that. I would LOVE to try these items!!! I’m new to your blog but I really love it.
Traci recently posted…Weigh In Wednesday
I have one, or sometimes TWO protein shakes a day. Always one after I work out! And I occasionally eat protein bars as a quick, on-the-go snack!
I usually have a protein smoothy once a day…so it plays a huge roll in my fitness!
Ed recently posted…Canines & Couture Guest Post
I love strength training so protein plays a huge role in my diet. I have started trying to incorporate smoothies into my diet and have been looking for a great protein powder. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!!
Protein plays a huge part! I make sure I have a good amount of protein every time I eat
I don’t consciously plan out protein in my diet…however, I’m a big red meat eater – its the farm girl in me – so I’ve never had any issues. That being said, I do know its important but am hesitate to spend the money on testing out various protein powders and what not…
Heidi Nicole recently posted…Just Be
I am potentially protein obsessed (leftover competitor mindset, I guess?) I put protein powder in my oats most days. Yes, its not as good as real food, but I do it anyway!
Emily N recently posted…A Baby Update + the Usual – Running
I have actually found that when I leave protein out of a meal, I get horrible headaches! I always have something quick available just in case!
Kim @ wonderings recently posted…Monday Suds: Black Bottle Brewing
Protein is nearly as much a part of my diet as it should be. I’m a sweets girl, so savory meats aren’t always appealing to me. (Although I wouldn’t say no to chicken!) I get the majority of my protein from peanut butter, but I have to be careful, ’cause that stuff is DANGEROUS around me! A spoonful can turn into 2, turning into 3, etc. I’m trying to find ways to incorporate it more, and Greek Yogurt has been a big success for me! It tastes like ice cream, and packs in about 10g per serving. Yum!
Always have it after my workouts! keeps me from eating my hand off an hour after eating too! 🙂
I make sure I have protein in every meal, and sometimes snacks (hardboiled eggs!)
I have Just started using a protein powder since I am upping my workouts and running.
This brand looks good, I am always worried about the amounts of sugar in protein bars/shakes/powders!
I agree that eating a diet high in protein and low in sugar is best. However, I am disappointed to see you review this product. The reason it is low in sugar is becuase the sugar is replaced by sucralose (aka splenda). I come to your blog to read about your healthy meals consisting of REAL food.
I am trying to include more protein in my diet. I haven’t started using protein powder yet!
Protein plays a huge roll in my day to day life. Every morning I wake up and make myself a smoothie with frozen fruit, almond milk and a handful of spinach. I’m always late in the morning so a quick breakfast is essential! Right now I’m just using the protein from the grocery store, which I know isn’t the healthiest but works on my budget! Would live to try a different brand that has more to offer!
Jessica recently posted…10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me
protein is huge, I know it helps me recovery faster from my runs.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted…Awkward Turtle.
Like many bloggers, I’m trying to up my protein from disordered eating habits so it plays a major role in my life! Although I do get sources of protein from foods, it’s always good to just get the extra boost through protein powders!
Lauren recently posted…Sine, Cosine, TANGENT
About a year ago I started adding in strength training and bodypump classes and realized how much more protein my body needed to be replenished. Since then I’ve definitely made it a priority to make sure after a good workout I fuel up with some good protein!
About 1.5 years ago I upped my protein intake to 40% of my diet. I’m so much more satisfied now and don’t need to snack as much. I try to get most of my protein from animal sources, but I do supplement my diet with protein powders and bars. Sometimes eating a prepared protein snack is so much easier than cooking something!
I have always wanted to incorporate some protein shakes or bars into my diet but have not found one I like. I get mu protein from greek yogurt and meat. I would love to try this brand, as it sound yummy!
I would love to try Pure Protein! Having been diagnosed with PCOS last summer, I’ve been changing my diet as well and including more protein + healthy fat to control my insulin resistance. This would be a tasty and quick way to get some extra protein in!
Janna @ RantingRose recently posted…Change Happening in the Gym
I have been trying to incorporate some form of protein into every “meal” I eat during the day which usually ends up being about 5 “meals” of varying amounts. I eat meatless a lot since my 15 year old daughter does not eat any meat, only fish. So it is sometimes a challenge to get the protein in when you leave meat out of the equation! I would love to try Pure Protein products both for the protein as well as the low sugar content.
I never calculate my protein during the day so I’m not always sure if I’m getting enough. Maybe these supplements will help me take in a bit more each day.
I am addicted to spinning, which means I’m addicted to protein at every meal or snack. Otherwise – I’m always starving. I actually mix vanilla protein poweder into my greek yogurt in the morning (already protein packed) – then added some high fiber cereal and strawberries. I eat this every, single morning at work and it’s so yummy it never gets hold. And it holds me over to lunch – which is usually a salad with veggies, avacado, cottage cheese (no need for dressing if you use this and mix it around), and tuna or turkey. Snacks and dinners are the same – always gotta have protein!
I was happy to read your positive review on these bars…I pretty much stick to Quest bars because of the low sugar and will for sure be trying one of these bars now. 🙂
I Los this giveaway! Pure protein bars are my to to protein bars because they don’t affect my GI issues the way some others do & they actually taste pretty good too. I didn’t know they did drinks & protein powders too. I would love to try them for another way to get some protein in my snacks. I eat a pretty high protein diet so every bit helps!
When I increase protein in my diet I definitely notice a difference in muscle gain – I’ve been a little a carb heavy as it’s winter and my body seems to be trying to keep warm! But once spring hits I intend to convert some of those carbs to protein! 🙂 The ready to drink shakes are Joe’s FAVORITE. I order in bulk for him every month.
Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre recently posted…The Cheapest Bananas Ever
I try to include protein in every meal. I really love making protein pancakes, so new protein powder would be great!
Protein is what keeps me going!! all day long!! As a teacher I start my day with eggs, oatmeal, or a banana/protein shake. I try to incorporate lean protein, complex carbs, and a bit of healthy fat with each fueling throughout the day. Love to try new protein products any chance I can get.
I have been trying to do more protein and less sugar too after seeing you doing so well with it. I still need want to pick your brain sometime!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…7 Tips to Lower Your Grocery Bill
Protein keeps me full through the day. I rely primarily on soy, dairy and seafood for protein so the Pure Protein would be a great supplement to fill in the gaps for what I’m missing.
I have been trying to find a replacement protein powder ever since my regular brand changed their formula. I stay lean when I can take a protein shake or a bar instead of a snack. I would love to try this brand!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
Protein plays a big part in my diet since I am trying to gain some muscle.
Ahh I love this company! I have never tried their protein powder though! Protein powder plays a HUGE role in my daily life because I am building muscle and it fills me up better than carbs!
Katie recently posted…His Love
If it weren’t for protein powder I’d probably starve. I drink a protein smoothie while I drive to work and sometimes pack a protein shake for lunch since I only have a 30 minute lunch break and I’m a slow eater. Protein bars are another quick lunch/snack option too. I always keep one in my purse for emergencies.
I definitely like to add some extra protein to my smoothies. Also, it’s nice to be able to mix a few scoops of protein powder in some water after a tough workout so that you can help your muscles recover some between meals.
I’m always on the hunt for a good low sugar protein powder for a post workout shake or to add to a meal replacement smoothie.
I take a yoga fusion class that combines weight-lifting with yoga twice a week, and my instructor is also starting a non-yoga strength class using TRX bands and kettlebells this week. I definitely need to up my protein intake to build muscle after these classes, thanks for the giveaway 🙂
I like you on facebook!
I find if I have protein at every meal/snack I AM more satisfied and don’t overeat. I love incorporating protein powder in “breakfast cookies” (fitnessista.com) using all real food. My kids even love them for breakfast and think it’s a treat!
…Protein = Motivation to get up in the morning and make through a workout. Currently addicted to chocolate peppermint protein smoothies YUM!
I try really hard to get enough protein, especially now that I am running more. I really want to find a good protein powder.
Jane T. recently posted…#CrockpotChallenge – Corn Bisque with Red Pepper
I am vegetarian and following a high protein diet but struggling with variety- this would be so helpful to change it up for me!
I dance and workout on a regular basis so protein is necessary for repair and muscle growth! I love protein from meat and fish, but I also love protein shakes and bars!
As someone trying to lose weight, protein plays a hugely important part in my diet. It keeps me full for hours!
Protein plays a HUGE role in my life. As someone who is pretty active, I need protein to fuel my workouts and help with muscle repair. I try to incorporate protein into every meal/snack to keep me full and satisfied 🙂
I make sure to have protein every day, whether by a shake or by a protein bar. I always have some after I work out, and I love it!!
I recently started incorporating more strength training in my workouts and try to get protein in ASAP to feed my growing muscles!
As an endurance athlete and a vegetarian, I have to be really careful about getting enough protein in my diet. I try to incorporate protein in every meal and snack, and try to have the most at breakfast (after my run).
Protein is such an important part of my diet. On mornings when I don’t get enough protein in, I feel it for the rest of the day. This giveaway is great for some quick ways to get in more protein!
Protein has played a HUGE part in my diet since that is how I lost over 80 pounds and have kept them off for the most part. I have been using them same products for over a year and would love to try something new : ). BTW we miss you in B/N!
I love protein bars and I think getting enough protein (I’m vegetarian!) is a really important part of good nutrition. And it’s no lie – protein keeps you satisfied longer! Thanks for the great giveaway, I’d love to try these bars! livinglearningeating AT gmail DOT com
In the past 2 years I’ve begun adding protetin through powders/shakes/bars after workouts, especially lifting. The only problem is that there are SO many options out there to choose from making it hard to decide which is best. I’ve tasted around but still trying to find the right one. Would love to try Pure Protein powder to see if it’ll be a great addition to my morning smoothies!! I do enjoy trying bars from time to time to get in that “candy bar” fix when I’m craving sweets!!
Protein is a crucial part of my nutrition. I eat about 30% of my calories from protein and find it gives me lots of energy and keeps my muscles fueled. I find it challenging to get enough from whole foods so I use powders daily. Thanks for the giveaway!
Protein is super important and I try to get in about 100g a day. I get bored with tuna and chicken all the time so I really like to have shakes too so I can eat my chocolate too 😉
I try to get protein in at every snack/meal and it really helps to keep me feeling satisfied. Protein really has been helping with my recovery from strength training workouts too!
First let me say what a great blog this is…a great find!! Second, am I the only guy leaving a comment?
I just started training with a trainer and the most important thing I’ve learned so far is that fitness and weight control is 90% nutrition and 10% exercise…who knew?? My trainer would be happy…I said 90% nutrition instead of 90% diet. Needless to say, protein is a HUGE part of my nutrition…185 grams to be exact within a ceiling of 1830 daily calories. It’s tough to get that amount of protein without being creative and flexible…meaning that supplements such as bars and shakes play a pretty important role in my nutrition. I’ll have to look for the Pure Protein brand…could have a role in my new diet. 🙂
Glenn recently posted…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Making sure I get enough protein is definitely key for me. I’ve had my blood sugars tested and I know I’m not diabetic, but lots of high carb meals really messes with my system. I’ve tried just the powder, would love to give the rest a try!
Melissa @ Melissa Running It recently posted…The Running Joke – Women’s Half Marathon {Recap}
Protein is essential for every meal and snack for me. Without it, nothing would have the “staying power” I need to get through a workout or even the work day. I love experimenting with new recipes to get that extra excitement. Smoothies and pancakes are my favorite protein creations these days 🙂
Protein plays a HUGE part – I always prioritize protein and good fats, and I feel that it makes it so much easier to keep the rest of my eating on track!
Drink Protein shakes every single day and also have a protein for our snacks and meals too. So I’m a huge believer in protein. Never have tried Pure Protein and would love to. I hope I win.
Over the past year, I’ve tried to alter my diet my increasing my protein intake, reducing alcohol sugars, and (trying to) incorporate a more healthy balance of food types. Although I never really struggled with my weight, I’ve always struggled with body image; but, by adding regular fitness and a new diet to my routine, I learned what security and wellness for me meant.
Bottom line – protein is a must. I’ve read a lot about Pure Protein and I’m impressed with what some folks have said about their experience with the products. I’d be interested in giving it a go.