The Latest and Greatest in Protein Supplementation

Holy crap.  It took me an entire week to get ready to go out of town for 4 days!  Every time we decide to go somewhere, I can't help but ask myself if it's really worth the effort it takes to leave.  Luckily, this time it was.  I went to Las Vegas with my husband for his company's annual convention.  Usually when I go, I spend the majority of the time hanging out by myself.  Which is fine.  In fact, often times I prefer that.  But for whatever reason, I decided to sit in on the meetings and presentations this year.  You guys, it was absolutely amazing.  His company (Visi Global) launched a protein product that literally blows everything else off the freaking planet.  And I'm not just saying that.  Really, I don't just use the products they offer because I can.  Actually, I only use 3 of the 7 they offer.  I'm a little picky about my supplements yo.

This new product I speak of is called Nufinna.

It's a collagen protein powder.  Why is collagen superior to whey or soy?  I'm glad you asked.  It's because of the level of absorbability.  See, protein structures are generally very large, which means that it's hard for them to get into your cells.  In fact, you don't actually absorb most of the protein you consume.  That's why it takes so much to be able to see a difference in your body.  But that's also tricky because you're dealing with calories too.  It's definitely possible to eat too many calories even if it comes from protein.  So lame, right?  But the collagen that's used in Nufinna protein powder and Probita protein chews is hydrolyzed.  That's a fancy way of saying that it's broken down into teeny tiny structures.  Tiny enough structures that your body can actually absorb 95% of it.  Let me show you how significant that is.  Here's a graph that shows the absorption percentages of commonly used protein supplements.

Um...yeah.  It's actually that awesome.  I've also been using Visi's collagen protein chews for about 6 months and I'm as much as totally convinced that it's a big part of what helped me lean out.

The new protein smoothie however, is a game changer.  Please trust me when I tell you that I would NOT promote a product on this blog that I didn't believe in and use myself.  Visi product or not, I will only preach to you about the stuff that I believe makes a difference and is worth trying.  And hey, if you really do want to try some without having to foot the bill, just say the word and I'll send a few packs your way.  Don't tell on me though.

Hydrolyzed collagen protein.  You don't have to take my word for it.  Do a little research and I think you'll agree with me that it's by FAR the best supplement you could add to your diet.

The trip was great, the information was even better.  Now, I'm not one to get all publicly mushy and sentimental about the man I'm married to, but I have to say that he was beyond brilliant.  I forget from one year to the next just how incredibly talented he is.  Proud is an understatement.  He was a freaking rock star!

My Name Is Annie. I'm a Workout Clothes-aholic.

I'm not going to lie.  I like workout clothes.  It's an addiction really.  I've considered starting a group called Workout Gear-Aholics Anonymous.  We could have meetings and talk about the steps we need to take in order to stop hoarding exercise clothes.  You guys, I own 14 pair of workout pants and 4 pair of regular pants.  My tank top situation is even worse (like, WAY worse).  But since I don't plan on breaking the habit anytime soon, let me share with you my 3 favorite items.

Actually, I think I've mentioned this one before.  Probably because I literally live in this tank top.  It's Lululemon's 105 F Singlet in their silverescent fabric.  It's one of those items I see EVERYONE wearing, and I totally get why.  It's THAT amazing.

These pants???  I have no words to describe my love for them.  They are so super soft, but not at all thick (which might not be ideal if you're into running outdoors right now).  My favorite thing about them is the pockets.  They have side pockets and back pockets that make them look like jeans.  They are great for sweaty workouts but they are also cute to wear during the day.  They can be dressed up or down.  I have them in pink, blue, and grey.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.  You can find them at Impact Fitness.

Shoes are tricky for me.  I've had lots of knee problems in the past because of crappy shoes.  I tried these XR Mission Trail Runners by Salomon about 18 months ago and I'm currently on my 3rd pair.  My husband finally went and got himself the men's version of these and has liked them as much as I do.  I'll need something a little bit lighter when I start running more, but for shorter runs, trail runs, or gym workouts, these are stellar.

Please.  Share with me your faves.  But don't be surprised if I show up at the gym wearing them in the near future.  I need to seriously consider that support group idea.

Cute Tank Instead of Chocolates Please...

If my husband and I actually acknowledged Valentine's Day, I'd hope for something along these lines.    

 Brooks Pure Project Short

 Hard Tail Ankle Pant

 Athleta Butterfly Tee

Athleta Go Time Tank

 Lole Lily Tote Bag (I just got this bag and I LOVE it)

 Lululemon 105 F Singlet (one of my favorite tanks EVAH)

Victoria's Secret Studio Sport Bra

Tonight we're settling for take-out from Tsunami (our favorite restaurant) and whatever is left at Redbox.  We call that romance.  Try not to be jealous.

Have an amazing weekend!

Product Love - Muscle Egg

One of my childhood friends came over today.  She recently started a weight lifting program and let me tell you, it's working for her.  She is feeling and looking amazing (Kell, I'm not just saying that - you look fabulous).  We got to talking about protein and how crucial it is to get the right amount on a daily basis.  As a rule of thumb, I aim for about 1 gram per pound of body weight every day (at least).  I have been supplementing with protein powder, but I haven't wanted to use it more than once a day, which led to a problem.  Getting enough protein was HARD considering I'm not a huge meat eater and didn't want to overdo it on the powdered stuff (let's face it, that stuff is pretty darn processed.).  Until I discovered this supplemental gem.

Holy Muscle Egg batman!  This stuff is amazing!  Don't be freaked out by the fact that it's a giant jug of egg whites.  Seriously, don't.  They're pasteurized and flavored and taste. like. heaven.  I like to just mix mine with a little almond milk and drink it like a shake after my workout.  I've also made pancakes, waffles, protein bars, and about a million other things with it. My kids like to pour it in a pan and scramble it up for breakfast (chocolate scrambled eggs - mmmmmm).  I know, it sounds sick and wrong, but I assure you it is not.  It is the best meatless, dairy-free supplement I've ever come across.  I order it online (it's a Utah based company so it always arrives super fast), but just today I found out that they actually do sell it in a few stores.  You can find a list of retailers at Muscleegg.com.  Their website also has a bunch of recipes.  Everything I've tried from there has been out of this world delicious.  My favorite flavors are Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate.    At 25 grams of protein per cup (0 carbs, 0 sugars), I'm saying it's a keeper.  Don't be scared.  Just try it.  I PROMISE you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Chocolate Muscle Egg Pancakes.  No syrup necessary.  Heck, you don't even need a fork!  I like to slap a little nut butter on there and top with some sliced bananas.  Or OR I spread some cottage cheese on top and sprinkle with some blueberries & chia seeds, in which case I roll it up like a burrito and scarf.  So many possibilities.