Clean Eat Education: "Which Protein Powder Should I Choose?"

While we prefer to get our protein from whole foods, we do supplement with protein shakes because - let's be honest - sometimes we just don't feel like cooking or we just don't feel like eating what we have cooked! It's a great goal to get all of your nutrients from whole foods, but from our experience coaching, most people aim to do that but then fall short and find themselves in a bind because they are starving and aren't prepared with whole foods or a protein supplement! This leads to NOT eating enough! The simple solution is to find a protein shake that you enjoy and can count on when you need that quick meal.

One of the most popular questions we get is "Which protein powder should I choose?". While we can't tell you which one will work the best for you, we can share with you which one we use and explain why. You may have read our review on protein powder before (it's one of our most popular posts) but since that has been published we have actually started exclusively using a new protein powder. We use the TLS Whey Protein Powder for our source of whey protein along with our favorite vegan options. We have also included the TLS Nutrition Shake in this review. Both have great flavor (even when just mixed with water...but we like to jazz them up!) and do not have that normal chalky protein powder taste!

Interested in ordering? Use the link below and when it asks who referred you enter whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com. If you would like a FREE Shake & Bake Recipe eBook, which is filled with delicious recipes using these protein powders, email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com before you order!

TLS Whey Protein Powder

Why do we love TLS Whey Protein Powder? Just to name a few: it is rBGH free, made with stevia, and is free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives (There's only 7 ingredients!). It also comes in very convenient packets that are easy to throw in our bags and take on-the-go! We use this anytime we need a quick meal during the day and we always travel with them. It is optimal post-workout because it provides 21 g of protein and BCAAs that your body needs for recovery.

In order to make this a complete meal, you will need to add a carb/fiber source. such as fruit (we usually just throw in some frozen organic berries). Try one of our delicious protein shake recipes.

This protein powder also bakes very well - we use it in all of our protein powder recipes now because of the cake-like taste it provides!

PACKAGING: 12 packets (servings) per box - available in chocolate and vanilla

PRICE: Breaks down to less than $2.90 per serving! Plus, you can email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com for more information on the FREE Shake and Bake recipe eBook, cashback, coupons, and sales!

WHERE TO BUY: SHOP.COM

You can read more here: TLS Whey Protein Shakes Product Brochure

TLS Nutrition Shakes

While this isn't our first choice, and isn't as "clean" as the TLS whey protein, it is definitely better than the drive-thru at McDonalds! If you are allergic to stevia or prefer a full meal replacement shake all in one, you will like the TLS Nutrition Shake. All you need to do is add liquid (water or unsweetened almond milk are our favorites) and you have a tasty meal!

This protein powder comes in canisters instead of packets so it's easy to just scoop it into your blender or blender bottle and go! This protein provides 18 g of protein and 10 g of fiber without any added sugars.

PACKAGING: 14 servings per canister - available in chocolate and vanilla

PRICE: Breaks down to less than $2.50 per serving! Plus, you can email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com for more information on the FREE Shake and Bake recipe eBook, cashback, coupons, and sales!

WHERE TO BUY: SHOP.COM

You can read more here: TLS Nutrition Shake Product Brochure

Interested in ordering? Use the link below and when it asks who referred you enter whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com. If you would like a FREE Shake & Bake Recipe eBook, which is filled with delicious recipes using these protein powders, email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com before you order!

* According to the FDA, no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBGH-treated cows and non-rBGH-treated cows.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Clean Eat Recipe :: Charged Mocha Protein Shake

This is definitely a go-to shake for those early mornings where you just don't feel like putting together a full breakfast and you're having a tough time waking up (which, for me, happens to be most mornings). To get an energy boost I throw in a packet of Starbucks Via (R)  ready brew coffee and for some extra dietary fiber I add flax because the shake is so delicious you won't even taste it!

CHARGED MOCHA PROTEIN SHAKE

Ingredients:

• 4 oz liquid egg whites (pasteurized carton)
• 4 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 packet Starbucks Via (R)
• 1 scoop (2 tbsp) ground flax
• A few ice cubes

Directions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until all ice cubes are blended.

Macros:

• Calories: 291
• Fat: 11g (don't worry - it's healthy (unsaturated) fat!!!)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (mostly fiber, so it's really only 5g net carbs for those limiting intake)
• Sugars: 1.5g
• Dietary Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 33g

This shake has so many great nutritional benefits - it's a great source of Omega 3's (3.4 grams) and dietary fiber (almost 40% of your daily needs), protein, as well as potassium, calcium, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Clean Protein Powders...REVIEWED!

Last week I posted a write up about protein powders and why you need protein, how much you need, and the different types of protein powder.  I also mentioned what to seek and avoid in a clean protein powder (artificial sweeteners, unnecessary additives, etc.).  I've reviewed some of the cleaner protein powders I've tried based on taste and cleanliness and provide the pros and cons of each below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Check our disclosure policy for more details.

Clean Protein Powders...REVIEWED!

TLS Whey Protein Shakes - you can read more about TLS whey protein in this post

• Taste - 10/10  (1 meaning "tastes awful"; 10 meaning "tastes like heaven!")
• Cleanliness - 10/10 (1 meaning artificial sweeteners, additives, colorings, etc; 10 meaning organic ingredients and a highly trustworthy source of ingredients)
• Pros - rBGH/rBST free; 21 grams of protein per serving; available in convenient packets; tastes like a milkshake when mixed with almond or coconut milk; works exceptionally well with baking
• Cons - we love the packets, but we wish this product was also available in a large (2 lbs. or 5 lbs.) container!
• Overall - our first choice for whey protein.  In the world of whey protein supplements, if a supplement manufacturer does not disclose that their dairy source is rBGH/rBST free, you can assume the cattle have been exposed to this lab-created hormone (learn more about rBGH/rBST here).  For the perfect 30-second meal replacement, try mixing it with coconut milk and a tablespoon of almond butter for a very healthy and satisfying meal.
• Where to Find It - Shop.com {if you are interested in ordering this product email us at thegang@heandsheeatclean.com and we can also send you a free Shake & Bake Recipe eBook!}

Optimum Nutrition - Gold Standard Natural - 100% Whey (Chocolate)

• Taste - 7/10
• Cleanliness - 5/10 
• Pros - uses whey isolate as primary protein source; does not have any artificial sweeteners; contains digestive enzymes for better absorption; uses only a few ingredients
• Cons - does not disclose whether or not milk protein source has been injected with hormones or antibiotics; contains soy (lecithin) which is used as an emulsifier; lists natural flavor as an ingredient - when listed, natural flavor can be a number of things, so I prefer to limit products using these ingredients when possible
• Overall - certainly one of the better and more prevalent natural whey products on the market... if this is all you can find, great, but not my first choice.
• Where to Find It - Amazon.com

Optimum Nutrition - Gold Standard Natural - 100% Casein (Chocolate Creme)

• Taste - 9/10
• Cleanliness - 5/10
• Pros - uses only a few ingredients; does not have any artificial sweeteners; chocolate tastes like brownie batter; over 9g of BCAAs
• Cons - does not disclose whether or not milk protein source has been injected with hormones or antibiotics; contains soy (lecithin) which is used as an emulsifier; lists natural flavor as an ingredient; somewhat high in carbs (7g per 37g serving); carbs are derived from honey powder and evaporated cane juice (natural, but not the most ideal); this one's nit-picky, but 210mg sodium per serving
• Overall - probably the most prevalent product choice for a natural flavored casein protein.  Tastes very good.  Compared to the artificial ingredient-loaded casein proteins on the market, this is a very good choice.

• Where to Find It - Amazon.com

SDC Nutrition - About Time - Whey Protein Isolate (Birthday Cake Batter)

• Taste - 8/10
• Cleanliness - 7/10
• Pros - uses only a few ingredients; does not have any artificial sweeteners; high in BCAAs; whey protein isolate = faster and better absorption; all natural protein and they seek milk protein from cattle not injected with hormones or antibiotics; heavy metal tests results are extremely low and they actually put the results on their site!; great product disclosure and very trustworthy
• Cons - the only reason this did not get a 10 is because it is not organic and they also use soy lecithin, which likely isn't organic either; a little more expensive than the other brands, but worth the cost
• Overall - great taste, very trustworthy, plenty of flavors, but I've only tried the birthday cake batter.  We wish it didn't have soy!
• Where to Find It - Amazon.com

Only Protein - Only Protein (Chocolate)

• Taste - 8/10
• Cleanliness - 9/10
• Pros - protein is derived from grass-fed cattle from New Zealand (that just sounds clean, doesn't it?); hormone free and antibiotic free; uses only a few ingredients; does not have any artificial sweeteners; protein blend for continued release of amino acids into bloodstream; great taste; if you buy the sticks, they are very convenient
• Cons - carbs could be a little lower than 4g, but that's not a deal-breaker.  Other than that you need to be careful not to use too much water...I would start with 4-6 oz; wish they had more flavors, but then it probably wouldn't be as clean!
• Overall - tough to find and pretty expensive.
• Where to Find It - Amazon.com

Needless to say, there are plenty of good, clean protein powders on the market for you to choose from and this is just a sample of the products I've tried - there are plenty of other natural protein powders to choose from, but the main ingredients you want to avoid are the artificial sweeteners (Acesulfame Potassium or Ace K, Sucralose, and definitely aspartame), additives (natural/artificial flavors) and food colorings.  As I said in my previous post, it would be ideal to get all of your protein from whole food sources, but with our busy lifestyles and hectic schedules, protein powder is a necessity for active individuals.

Keep it clean!

- Scott