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Protein Picks: Quick Hits/Athlete Essentials



The tastiest snack sized choices- protein additions to ready-to-eat treats are athlete essentials for efficient muscle repair (esp. needed are high-branched chain amino acids BAAs-leucine, isoleucine, + valine).
Dead animal free choices too...
Our favs:

                                                           Morning Workouts...
 DITCH the early AM meal pre-workout...afterwards get an efficient, nutritionally dense, low calorie-and loaded with protein something. ONE SOLUTION-the caffeine hit from the whey protein loaded Herbalife High Protein Iced Coffee -imo the genius drink mix aid of this hot summer.
Blending easily in a shaker cup (2 scoops-12oz water) -poured over icy cubes-get the java jazz going plus 15 grams of protein from whey (dairy), low sugar grams ( the sweetener is sucralose -like Splenda). Tasty too...and did we say quick???
Transparency in ingredients is critical for those who fuel! With all the hard exercise-why blow it on sketchy source materials on what you eat?!  Grass fed, New Zealand living dairy cows-provide the protein packed whey skimmed off from milk via nutritionally preserving cold processed - ultra filtered production... in the new to the USA Protelicious protein powder. Non-GMO, no sugar, or artificial ingredients, fillers or thickners. In strawberry and cocoa...we tried BOTH-mixed/smoothed up with water-in a thick paste texture...and just ate it with a spoon. Easily works added to yogurt and smoothies too. Digestible as well as palate pleasing-a worthy option for those not hungry after exercise but need a little something.

 PEANUTS + NUTS to go....
Better Body Foods PFitB Original is a peanut butter protein powder with added sweetener (coconut palm sugar) and salt. To use fast and easy...mix with some water to form a peanut butter like paste (or add to smoothie). Travel friendly packet pictured here -delivering  12 grams of protein, calcium and some iron...and win win -87% less fat and ⅓ calories of peanut butter. Comes in chocolate too. Non-GMO, NSF verified.

Ready made---NON-GMO Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter spreads are ready to eat-in jar sizes and 12(!!!) flavors including no added sugar options. 

Julie's REAL FOODS single serve pouches are handy-TSA friendly too. Available in assorted nut butters...including spreadable Cashew Butter. Gluten + Dairy free, non-GMO, soy free, paleo worthy sub for peanut butter. Comes in flavors -the coconut vanilla bean we tried had just the right amount of sweetness (unsweetened coconut+organic honey) balanced with authentic vanilla beans and cinnamon/sea salt hints. 
                                                             CRUNCH TIME
Sopranos fans...New Jersey dwellers-can probably relate to the eye catching name of  Enlightened crunchy fava (broad) beans-that join roasted chickpeas as worthy snack treats. Naturally high in fiber -soy/peanut/gluten free-non-GMO, Kosher+vegan - delivering 7 grams/protein (and less fat than almonds) plus100 filling calories per serving...the tasty Bada Bean Bada Boom are terrific way to savor plant based protein in a fun format. Seven flavors available including sea salt, mesquite bbq and sweet sriracha.

We've been writing up crackers as a solo-snack for years now...these delish crunchers stand one their own-perfect snack-full of flavor and baked -less oily and zero cholesterol saturated than the typical chip. Crunchmaster delivers added protein to it's winning lineup of multi seed +multi-grain crackers...non-GMO, gluten/soy/peanut free,  real deal fiber, no artificial ingredients either. And just as inhale-able as ever-in the sea salt flavor with 5 grams of protein per serving from garbanzo flour, brown rice protein and sesame seeds.