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NEW! Rx Bar Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie—Review

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NEW Limited Edition Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie Rx Bars

I am happy to announce that there is a new limited edition flavor of Rx Bars— Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie!

It’s always exciting when a new flavor of these delicious protein bars comes out.  This new flavor is sure to make your tastebuds smile.

Continue reading NEW! Rx Bar Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie—Review
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Natural Perfect Bar Protein Bar Review

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If you’re looking for a delicious, indulgent protein bar or meal replacement, look no further.

Perfect Bar protein bars are my favorite protein bar…but although they are packed with healthy ingredients, they are not perfect.

Perfect Bar Protein Bars

I consider Perfect Bars an indulgent healthy and satisfying meal replacement. These bars have a texture and taste similar to a cookie with a lot more protein—12 or more grams. But with an average of 320 calories per bar and approximately 19g of fat, (3 of which is saturated) and 17g of sugar, they’re not for everyone.

Although they originally started with peanut butter, they have added almond butter and hazelnut butter and cashew butter to their line. Flavors like:

  • Dark chocolate almond
  • Chocolate hazelnut crisp
  • Bluberry cashew

Peanut varieties include:

  • Coconut peanut butter
  • Dark chocolate chip peanut butter
  • Chocolate mint

They even offer limited-edition flavors like:

  • Snickerdoodle
  • Pumpkin

Even though they’ve been around for years, it’s been hard to find them— similar to how RXBARS were first sold. And when you did find them, the flavor selection was minimal. But recently they are becoming more available and therefore more popular. Below are some key facts to consider to decide if Perfect Bars would make the perfect healthy indulgent you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Perfect Bar – Peanut Butter

perfect bar protein bar

Perfect Bar – Almond Butter

perfect bar brotein bar

Perfect Bar Pros:

  • Great taste
  • Natural and organic ingredients
  • More protien than most natural bars
  • Satisfying
  • Variety of flavors
  • Low glycemic index
  • Soy free
  • Whey free
  • Gluten free
  • No preservatives

Perfect Bar Cons

  • Requires refrigeration
  • Very hard while refrigerated
  • Messy if they get warm
  • High in calories
  • High in sugar
  • High in fat
  • High saturated fat in some flavors
  • Not vegan

Natural Perfect Bar Protein Bar— Summary

Because of their high fat and sugar content, I wouldn’t recommend them as a daily protein source. Yet, if you’re looking for a delicious meal replacement or treat that’s made with all-natural and organic ingredients and packed full of protein, try a few flavors of Perfect Bars. There are no other bars like them.

Your comments are welcome.

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What is Heart Rate Variability?

What is Heart Rate Variability Protein4women.com

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the measurement of the intervals between your heartbeats. HRV varies by individual and tends to lower with age. It’s an extremely sensitive metric. It fluctuates greatly throughout the day and from one day to the next.

Heart Rate Variability

HRV is associated with the levels in the blood of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that is produced by the liver as a response to inflammation. High levels of CRP can indicate high levels of inflammation in your body, which is associated with a greater risk of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So, it’s important to have high HRV.

Why Looking at HRV is Important?

HRV is an important metric when it comes to your overall health and well-being. Tracking your HRV can help you gain a better understanding of:

For example, if you’d like to see the effect of adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet has on your body, the impact will be noticeable in your heart rate variability trend. Conversely, if your daily routine and lifestyle are unchanged but your HRV is on a downward trend, it may be an indicator of increased stress or an oncoming illness.

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Measuring HRV

There are numerous HRV monitors on the market. Some use a wrist strap, some use a finger sensor and others use a chest strap. The chest strap versions tend to be more accurate than the others. Most importantly, it’s important to be able to easily track your HRV. Using one that has an app makes it easy to track on your phone, for example. You want to look for a trusted brand, such as Polar or Garmin.

Since HRV varies by person, stating a “normal” range is difficult. Rather than looking at specific numbers, it’s more useful to follow your own trends. For example, if you’re taking steps to improve your fitness and overall health, over time you should see a gradual increase in your average heart rate variability—that means you’re on the right track!

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RXBARS Reviews–Coffee Chocolate

RXBARS Reviews--Coffee ChocolateRXBARS Reviews–Coffee Chocolate

If you love coffee and chocolate, you have to try this RXBAR!

If you are not familiar with RXBARS, RXBARS are natural protein bars made with real food–including  egg whites, dates and nuts. One RXBAR (depending on flavor) has 12 grams of protein, 7- 10 grams of fat, 13-15 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fiber. They are free of dairy, gluten, soy and added sugar. You can read more about RXBARS here

The Coffee Chocolate RXBAR has a strong espresso flavor. Add the right amount of chocolate and you get a delicious, nutritious snack. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk and you will think  you are being overly indulgent.

RXBARS Reviews–Coffee Chocolate

For some reason, this flavor is seasonal. When you think of coffee, what seasons do you think of most? Fall, Winter, right? Well, not for the RXBAR folks. They think Spring and Summer is the only time for coffee! The Coffee Chocolate flavor is only available in the Spring and Summer. I even wrote to them last Winter, wondering why I could no longer find the Coffee Chocolate RXBARS. I was afraid they discontinued this flavor. I received a response saying that it is a seasonal flavor and not available at that time.  I am happy to see it’s back now and I just ordered my second box of 12. I got one of my friends hooked on them too and when I told her they were available, she promptly ordered a box for herself.

Pros:RXBARS Reviews–Coffee ChocolateRXBARS Reviews–Coffee Chocolate

  • Great taste
  • Natural ingredients
  • More protein than most natural bars
  • Satisfying

Cons:

  • Consistency–very sticky–can get stuck in your teeth
  • Hard to bite into if they get cold
  • Messy if they get warm
  • Sugar: a bit high in sugar
  • Fat: a bit high in total fat and does contain some saturated fat (2.5 grams)
  • May be a bit overpowering if you don’t really love coffee
  • Seasonal–not available year round
  • Not as easy to find as some other flavors

RXBARS Reviews–Coffee Chocolate– Summary

If you love coffee and chocolate and are looking for a natural bar with more than a few grams of protein, the Coffee Chocolate RXBAR may be the ultimate bar. Don’t miss out! Give these bars a try.

Your comments are welcome.

BUY HERE

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Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins

difference between complete and incomplete proteinDifference Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins

Until about 15 years ago when I began seriously getting into the health and fitness industry, I thought protein is protein. And to be quite honest, preferring carbs, several days of the week I hardly ate any protein at all.

However, protein is very important to our bodiesOur bodies use protein to build and repair muscle tissue.

Now that I am a pescetarian, it’s even more important to pay close attention to the differences between complete and incomplete proteins to make sure I am getting enough complete protein in my diet. Vegetarians and vegans, in particular, need to know the difference between complete and incomplete protein and how to combine protein sources to make a complete protein. However, everyone should know the difference between complete and incomplete proteins to be able to make good nutritional choices. Continue reading Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins

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Hemp Protein Powder Benefits and Risks

Hemp Protein Powder Benefits and RisksHemp Protein Powder Benefits and Risks

If you’re looking to increase your protein intake from a natural, plant based source, then hemp protein powder is definitely worth considering. Hemp protein powder is Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, and has a low allergy risk.

Hemp Protein Powder Benefits and Risks

Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds, which provide many healthful benefits. Hemp protein powder contains 20 amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids that our bodies are unable to produce on their own. Hemp protein powder provides the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6- (including hard-to-get gamma linolenic acid (GLA)) in a healthy 3:1 ratio. What’s more, hemp protein powder also provides a healthy dose of antioxidants, minerals, fiber and chlorophyll.

Let’s take a look at some other nutritional values of hemp protein powder. Continue reading Hemp Protein Powder Benefits and Risks

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Best Protein Powder For Women

Best Protein Powder For WomenBest Protein Powder For Women

Choosing a protein powder can be confusing. There are so many different types and brands.

Many women have been afraid of protein powders–thinking they will start looking like a man! This myth stems from the fact that the traditional protein powders were made for men wanting to build muscle quickly and bulk up. Of course, these products do still exist and are very popular among bodybuilders and other athletes, but there are more and more varieties of protein powders available for the non-bodybuilding population–including us women.

There are a number of reasons women add protein powders to their diets, including:

Help build muscle

Help lose weight

Easy and quick way to consume more protein

Alternative to other protein sources

Let’s take a look at a few types of protein powders. Continue reading Best Protein Powder For Women

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Soy Nuts Nutrition

soy nut nutritionSoy Nuts Nutrition

Let me start by saying I love soy nuts–other soy products–not so much.

Soy nuts are roasted or baked soybeans. They can make a tasty snack that’s rich in healthy protein and other nutrients. Soy nuts are a very nutrient dense food. They pack lots of nutrients in a very small serving. Eating small amounts of soy nuts is a healthful and easy way to boost your daily intake of a variety of important nutrients–including protein.

Soy Nuts Nutrition

Nutrient Density

A 1/4 cup serving of dry-roasted soy nuts contains 194 calories.  One fourth cup is not a lot, but that ¼ cup contains concentrated protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Continue reading Soy Nuts Nutrition

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Best Egg White Protein Powder

Best Egg White Protein PowderBest Egg White Protein Powder

Many people are introducing protein powders into their diets for various reasons. But when you think of protein powders, egg white protein powder is usually not the first type of protein powder most people think of.

In the past, bodybuilders were primarily the consumers of protein powders. They also were the ones adding eggs or egg whites to their protein shakes. That is no longer the case. As protein powders became more mainstream, and as more and more “average” people began looking for ways to add healthy, low-fat protein to their diets, a larger variety of protein powders have become available. Egg white protein powder is one of them, and it is gaining popularity.

One scoop of egg white protein powder can provide 4 times the amount of protein found in one whole egg and 6 times the amount of protein in one egg white.

How much protein does a woman need? See protein4women.com/protein-and-women  for more info.

Who Should Use Egg White Protein Powder?

If you are looking for a convenient low fat and low-calorie protein source, egg white protein powder may be a good option. It can be added to milk, milk alternatives, green drinks, yogurt and more. It generally has a milder taste than other types of protein powders, such as whey or soy.

Because egg white protein is non-dairy, it can be used by individuals with lactose intolerance. Most egg white protein powders contain little carbohydrates, so they are a good option for dieters or those on a low carb or paleo diet too.

Best Egg White Protein Powder

 

Most varieties are soy free; however, some do contain soy lecithin.

Best Egg White Protein Powder

However, not all egg white protein powders are the same. Some low-quality products, especially those manufactured outside the U.S., may contain traces of antibiotics and hormones and also may put you at risk of being exposed Salmonella. Therefore, it is important to look for quality products produced in the USA. Still, some egg white protein powders contain added flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives.

Best Egg White Protein Powder

Which egg white protein powder is the best?

Let’s take a look at 3 popular brands and see how they compare.


Jay Robb Egg White Protein PowderBest Egg White Protein Powder

Flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry

Unflavored Ingredients: Pure extracted egg white albumin and non-GMO sunflower lecithin.

Chocolate Ingredients: Egg albumin, xylitol, cocoa powder, natural flavor, xanthan gum, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, and stevia.

Strawberry Ingredients: Egg albumin, xylitol, natural flavor, xanthan gum, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, Reb-A stevia, citric acid, and red beet powder (color.)

Vanilla Ingredients: Egg albumin, xylitol, natural flavor, xanthan gum, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, and stevia.

The unflavored variety nutritional profile:

Serving size: 33 g

Calories: 115

Fat; 0

Sugar: 0

Protein: 24 g

The flavored varieties have 2 sugar alcohols and 120 calories.

This egg white protein powder is favored by many. It mixes well and has a mild taste.


Paleo Protein Egg White Powder

10 varieties: organic unflavored, unflavored, chocolate, blueberry tart, coconut cream, cinnamon roll, espresso, glazed donut, and vanilla.

The unflavored variety ingredients: Egg White Powder (from chickens not treated with hormones or antibiotics and non-GMO)  & Sunflower Lecithin

The unflavored variety nutritional profile:Best Egg White Protein Powder

Serving size: 30g

Calories: 100

Fat: 0

Sugar: 0

Protein: 25 g

The flavored varieties are sweetened with monk fruit and natural flavors. Some contain a probiotic. Most have 21 grams of protein.

This egg white protein powder is a favorite among those looking for a variety of flavors and have a preference for a sweeter taste. Although there are unflavored and organic unflavored choices. All use eggs from chickens not treated with hormones or antibiotics and non-GMO.


NOW Sports Eggwhite Protein

3 varieties: regular, vanilla creme and rich chocolate

The plain egg white variety nutritional profile:Best Egg White Protein Powder

Serving size: 20 g

Calories: 100

Fat; 0

Sugar: 1

Protein: 16 g

The plain egg white variety ingredients: Egg White Powder

The regular/plain variety is pure egg whites–nothing else.  It does not contain lecithin, as others do and has no added flavors. It gets frothier than other egg white protein powders and does not dissolve as easily.

The vanilla creme and rich chocolate flavors have added ingredients–making them dissolve better.

Vanilla creme ingredients: Egg White Powder (Instantized), Xylitol, Natural Vanilla Flavors, Better Stevia® [Organic Stevia Extract (Leaf)], Natural Citrus Flavor and Soy Lecithin (< 1%).

The serving size is much smaller than most egg white protein powders, making the protein lower. However, the label lists 1 gram of sugar. There is no sugar added to the plain egg white powder. It contains only egg whites, so I don’t know where this is coming from. The other brands do not list any sugar.


Which egg white protein powder is the best?

The one that fits best with what you want and don’t want.

The unflavored variety of these 3 popular egg white protein powder brands:  Jay Robb Egg White Protein Powder, Paleo Protein Egg White Powder and NOW Sports Eggwhite Protein, are very similar.

The Paleo Protein Egg White Powder does have an organic product, which is perfect if you want organic and don’t mind adding your own flavoring.

If you want plain, pure egg white powder with nothing added, the regular, plain NOW Sports Eggwhite Protein is the way to go.

In terms of flavors, it depends on what is most important to you and what you want to avoid. The flavored varieties contain different types of sweeteners and other added ingredients. By far, Paleo Protein Egg White Powder has the most flavors to choose from.

Best Egg White Protein Powder

Which egg white protein powder do you think is the best?

I’d love to hear your opinions!

BUY HERE

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Peanut Butter Powder Protein—Too Good to be True?

Peanut Butter Powder Protein

Peanut Butter Powder Protein

Too Good to be True?

Many people love peanut butter–myself included. In fact every year, Americans eat three 16 oz jars of peanut butter per person each year. That may not seem like a lot, but one 16 oz. jar of peanut butter contains 14 servings, that adds up to 42 servings per person. (Since not every single person eats peanut butter, some of us are eating a lot more.

The fact that peanut butter is so versatile gives us the opportunity to eat it in many different ways–peanut butter cookies, peanut butter smoothies, peanut butter sandwiches–with jelly, bananas, marshmallow fluff… (I love peanut butter and pickle sandwiches–strange I know, but my mom introduced me to them when I was a child and I have eaten them ever since!), peanut butter and apples, peanut butter and celery…

I eat peanut butter on toast at least once per week. My husband eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during his daily commute.

The problem with peanut butter is that it has a lot of calories and a lot of fat–yes it’s primarily the healthy type of fat, but it’s fat nonetheless. One serving of the peanut butter I usually eat has 16 grams of fat–that’s 25% of the recommended daily allowance.  Plus, many peanut butters have sugars, oils, and other ingredients that are not healthy (or needed)  such as Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils, Molasses, Corn Syrup Solids, Agave Syrup, Mono and Diglycerides, Maltodextrin… Continue reading Peanut Butter Powder Protein—Too Good to be True?