Yesterday, we talked about the ever-growing marketing scam better known as Visalus. Although I believe real food is the best way to great health, I also understand the need for a nutritional boost, like shake supplements.
Personally, I opt to have a real breakfast in the AM (usually my Morning Oats Goulash) and then reserve a nutrition shake for my mid-morning snack, if necessary. Having just a shake for breakfast leaves me too hungry and prone to binging on something unhealthy later in the morning. Having a shake in the mid-morning gives me a little boost (instead of more coffee!), gets a few fruit servings in for the day, and provides a tasty and simple way to up my daily greens.
My shakes are typically made with fresh or frozen organic fruit, almond milk or water, a few cups of greens (like kale or spinach), a cup of ice, and a scoop of Vega’s Energizing Smoothie powder.
I’m not a spokesperson for Vega (although at the rate of how many people I’ve converted to customers, I should be!) but I will say that Vega is the plant-based nutrient powerhouse that Visalus claims to be — but without any of the toxic additives or chemicals. And higher quality ingredients, to boot. Oh and unlike some companies (“ahem…cough…VISALUS….cough”), Vega will actually TELL YOU what they’re ingredients are! Imagine that!
Just like everything in health and nutrition, REAL food is your best bet. Quick fixes are too-good-to-be-true marketing ploys that just want your money. If you really want a supplement, use something that’s plant-based, lacking any man-made or GMO ingredients, and void of any artificial sweeteners. You’ll pay more for the product but you’ll be healthier than ever. If you can’t afford high-quality shake supplements, then I have one simple solution for you: don’t use any of them!
Opt for real food, in proper quantities, and you’ll be just fine. We don’t really need meal replacement shakes.
Of course, if you’re doing strength-conditioning, you do need post-workout protein so if you can’t afford a good quality protein powder (like Vega’s Sport Protein), try getting 15-20 g of protein in a cup or so of non-fat Greek yogurt immediately after your workouts. You get the easily digestible protein (without the fats that will interrupt the digestive process) and although it might not be as optimal as a protein shake, it’s still better than a protein powder full of garbage ingredients that are sabotaging your efforts to be healthy!
Domestically Yours,
Natasha Kay
LOVE Vega! That’s for pointing me in that direction.
Posted by Charis | August 14, 2012, 9:57 pmArbonne’s protein shake powder is great too! Will try Vega soon.
Posted by Wanda M | August 15, 2012, 6:32 amDo you have a recommendation for how to find out if “natural flavors” is MSG?
Posted by Lindsay Nix | August 26, 2012, 4:08 pmNot entirely sure on that one, Lindsay. I know there are some “natural flavors” that are just fine but there really isn’t enough regulation on this yet. But if you just eat whole (real) foods, you won’t have a problem. Easier said than done, of course!
Posted by Natasha (Domestica) | August 30, 2012, 9:04 amI love my COMPLETE nutrition shake – made from whole foods – available through Juice Plus+ !!!!
Posted by Dora Throckmorton | October 25, 2012, 11:19 amHi! I realize this post was created a while ago, so hopefully you see this!! Have you ever tried Sun Warrior rice based protein powder? If you have, or have heard of it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!
Posted by Ellie | January 15, 2013, 4:12 pmHi Ellie,
I know many people who use Sun Warrior and love it. I’ve never tried it but their ingredients are solid. It’s a great option!
Posted by Natasha (Domestica) | January 16, 2013, 9:04 amHey, thanks for responding so quickly! I think I’m going to give both Sun Warrior and Vega a try. Just FYI, Sun Warrior will send you free samples if you ask them to !
Posted by Ellie | January 17, 2013, 3:50 pmLooked into Essante’ Organics products yet?
Posted by Charnell | January 19, 2013, 11:43 amI actually responded to another commenter’s question about Essante (on my Visalus article) — dated Dec.25 if you want to go see my opinion on that!
Posted by Natasha (Domestica) | January 19, 2013, 6:56 pmThanks! Just read it! I appreciate your blog…and as a former Visalian booted and ex-communicated due to standing behind friends having side effects, I feel alot better about the organic choices I am now making!
Posted by Charnell | January 20, 2013, 7:11 pmIt’s funny that people who have a problem with Visalus have another product to push on people. I looked at both product ingredients and they are the same. I’m not sure where the person writing the article was looking for product info. All products have to put their ingredients on the package.
I’ll tell you the difference in the 2 products Visalus understands the OBESITY epidemic and are willing to out their money where their mouth is. They are donating their product to stomp out obesity. Hopefully Vega follows their examples.
Posted by Jacob | March 31, 2013, 1:43 pmI’m sorry you misunderstood the blog post. My intention is not to “push” Vega, it is simply to provide readers with alternatives after I was so clear about why Visalus is a poor option. I’ve also been known to recommend TerasWhey and other organic protein supplements, which you will find all over the pages of this blog.
And to be absolutely clear, you are completely wrong about the products being the same….Vega doesn’t use soy, doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, doesn’t use cheap oils, etc etc etc. Visalus does. There are plenty of worthwhile companies who have quality products, not just Vega, but this is the one that I personally use and trust so I have no problem recommending it to others.
Posted by Natasha (Domestica) | March 31, 2013, 3:26 pmTrained safety and health protection authorities have concluded from [the scientific] database [on sucralose], that sucralose is a safe food ingredient that can be safely consumed for a lifetime. The paper also notes that these expert independent evaluations resulted in “no limitations for use by any population subtypes,” and, for example, is “safe for use by children and people with diabetes.”
STUDY:
V. Lee Grotz, Ian C. Munro. An overview of the safety of sucralose. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 55:1-5, 2009
Posted by Mark Blanton | May 15, 2013, 8:58 pm