Protein powders come in many different types of formulations. Each has its own benefits and potential risks, so choosing the perfect protein powder can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you are trying to be more holistically minded in your food choices.
Protein powders range in price just as they do in ingredients. Some are chalk full of artificial ingredients, sugars, and processed soy while others only have 1 or 2 ingredients. Protein is crucial for developing, growing and maintaining muscles, tissues and vital organs. It also helps boost metabolism and increases fat-burning.
I aim to get my protein through my whole food plant based diet. But there are times I am not able to get enough. Leaning on supplementation can be a real life saver some days. I like to use things like collagen peptides powder (not plant based) with spirulina (plant based). As well as supplements such as pea protein powder and hemp seed powder!
Collagen Peptides Powder
The benefits of adding collagen into your diet are abundant. Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in our bodies found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. I started taking collagen supplements back in 2017 when I was on my 125 pound weight loss journey because I knew that this protein is what helps give our skin strength and elasticity. And elasticity is definitely something I was interested in preserving or increasing while losing weight.
Collagen is known as a complex protein because it has a whopping 19 amino acids. However this collagen only has 8 of the 9 essential amino acids and it needs to be paired with something in order to to be a complete protein. My favorite pairing is spirulina powder. It’s easy to toss in and it’s dried so I can keep it in the pantry. But pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese, or yogurt will give you the 9th essential amino acid (tryptophan) too.
Collagen peptides is natural and completely unflavored so you can add it to anything from water to soups or smoothies!
Spirulina
This Spirulina powder is vegan, non-synthetic, and is high in iron; vitamin K; vitamin A; vitamins B1, B2, and B12; and chromium. Spirulina is also a good source of zinc, and supplies magnesium, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential amino acids- the building blocks of protein (GLA, Omega 3, 6 & 9s).
This ancient plant-based miracle food delivers seven grams of protein per tablespoon serving to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Spirulina has more antioxidants than five servings of fruits and vegetables. Which helps you feel strong and sustained all day long.
Spirulina elevates your energy by unlocking sugar from your cells, so it does not get stored as fat. The deep green color of Spirulina comes from a high concentration of Chlorophyll which absorbs its pure energy from sunlight and is considered nature’s most effective energy booster, giving you instant and all-day energy.
Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein is made by simply removing the starch and fiber content of yellow peas and grinding them into a fine powder. Plant-based protein like pea protein is ideal for vegetarians and vegans. It is also a great alternative to whey and soy proteins. Pea protein powder is a high-quality, easily digested protein source that is rich in iron, arginine and branched-chain amino acids.
It is mild in taste and it offers benefits like improved muscle growth, feelings of fullness and heart health. Anthony’s Pea Protein Powder is gluten free, non-GMO, unsweetened, and unflavored with no artificial additives. If you’re watching your cholesterol, you might want to consider pea proteins; unlike dairy proteins, pea proteins are naturally cholesterol and saturated fat free.
This pea protein dissolves quickly and has a smooth finish. I like it’s easy to add to many different recipes! I like to blend it into smoothie bowls, add it to yogurt, pancake mix, muffins, protein balls and more! High in protein and low in carbs. There is a little bit of an after taste to this guy so just make sure you pair it with something that has a powerful flavor!
Hemp Seeds or Hearts
Probably one of the best plant based sources of protein, hemp seeds/hearts have 10 grams of proteins with 12 grams of omegas 3&6!
If you are low carb, this is a great option for you. It has more protein and omegas with fewer carbs per serving than chia or flax seed! Hemp is a super seed packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats and other vital nutrients like magnesium, fiber, zinc and iron
I like to sprinkle Hemp Hearts on salad, oatmeal, in yogurt or blend them into smoothies.
Hemp Seed Powder
This is a pretty great more traditional protein powder! If you just want a straight vanilla protein this is a pretty decent option! It is soy and whey free. The base is hemp so if you have an allergy to pea protein, this is a great alternative.
Organic, sustainably grown, harvested and cold processed into a nutritious powder the Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder is what we use and love. It is a great source of amino acids, fatty acids, and protein.
Hemp Seed Protein is an ideal source of Omega 3 fats and antioxidants, just right for whole food, paleo, ketogenic, and gluten-free diets. The protein found in hemp seed is very digestible, making it a great choice for people with digestive sensitivities.
I personally have a very delicate digestive system and this powder is very gentle on my stomach. Certain sweeteners give me headaches and stomach issues. What I love about this powder is that it’s lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and stevia which for me is side effect free! I enjoy the vanilla flavored powder and one serving of it provides 15 grams of raw organic protein and 8 grams of fiber. It tastes great sprinkled over yogurt and added to shakes and smoothies.
Peanut Butter Powder
With 8 grams of protein in one serving of Peanut Butter Powder, 3 simple ingredients: organic peanuts, organic coconut palm sugar, and salt, this all natural, gluten-free powder is pure, delicious, peanut butter flavor in a reduced-fat form!
You can use it in place of regular peanut butter, just add water and you have a low fat snack. You can blend it as well, my preferred form. Try my Reese Peanut Butter Meal Replacement Smoothie for a healthy chocolate peanut butter milkshake delight!
Super Green Perfect Food Powder
This little green powder is a lifesaver! It only has 3 grams of protein so this isn’t a powerhouse when it comes to macro nutrients, but it is great when you look at the micro nutrients!
It’s a wonderful way to get more green superfoods into your diet without having to keep fresh wilting produce on hand that you may or may not use in time.
This super green powder packed with whole grasses, micro algae, sea vegetables, whole vegetables, and so much more! It’s also a great immune system booster! It actually contains spirulina as well for immune support and alkalizing minerals from algae and cereal grass juices.
I usually add 1/2 a scoop to a smoothie that already has fresh greens like kale and spinach for a little extra green boost! I always have it on hand for the days when I really need to get to the grocery store and I don’t have anything fresh to throw into my smoothies at all.
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Where is the best place to find these products ? I have seen a couple of them at Costco. Do you order them online ? If so, from which site ? Sorry for all the questions.
Hi Kelly, If you click on the images of the products in this post or the titles of them you will be directed to where I purchase them online. Hope that helps 🙂
Where do get the baking pans (square and round) to fit in the instant pot? Do you have an affiliate link?
Hi Jill, this is the 7 inch springform pan that I personally use in my 6 quart Instant Pot and I love it! https://amzn.to/3eePJLU