What would you eat?

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/22/2009 8:53:09 PM
Author: Kasey3
Hi Haven

congrats on starting this plan. i visited the website and the diet and exercise plans seem very reasonable. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind:
what do you eat for a typical day?
do you use protien drinks? if yes what brand and flavor do you like?

TIA
Kasey

Hi Kasey! Haven can probably answer this better than me since she's actually got the books, but I thought I might give a little input till she gets here. And I'm basically following the same regimen as the plan as far as foods go, with possibly the exception of where people have their shakes or what not. Also - try going on the website to the place where they have the past challenge winners - they seem to be a few years old, but they have all the winners' weekly food plans broken down for each day, which might give you some suggestions too.

Here's my typical daily food plan (I try to focus on low fat, high protein, high fiber, and enough carbs (only good, not bad carbs) to keep me energized all day)...

6:45AM: 3 egg whites, 4 oz Fiber One cereal, 4 oz skim milk, 8 oz OJ
9:00AM: banana, homemade whole wheat blueberry muffin
11:30AM: 2 homemade salmon patties, green peas, boiled red potatoes
2:00 PM: small leafy salad, fat free dressing, low fat cheddar cheese stick, slice of double fiber whole grain bread
4:30PM: 1/2 Powerbar (pre-workout)
5:15 - 6:15PM: Workout
6:30PM: 1/2 whey protein shake (post-workout)
7:30PM: grilled thin chicken breast, brown rice w/ fat free gravy, leafy salad w/ fat free dressing

I'm also constantly drinking water throughout they day - it's pretty much all I drink, except the OJ in the morning. I'm talking like 10+ 8oz glasses a day. The whey protein also makes you really thirsty, so that contributes some too.

I'm still working out my afternoon snack. I might replace that with yogurt and a slice of bread, something like that. The BFL plan includes a nighttime snack, but I'm heading to bed ~9PM most of the time, and I don't really feel the need for a snack when I basically just ate supper. But I do wake up hungry and ready for breakfast in the morning, which is good.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/22/2009 8:53:09 PM
Author: Kasey3
Hi Haven

congrats on starting this plan. i visited the website and the diet and exercise plans seem very reasonable. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind:
what do you eat for a typical day?
do you use protien drinks? if yes what brand and flavor do you like?

TIA
Kasey

As far as the protein bars, drinks, and supplements... a lot of that is preference, and takes trial and error to see what works with your body. I have a place called the Vitamin Shoppe near here that I go to, and I've tried many of their bars...
- the EAS Mypolex meal replacement bars were gross to me
- one of the Labrada Lean Body bars were too high in calories and fat for me, and were so sweet they tasted like a candy bar and made me nauseous (FI uses these though, and loves them)
- another Labrada Lean Body bar, the Lean Body "Gold," was actually pretty good, and very filling - they were just too high in calories/fat overall for me - this is them though, might be worth a try for you
- I've recently gone back to Powerbar Performance bars, which I used to eat years and years ago. They're pretty yummy to me, low in fat, and give you some energy. I eat half of one before a workout, and it has worked well so far (I eat the second half the next day).

For protein shakes... I've never incorporated protein drinks into my diet as an actual snack. I really only use a whey protein shake (1/2 a scoop instead of a whole one, again just b/c I don't see the need for so many calories for myself) by Optimum Nutrition after my workout to refuel my muscles and help rebuild them - this is the one I've always used, in vanilla (used to use strawberry), and it's always worked great for me, so I haven't used any others.

My FI though uses Labrada Lean Body meal replacement shakes as a snack daily - he's a tried and true user of these - simple to use on the go, they come in individual packets, get yourself a little shaker bottle and some water and you're set. (BTW - Labrada has a line of Lean Body products made specifically for women too, if you want to look into that.)

And just a side thought I had... I wasn't sure if you were actually talking about the more supplemental protein bars and shakes I mentioned above, or for the more toned down ones geared toward people not working out so much. So in case that's where you were going... some brands, for ex. Special K, make protein shakes and cereal bars that I used to like a lot. I've never tried the shakes, but I used to eat a cereal bar daily as my morning snack, and they were great too. So you might like to look into those as well.

Sorry for the BOOK I ended up writing.

I've just gotten a lot of help in getting to where I am now and the things I know, so I always like to pass it along and share whenever I can. Let me know if you've got any questions!

 

[Haven]

luvthem--I was going to start a thread to find you because I couldn''t find this thread yesterday!
How cool that you''re doing your own version of the program, we should check in with each other now and then to see how we''re doing. DH is doing a modified version of the challenge, too, because he doesn''t need to be so strict with the diet to bulk up. He''s one of those naturally lean and muscular people. (Gag!)

I''m sticking with the plan really closely, though I only eat five times a day instead of six. The most powerful part of the whole thing for me is the workout plan because I tend to slack if I don''t have a serious plan to stick to. I''ve been hitting the weights really hard, and pushing myself as far as I can go with the cardio days because I really want to buff up. I printed all of the workout sheets from the BfL website, and I bring them with me to the gym to record my progress. I''m embarrassed that I need so much structure since I used to be a fitness professional, but at least I know my weaknesses, right? DH only does three sets before each superset, but other than that he''s doing the workouts as prescribed by the program.

My only frustration so far is that my elbow hurts a bit every now and then because I broke it on May 30th, so my DH has had to treat it a lot since I started lifting. (He''s a muscle specialist, so that''s what he does. Convenient, right?) I''ve also been disappointed with my cheat meals because I feel sick after them. I don''t cheat all day, only for lunch or dinner, but it''s frustrating that I can''t just down a burger and fries without getting ill!

This is week 3 for me, and I''m already seeing more definition in my arms. DH has been taking pictures of me from the front, side, and back once a week and I can see an overall change already too, which is really motivating.

I''m sorry to hear about the book prices--do you have a Half Price Books near you? Did you check your library? If your local library doesn''t have them, they''ll probably be able to find them in a different library in your lending system and have them shipped in for you. I never bought a book in college because I took advantage of that!

I''m so happy to have a BfL buddy on PS!

 

[Haven]

Kasey3--Hi! The plans are really reasonable and manageable, for sure.

Here''s a typical day of eating and working out for me:

8 AM
- Protein shake (I use this Optimum product, or a Myoplex ready-to-drink shake.)
- Take shake with me while I walk our pup. We walk for a mile or two each morning.

8:45 AM
- Workout

11 AM
- Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites with salsa, a piece of wheat toast, and water.

2 PM
- Snack: Cottage cheese and baby tomatoes

5 PM
- Dinner: BfL dinner recipe (chilies rellenos/mini-Thanksgiving meal, etc.) The recipes are SO good!

8 PM
- Snack: A bit of leftovers from last night''s dinner, fruit and a piece of toast, etc.

I''ve really found it much easier to eat well on this plan this time around (as opposed to when I did it two summers ago) because I have the recipe book. I felt really restricted last time around, but this recipe book has a ton of great, easy ideas. I usually cook with fresh produce and really basic, whole foods, and the book uses a lot of canned and frozen things which are fine, and much cheaper. I''m saving a lot of money now!

Feel free to ask any questions! There''s a BfL forum, too, if you google it you should find it easily. There are a lot of great ideas over there.

 

[Blackpaw]

I think Im going to join in if i may??!

Ive been reading up on BfL too and would like to give it a try. Ive never actually tried a diet in my life though so im a bit worried i wont have the discipline to do it. But i have got my SO on board so im hoping he''ll help me and ill help him.

Ive been out and about a lot this summer and i like how healthy i feel. I dont need to lose a heap of weight but i would like to tone up a few spots...quite a few spots!

Soooo...i havent got the book or anything yet, but will have a look into getting it. I also have to get a gym membership, but i was planning on getting one for winter anyway. Oh and so i was thinking of starting not next week but the week after....seeing as im so organised and all!

I have one question...can i eat cheese somehow? just a little bit of cheese?!

No really, its a serious question, can i have any cheese at all?

 

[Kasey3]

Date: 8/25/2009 1:48:22 PM
Author: luvthemstrawberries

Date: 8/22/2009 8:53:09 PM
Author: Kasey3
Hi Haven

congrats on starting this plan. i visited the website and the diet and exercise plans seem very reasonable. I have a few questions for you if you don''t mind:
what do you eat for a typical day?
do you use protien drinks? if yes what brand and flavor do you like?

TIA
Kasey

As far as the protein bars, drinks, and supplements... a lot of that is preference, and takes trial and error to see what works with your body. I have a place called the Vitamin Shoppe near here that I go to, and I''ve tried many of their bars...
- the EAS Mypolex meal replacement bars were gross to me
- one of the Labrada Lean Body bars were too high in calories and fat for me, and were so sweet they tasted like a candy bar and made me nauseous (FI uses these though, and loves them)
- another Labrada Lean Body bar, the Lean Body ''Gold,'' was actually pretty good, and very filling - they were just too high in calories/fat overall for me - this is them though, might be worth a try for you
- I''ve recently gone back to Powerbar Performance bars, which I used to eat years and years ago. They''re pretty yummy to me, low in fat, and give you some energy. I eat half of one before a workout, and it has worked well so far (I eat the second half the next day).

For protein shakes... I''ve never incorporated protein drinks into my diet as an actual snack. I really only use a whey protein shake (1/2 a scoop instead of a whole one, again just b/c I don''t see the need for so many calories for myself) by Optimum Nutrition after my workout to refuel my muscles and help rebuild them - this is the one I''ve always used, in vanilla (used to use strawberry), and it''s always worked great for me, so I haven''t used any others.

My FI though uses Labrada Lean Body meal replacement shakes as a snack daily - he''s a tried and true user of these - simple to use on the go, they come in individual packets, get yourself a little shaker bottle and some water and you''re set. (BTW - Labrada has a line of Lean Body products made specifically for women too, if you want to look into that.)

And just a side thought I had... I wasn''t sure if you were actually talking about the more supplemental protein bars and shakes I mentioned above, or for the more toned down ones geared toward people not working out so much. So in case that''s where you were going... some brands, for ex. Special K, make protein shakes and cereal bars that I used to like a lot. I''ve never tried the shakes, but I used to eat a cereal bar daily as my morning snack, and they were great too. So you might like to look into those as well.

Sorry for the BOOK I ended up writing.

I''ve just gotten a lot of help in getting to where I am now and the things I know, so I always like to pass it along and share whenever I can. Let me know if you''ve got any questions!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this info and hooking up the links for me. I sincerely appreciate it!

 

[Kasey3]

Date: 8/25/2009 3:16:02 PM
Author: Haven
Kasey3--Hi! The plans are really reasonable and manageable, for sure.

Here''s a typical day of eating and working out for me:

8 AM
- Protein shake (I use this Optimum product, or a Myoplex ready-to-drink shake.)
- Take shake with me while I walk our pup. We walk for a mile or two each morning.

8:45 AM
- Workout

11 AM
- Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites with salsa, a piece of wheat toast, and water.

2 PM
- Snack: Cottage cheese and baby tomatoes

5 PM
- Dinner: BfL dinner recipe (chilies rellenos/mini-Thanksgiving meal, etc.) The recipes are SO good!

8 PM
- Snack: A bit of leftovers from last night''s dinner, fruit and a piece of toast, etc.

I''ve really found it much easier to eat well on this plan this time around (as opposed to when I did it two summers ago) because I have the recipe book. I felt really restricted last time around, but this recipe book has a ton of great, easy ideas. I usually cook with fresh produce and really basic, whole foods, and the book uses a lot of canned and frozen things which are fine, and much cheaper. I''m saving a lot of money now!

Feel free to ask any questions! There''s a BfL forum, too, if you google it you should find it easily. There are a lot of great ideas over there.

Hi Haven, thank you so much for answering my questions. You have been very helpful!

One last question: how does the protein shake taste, and do you do anything to it or drink as is?

 

[february2003bride]

Chick-Fil-A!!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/26/2009 10:21:35 AM
Author: Kasey3

One last question: how does the protein shake taste, and do you do anything to it or drink as is?

Kasey - the Optimum Nutrition shake I use is a little different than Haven's I think, and it appears they're both the same except for the artificial sweeteners or flavors, which I wasn't aware of. (BTW - Haven, HOLY COW that natural whey is EXPENSIVE!! I had no idea it was that much.) But anyway, the one I use actually tastes really good. I just put a little water in the mixer and add half a scoop of the shake powder. Sometimes it has a funny aftertaste, so I just tend to gulp it down mainly and try to let it pass my tongue. It's pretty good for a product like this, which says a lot in my book, because some stuff in the market tastes just gross. I mean, it's no homemade ice cream milkshake or anything, but that's also not the point of these, so I appreciate that it actually tastes relatively good.

For FI's Labrada meal replacement shakes - he uses them as a snack while at work on the go (he works outside a lot) so he just has a little shaker bottle and can add like 6-8 oz of water from the water cooler and add the mix, shut the bottle, and give it a good shake, and it's ready to go. He uses the vanilla of those, and I think he likes the taste a lot.

For things to mix them with... I have heard of people using milk instead of water. When my brother was body building, haha he used ice cream! Most people just use water though, which is what I do. I like ideas like adding fresh fruit to the mixer, or some ice to make a smoothie, things like that. I think a lot of people like to use plain yogurt if they use it as a morning shake, which I think sounds really good, maybe with some fresh strawberries and blueberries mixed in or something!

Also, at the gym I used to go to, the owner had set up a health-snack bar, and he offered post-workout shakes there. He'd use fruit juice, ice, and strawberry protein powder - it was actually awesome. Very refreshing and yummy (and beneficial) after a long workout.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/25/2009 3:08:16 PM
Author: Haven
luvthem--I was going to start a thread to find you because I couldn't find this thread yesterday!
How cool that you're doing your own version of the program, we should check in with each other now and then to see how we're doing. DH is doing a modified version of the challenge, too, because he doesn't need to be so strict with the diet to bulk up. He's one of those naturally lean and muscular people. (Gag!)

I'm sticking with the plan really closely, though I only eat five times a day instead of six. The most powerful part of the whole thing for me is the workout plan because I tend to slack if I don't have a serious plan to stick to. I've been hitting the weights really hard, and pushing myself as far as I can go with the cardio days because I really want to buff up. I printed all of the workout sheets from the BfL website, and I bring them with me to the gym to record my progress. I'm embarrassed that I need so much structure since I used to be a fitness professional, but at least I know my weaknesses, right? DH only does three sets before each superset, but other than that he's doing the workouts as prescribed by the program.

My only frustration so far is that my elbow hurts a bit every now and then because I broke it on May 30th, so my DH has had to treat it a lot since I started lifting. (He's a muscle specialist, so that's what he does. Convenient, right?) I've also been disappointed with my cheat meals because I feel sick after them. I don't cheat all day, only for lunch or dinner, but it's frustrating that I can't just down a burger and fries without getting ill!

This is week 3 for me, and I'm already seeing more definition in my arms. DH has been taking pictures of me from the front, side, and back once a week and I can see an overall change already too, which is really motivating.

I'm sorry to hear about the book prices--do you have a Half Price Books near you? Did you check your library? If your local library doesn't have them, they'll probably be able to find them in a different library in your lending system and have them shipped in for you. I never bought a book in college because I took advantage of that!

I'm so happy to have a BfL buddy on PS!

Haha, I had to find the thread by going back through my posts!! What do you think about asking the admins to change the name of the thread to something related to BFL, so we can find it easily? It would be great to have a check-in place to come to! Maybe I should take some photos of myself... I already have measurements and body fat numbers from a while back, haha and I think I've gained since then, so I'm just using them as a benchmark, because even then I wasn't happy with myself at all.

Haha tell your husband to share some of that natural lean-ness with the rest of us!!

It was nice to see the breakdown of your daily food plan - I'm glad to see that someone else isn't sticking exactly to how they outline it there. With my work schedule, I was wondering if eating 2 snacks in the afternoon and no snack after supper was going to mess me up, but I think it'll be fine.

I don't think it's embarassing at all to need structure - I'd love to be a fitness instructor, but even if I was, haha I'd need an outline for each of my clients for us to go by. Structure is just how I work, and I'm very unproductive unless I have it, so I completely understand! I don't have a schedule for the gym, but I have thought about it before. I do have a routine in there every day though, and I follow that pretty regularly in there. I really want to buff up too - haha maybe we can post our buff photos if/when we get there!!

That stinks about your elbow!! (Haha but at least you have your own specialist right at hand!!

That's so neat he can help you with that.) My knees have been giving me trouble lately - I'm thinking I have some minor arthritis in them, mainly because it's usually my left knee, but sometimes my right as well. It's a dull, constant ache up under the lower area of the kneecap, when it happens during the day or at night. But sometimes it will start to hurt in the middle of a leg press or something, which I hate.

I had a slice of pizza this weekend and split mozzerella sticks with FI - I felt so gross after that. It all bloated me from the inside, and messed up my stomach and digestion too.

I learned a long time ago that now that I've cut out grease and most fat for SO long, that I regret it even more when I don't listen to my body and take it in anyway. I honestly don't know how I was functioning when I had such a bad diet years ago - I must have been so much more tired and run-down than I remember, because it hits me like a brick wall now when I do it. My cheat meals are better on me if I still try to avoid white breads, and still keep my portions small - that's my biggest thing.

I don't have one of those book stores near me, haha but I wish I did during college too! I wasted so much money on those books - it's such a rip-off system. Anyway, I'm thinking about getting the BFL book itself, and not the recipe book. We'll see. Or maybe use Amazon or something - it's way cheaper online. I just went to Barnes and Noble last week b/c I was thinking about starting the whole program Monday.

By the way - are you not working now? Just curious - I saw in your schedule how relaxed the mornings are and all, so was just wondering if you're still teaching!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/25/2009 8:38:06 PM
Author: Blackpaw
I think Im going to join in if i may??!

Ive been reading up on BfL too and would like to give it a try. Ive never actually tried a diet in my life though so im a bit worried i wont have the discipline to do it. But i have got my SO on board so im hoping he''ll help me and ill help him.

Ive been out and about a lot this summer and i like how healthy i feel. I dont need to lose a heap of weight but i would like to tone up a few spots...quite a few spots!

Soooo...i havent got the book or anything yet, but will have a look into getting it. I also have to get a gym membership, but i was planning on getting one for winter anyway. Oh and so i was thinking of starting not next week but the week after....seeing as im so organised and all!

I have one question...can i eat cheese somehow? just a little bit of cheese?!

No really, its a serious question, can i have any cheese at all?

Join in the fun blackpaw! You definitely need to be disciplined mentally for something like this, because it does take commitment. However, something I do remember seeing as part of the program is to not beat yourself up when you make a "mistake" - because they''re always going to happen. It''s pretty inevitable. But you get over it, don''t regret it, and get back on the program. Just something to remember if you start it - it''s not about perfection, just about trying your best.

I''m sure cheese is fine, just in moderation, of course. I eat one of these daily with my afternoon snack. However, I''m trying to scale back my fat content even more, and these will probably be the first thing to go. I just got on the cheddar for a while, because I used to eat these every afternoon but got tired of the mozzerella after so long.

 

[Blackpaw]

Thanks luvthem

its good to know i can have a little bit of cheese every now and then...and not buying so much cheese will probably save me money!!

And now for another question...the recipe book that you refer to, is it called ''Healthy eating...something'' Im looking to buy it online and cant find much else.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 8/26/2009 3:48:33 PM
Author: Blackpaw
Thanks luvthem

its good to know i can have a little bit of cheese every now and then...and not buying so much cheese will probably save me money!!

And now for another question...the recipe book that you refer to, is it called ''Healthy eating...something'' Im looking to buy it online and cant find much else.

It''s called "Eating for Life" - http://www.amazon.com/Eating-Life-Bill-Phillips/dp/0972018417 Check around for prices, because it was $35 at my local Barnes and Noble.

 

[Haven]

Kasey--I blend 8 ounces of skim milk, soy milk, or water + one banana + 2 ice cubes per one scoop of protein shake. They taste really good, in my opinion. I''ve tried a lot of different brands and didn''t love all of them, but DH recommended this brand and it really is good.
I bought mint extract to put into the shakes, too, because I read that it tastes very good. I haven''t tried it yet, but I''m hoping it tastes like a Thin Mint cookie!

Blackpaw--You can eat cheese on the program. I eat the occasional low fat string cheese, and even some of the Eating for Life recipes have low fat cheese in them. I could NOT live without cheese for six days a week, so I definitely understand your concern!

luvthem--We paid $34.99 or $39.99 for the protein powder at a Vitamin Shoppe store. I thought *that* was expensive, I hadn''t realized it was listed for so much on the website!

As for working, I''m teaching part-time in a few places right now--undergrad students in a community college, grad students at my graduate alma mater, and K-12 gifted students at Northwestern on the weekends. My schedule is really nice right now, I teach 17 hours a week, but I''m planning on taking on some more classes next semester. I''m enjoying all the free time right now, though!

I just bought the Champions Body for Life book at Borders and I really like it. I didn''t have to buy either of the other two books that I have because DH bought the original one years ago, and I have Eating for Life on loan from my sister, so I figured I''d bite the bullet and purchase the new one myself.

Maybe we should start a new BfL thread--what do you all think? I''m so excited to have other PSers interested in the program! We could start it in the Healthier Lifestyle thread.

 

[Blackpaw]

Yes i think a thread would be very beneficial! Even though im not starting for a little bit, im going to get myself prepared. I honestly dont think ill be able to stick to it if im not

im very curious about the shakes, ive never tried one of those before. Im hoping they''re going to taste like a delicious milkshake but from what everyone''s said maybe not

 

[Kasey3]

Date: 8/26/2009 9:37:21 PM
Author: Haven
Kasey--I blend 8 ounces of skim milk, soy milk, or water + one banana + 2 ice cubes per one scoop of protein shake. They taste really good, in my opinion. I''ve tried a lot of different brands and didn''t love all of them, but DH recommended this brand and it really is good.
I bought mint extract to put into the shakes, too, because I read that it tastes very good. I haven''t tried it yet, but I''m hoping it tastes like a Thin Mint cookie!

Blackpaw--You can eat cheese on the program. I eat the occasional low fat string cheese, and even some of the Eating for Life recipes have low fat cheese in them. I could NOT live without cheese for six days a week, so I definitely understand your concern!

luvthem--We paid $34.99 or $39.99 for the protein powder at a Vitamin Shoppe store. I thought *that* was expensive, I hadn''t realized it was listed for so much on the website!

As for working, I''m teaching part-time in a few places right now--undergrad students in a community college, grad students at my graduate alma mater, and K-12 gifted students at Northwestern on the weekends. My schedule is really nice right now, I teach 17 hours a week, but I''m planning on taking on some more classes next semester. I''m enjoying all the free time right now, though!

I just bought the Champions Body for Life book at Borders and I really like it. I didn''t have to buy either of the other two books that I have because DH bought the original one years ago, and I have Eating for Life on loan from my sister, so I figured I''d bite the bullet and purchase the new one myself.

Maybe we should start a new BfL thread--what do you all think? I''m so excited to have other PSers interested in the program! We could start it in the Healthier Lifestyle thread.

Thank you Haven you have been so helpful! I am going to try your protein shake-did you buy the chocolate flavor or the vanilla?

 

[Kasey3]

Date: 8/26/2009 1:50:49 PM
Author: luvthemstrawberries

Date: 8/26/2009 10:21:35 AM
Author: Kasey3

One last question: how does the protein shake taste, and do you do anything to it or drink as is?

Kasey - the Optimum Nutrition shake I use is a little different than Haven''s I think, and it appears they''re both the same except for the artificial sweeteners or flavors, which I wasn''t aware of. (BTW - Haven, HOLY COW that natural whey is EXPENSIVE!! I had no idea it was that much.) But anyway, the one I use actually tastes really good. I just put a little water in the mixer and add half a scoop of the shake powder. Sometimes it has a funny aftertaste, so I just tend to gulp it down mainly and try to let it pass my tongue. It''s pretty good for a product like this, which says a lot in my book, because some stuff in the market tastes just gross. I mean, it''s no homemade ice cream milkshake or anything, but that''s also not the point of these, so I appreciate that it actually tastes relatively good.

For FI''s Labrada meal replacement shakes - he uses them as a snack while at work on the go (he works outside a lot) so he just has a little shaker bottle and can add like 6-8 oz of water from the water cooler and add the mix, shut the bottle, and give it a good shake, and it''s ready to go. He uses the vanilla of those, and I think he likes the taste a lot.

For things to mix them with... I have heard of people using milk instead of water. When my brother was body building, haha he used ice cream! Most people just use water though, which is what I do. I like ideas like adding fresh fruit to the mixer, or some ice to make a smoothie, things like that. I think a lot of people like to use plain yogurt if they use it as a morning shake, which I think sounds really good, maybe with some fresh strawberries and blueberries mixed in or something!

Also, at the gym I used to go to, the owner had set up a health-snack bar, and he offered post-workout shakes there. He''d use fruit juice, ice, and strawberry protein powder - it was actually awesome. Very refreshing and yummy (and beneficial) after a long workout.

Thank you so much for your help! -I can''t believe your brother used ice cream!!

The fruit juice shake sounds yummy!

 

[Haven]

I started a thread over in Healthier Lifestyle, access it here. I can''t believe I posted my weight there, but it''s really motivating to see it in black and white.

Kasey--I bought the chocolate powder. I actually LOVE vanilla over chocolate in most things, but I''ve always found that in protein powder I like chocolate better.
Go figure.