Happy Sunday evening gang! I hope you all had a good weekend. We had a packed weekend that began as soon as my flight landed Friday evening and didn’t end until just now. But, it was one of those wonderful weekends that make me so thankful when I go to bed on Sunday night as we both feel so blessed. We were able to spend time with Bo’s parents this weekend who flew up from Savannah to squeeze in a visit before our move to Geneva. It was wonderful to spend time with them! In addition, the weekend included a new 10K PR, a great workout and brunch this morning, lots of sunshine, dinner at River Park which is quickly becoming on of our favorite NYC restaurants, and a house warming party with friends!
In between all the weekends events I ended up talking at length with two different friends about maintaining a healthy weight while working in an office environment or during marathon training. One of the biggest lessons I learned during both experiences was the importance of PROTEIN to help keep you fueled even after long 20 milers or marathon meetings. If I grab protein before I opt for a carbohydrate my body thanks me. It was a tough lesson to learn that resulted in 10 unwanted pounds during work stress and marathon training but now that I know it makes choices so much easier. I always opt for yogurt, cheese, or protein smoothies before granola bars and other crunchy options. Since so many people are kicking off marathon training or just graduating and starting new paths, I thought this product post would benefit lots of y’all!
When Fitfluential asked me if I’d like to partner with Designer Whey for a campaign I was thrilled as I’ve used the brand previously. In fact, it was the first brand Bo and I bought four years ago when we started making smoothies together out in Long Island City!
When the Designer Whey package showed up a few weeks ago I was ecstatic to dive in and try some new to me flavors and products! The package included two types of protein powder, an assortment of bars, packaged shakes, and the protein 2 go powder which comes in portable packets.
Over the course of the next few weeks I was able to enjoy the bars and Protein2Go on my many business trips since they are easy to throw in my purse or suitcase and enjoy on the road! My favorite Protein2Go flavor was the mixed berry! Naturally flavored, each pack has just 50 calories and a surprising 10 grams of protein! While I definitely prefer my protein in meat, cheese, and legume form this is a great standby when I’m hungry during a meeting or to enjoy right after a workout! 
While my parents were in town my mom discovered my Designer Whey bars and enjoyed them so much she ordered two boxes! They taste like adult Chewy bars filled with peanut butter or chocolate flavors but have 10 grams of protein and are lower sugar than many other bar options. I found them to be a great afternoon snack when I was hungry and craving something sweet. Since originally trying these I have ordered a box to keep in my office desk drawer for busy days. My flavor choices are Peanut Butter Crunch, Chocolate Caramel Crunch, then Triple Chocolate crunch in that order since I don’t like things that are too chocolate flavored. 
On the protein powder front, I’ve loved experimenting with different smoothie recipes since the white chocolate is a new flavor and their vanilla blends so well! A serving is a heaping scoop and has 100 calories, 18 grams of protein and just 2 grams of sugar! In fact, in just a few weeks time I’ve used almost the entire white chocolate container! It’s a perfect flavor to pair with frozen cherries or with banana and nuts for a decadent post long run smoothie in the hot, summer months! This weekend I combined Fage 0%, Designer Whey White Chocolate, 1 pouch Delta peanuts, a banana, and spinach in the blender for a delicious frosty treat.
Unfortunately, the only product I didn’t like and wouldn’t purchase with my own money were their shakes. The flavor just didn’t sit well with me though I was pleased with the nutritional stats since once 10.5 ounce shake has 18 grams of protein and a great dose of calcium and vitamins.
*This is a sponsored post. I received samples of the Designer Whey products as part of a Fitfluential campaign. All opinions, recipes and images are my own.
What’s your favorite way to use protein powder? I’m definitely a smoothie girl!
