This review looks at a vegan protein powder and superfood smoothie blend, more specifically the Wazoogles Superfood Protein Blend – Peanut Butterlicious!

Protein shakes are a great way to add to your daily intake of calories as well as essential nutrients and ‘super foods’, and add just what you need. There is no need to overdo it on the protein, but sometimes we may find ourselves needing a little extra, especially on days where we may have trained a lot harder than usual for instance. 

I have tried many flavored plant based protein powders, and have found it difficult finding ones that actually taste good and have no awful aftertaste or pea taste. After many years of using unflavored raw pea protein, which I add to smoothies, I decided to venture out and try some new ones, like the Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake.

I used the Wazoogles Superfood Protein Blend and I really love the taste and nutritional profile. Lets take a deeper look at it.

the Wazoogles story

In 2010, after 10 long years of struggling with a weak immune system that his doctor managed with constant antibiotics, Warren was sick and tired of being sick and tired! He visited a top ENT specialist, who offered no solution other than a lifetime of chronic medication.

Unsatisfied, Warren began a search for alternative answers, he met a naturopath who conducted a blood microcirculation analysis and suggested a series of lifestyle changes. Warren took his health into his own hands, ditched the prescription pills and radically changing his diet. His health was upgraded forever. Months passed and the sickness was gone; Warren was feeling better than ever. And just like that, a deep passion for wellness was born. Read more on their blog.

Flavors and Sizes

The superfood protein blend powder is available in 500 grams or 1 Kg and comes in a few flavors, Peanut Butterlicious, Vanilla Sky, Chocolate Moondust, Plant Power, Unicorn Berry and Kungfu Coffee with a Cinnamon Kick. I tried the Peanut Butterlicious and the Chocolate Moondust.

The great thing about these different flavors, is that each one actually offers something a little bit different to the others. So while the flavors are different, so are some of the ingredients. They all have similar base ingredients, but depending on the flavor certain other ingredients and superfoods are added. Thus it is definitely worth checking out the ingredients to each flavor and seeing which you would want more for you.

• 1kg – 30 servings per bag
• 500g – 15 servings per bag
• 33g – 1 serving per bag

Mixes

The Wazoogles powder mixes well with no lumps or bubbles at all. It mixed well with both water and Macadamia/Oat milk, and mixes very well in a blender when added to a smoothie. It also is really great added to a bowl of oats with some fruit. It really gives it a nice peanut butter flavor.

Taste

In terms of the taste, I do like it. I quite liked the Peanut Butterlicious flavour and favor it over the Chocolate Moondust flavour. I felt like the Peanut Butterlicious is more versatile and could be used in smoothies and oats quite nicely.

I personally like to add some extra cacao powder to mine or add it as part of a smoothie with some chia seeds, banana and dates!

Protein content

This is the part that I was most concerned with, the PROTEIN and nutritional values.

It has a relatively decent nutritional profile, carrying about 38.1 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
Per serving (1 heaped scoop = 33 grams) it comes down to 12.6 grams of protein, which may not sound like a lot but is sufficient for one serving considering what else it’s packed with.

While the protein amounts may seem a bit low, it is packed with other Superfoods that contain protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Superfoods in this context are the most mineral and nutrient dense organic foods on the planet, easily absorbable and useable by the human body.

Extra Nutritional values

The extra nutritional values are just as important as the protein content.

The carbohydrate content is just about 34.0 grams per 100 grams while the fat content is at 13.2 grams per 100 grams.

It has no added artificial sweeteners and contains 18.7 grams of Fibre per 100 grams.

INGREDIENTS (Peanut Butterlicious)

Peanut butter powder, organic wild harvested mesquite*, organic raw chia seeds*, organic raw maca root*, Kalahari Desert salt, organic raw cinnamon*, organic raw lucuma fruit*.

*Organic Ingredients (29.9%)

Ingredient Highlights:

• Suitable For Vegans
• Sugar Free
• Made with Clean Ingredients
• No Preservatives
• Gluten Free 

 THE WORLD’S CLEANEST PROTEIN BLEND – 12g’s of protein made from real plants + a magical combination of the 5 highest quality superfoods on the planet. Seriously delicious and honestly clean. We’ve added no sweeteners, fillers or artificial flavours to spoil this blend.

 BETTER THAN ORGANIC – More nutrient dense = better for your body. Our blends are made of ethically harvested ingredients sourced from some of the most exotic places and nutritionally dense plants on the planet.

CLEAN INGREDIENTS – Highest quality roasted and cold pressed Argentinian peanut protein, blood-sugar balancing mesquite wild-harvested from South Africa, certified organic pea protein, organic chia seeds, organic maca, organic lucuma fruit, with a touch of Sri Lankan organic cinnamon and wild Kalahari Desert salt for flavour. No hidden nasty ingredients.

GOOD FOR YOUR BODY – Ideal as a quick breakfast smoothie. Every scoop is bursting with antioxidants, living enzymes, essential minerals, plant-based protein and a wide spectrum of vital nutrients. Formulated to nourish your body, support overall health, daily performance, reducing cravings and helping to provide sustained energy.  

Affordability

The 500 gram (15 servings) packet costs around ZAR 300 giving you, that’s just over ZAR 20 per shake. The 1Kg packet costs about R540. If you look around there are a number of specials where you can pick them up for a bit cheaper.

Final Thoughts

I really do like this vegan superfood powder. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, in terms of the following:

• Great taste.
• Easy to mix in both smoothies and on its own and bonus in breakfast oats!
• More environmentally friendly, being plant based.
• More than just a protein powder, full of superfoods and great nutrients and antioxidants!

If you are looking for a great tasting vegan protein shake, be sure to give the Wazoogles Superfood Protein Blend a try! And if you know of other great tasting vegan protein shakes please do let me know!

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Interest in veganism is growing around the globe. Around 2% of American adults follow a vegan lifestyle and 5% of young adults in the UK eat a vegan diet. This is particularly impressive when you consider how entrenched animal consumption is in these two nations. And even if certain people don’t fully commit to the lifestyle, many more are becoming curious. In Google searches for veganism alone, there has been an increase in people around the globe seeking out vegan recipes or the details of a vegan lifestyle. 

As a vegan blogger, you can take advantage of this interest by sharing your love of veganism through blogging. A blog is a perfect place to post your insights, share your favorite meals, and build a community centered around animal activism. With more and more people curious about the lifestyle, your blog will only stand to grow from here.

Creating a Vegan Blog

The idea of running a blog is alluring. However, if you’ve never started a website of your own, you may feel intimidated by the prospect of buying domain names and creating themes. 

Fortunately, you aren’t the first vegan blogger on the block. You can find inspiration online and learn from other plant-based content writers. So, before you sign up for a WordPress or SquareSpace site, take a look through the hottest vegan blogs today. Consider drawing inspiration from vegan blogs like: 

• Plant Based on a Budget
• Rainbow Plant Life
• Pick Up Limes

These sites host high-quality vegan content and have a varied approach to plant-based living. Use their content to refine your ideas and take note of how they structure their web presence. 

Once you’ve completed some market research, you’ll need to choose a website builder that works for you. Pick a builder that aligns with your aesthetic and gives you the options you need for customization. At the moment, the biggest web hosting sites include: 

• WordPress
• Weebly
• Squarespace

You’ll also need to buy a domain name. Visit a site like Google Domains or GoDaddy to find a domain name that aligns with your vegan-oriented content and helps you promote your page.  

Promoting Your Page

Once you’ve built your page, you need to promote it. Your plant-based blog may be filled with high-quality vegan content, but you’ll never gain followers without promotion and a clear marketing strategy. 

Your marketing strategy should align with your broader goals for your blog. For example, if you focus specifically on the sustainability benefits of veganism, you need to run an eco-friendly marketing campaign, too. Focus on running digital ads with a low carbon footprint and use recyclable materials when running contests or giveaways. 

In every campaign, lean on social media, as it has the highest potential to increase your return on investment (ROI). In particular,  you have a higher chance of going viral among plant-based blogging and beyond with social media marketing. You can also guide this virality onto your website, and other social media platforms. 

Monetizing Your Website

You don’t have to monetize your website. However, monetizing your site is the easiest way to make money from your vegan blog. Once you’ve built your site and started to post high-quality content, you can run a series of ads through Google AdSense and Media.net. These sites will post relevant advertisements on your site and will reward you for increasing your traffic. 

Bear in mind that many vegan blogs do not run in-site ads. Instead, high-profile vegan bloggers usually make their money through affiliate marketing and brand partnerships. Through this method, you’ll be able to retain more control over your site. If affiliate marketing sounds interesting to you, partner with a vegan-oriented business and create a media kit that shows off your profile and blogging portfolio.  

Content Ideas

As a vegan blogger, you may struggle to generate fresh content ideas to keep your blog up-to-date. 

Keep your content fresh by building a site-wide strategy that helps you plan your content in the long term. In general, your vegan-blog content should fall into one of the following categories: 

• Vegan News
• Recipes
• Fashion
• Vegan Gardening
• Facts and Informative Content
• Vegan Fitness

Keep up to date with current news and trends by utilizing sites like Google Trends and Exploding Topics. These sites give you an insider’s-view of current trends online and can help you identify current events and news items that are worth covering. 

Remember to write some evergreen content, too. Evergreen content like fitness and nutrition tips will draw users to your site for years to come. Your traffic will be more consistent and you’ll bolster long-term growth of your site with this kind of content. Most evergreen articles are highly-shareable, too, meaning your post about vegan self-care strategies will be shared on social sites hundreds of times over the next decade. 

Conclusion 

You can support your vegan lifestyle by building an online community via a blog. A blog is a perfect place to record your thoughts and share important facts about veganism. Just be sure to choose a web hosting site that suits your style and research other blogs before you start posting content online. 

Author bio

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

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A well-planned vegan diet is typically rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds – high in natural fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that promote heart health, while low in saturated fats and cholesterol.  

The rise in popularity of the vegan lifestyle has led many to question the potential health benefits and risks behind it. The vegan diet is touted as good for weight management and digestion. However, one small concern that can be raised, is whether vegans are more predisposed to canker sores.  

This blog post will look into the vegan diet, the causes of canker sores, and whether vegans face a greater risk of developing them. Read on. 

What Are Canker Sores? 

Small, shallow, inflamed, and painful lesions that develop inside the mouth are called canker sores or aphthous ulcers. These lesions are usually round with a white interior and pink or reddish border.  

They can appear on the soft tissues, such as the tongue, inside the cheeks, lips, and on the base of the gums. They’re called tongue cankers when found on the tongue, usually on the underside. This condition can be excruciatingly painful because the tongue is used for eating, talking, and moving numerous times daily. 

Canker sores aren’t contagious and are different from cold cores caused by the herpes simplex virus. It’s believed that about 10% of the population is affected and may get it three to six times yearly with no serious sequelae. Yet if the sore takes a long time to heal, it should be differentiated from precancerous lesions of the mouth, which are highly curable when discovered early. 

Though the exact cause is unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:  

• Genetic predisposition:

  Some individuals may have a genetic tendency to develop canker sores.  

• Nutritional deficiencies:

  Deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid, have been linked to canker sores.  

• Stress and hormonal fluctuations:

  Emotional stress and hormonal changes, such as during menstruation, may trigger canker sores.  

• Food sensitivities:

  Some people may develop canker sores in response to specific foods, such as citrus, acidic or spicy foods, coffee, or chocolate.  

• Trauma to the mouth:

  Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or brushing too hard can cause canker sores.  

• Oral hygiene products:

  Certain toothpaste or mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can trigger canker sores in some individuals. 

Understanding The Vegan Diet  

A vegan diet is a plant-based way of eating that excludes all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Vegans often choose this lifestyle for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.  

Vegan diets can provide all of the much-needed nutrients for good health, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Nevertheless, vegans may need to supplement their diet with certain nutrients, like vitamin B12, to ensure optimal health.  

Are Vegans Predisposed To Canker Sores?  

No extensive scientific evidence proves that vegans are more prone to canker sores than non-vegans. 

Yet a limited study revealed that the oral mucosa of vegans showed signs of thinning, possibly due to decreased amounts of iron and vitamins. This implies that some vegans may risk developing nutritional deficiencies if they do not carefully plan their diets – which could lead to canker sores.

For example, vitamin B12 is naturally found only in animal-derived products, so vegans must consume fortified foods or supplements to meet their needs. Similarly, vegans should ensure they consume adequate amounts of iron, zinc, and folic acid from plant-based sources to reduce the risk of canker sores associated with nutritional deficiencies.  

Vegans with sensitivity to citrus or whose diet often includes strawberries, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, and food that’s acidic or high in natural sugar, all staples of a vegan diet, may not be aware that these could lead to frequent episodes of canker sores. 

Vegans must plan their diets to avoid nutritional deficiencies carefully. By consuming a balanced and varied plant-based diet supplemented with vitamin B12, vegans can maintain their overall oral health and minimize the risk of canker sores.  

If you’re a vegan experiencing frequent canker sores, large ones, persistent sores lasting over two weeks, high fever, or experiencing pain that interferes with eating or drinking, consider consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate dietary adjustments.  

Takeaways 

A vegan diet has many advantages, but if you have frequent episodes of canker sores, you may need to plan your diet to prevent sensitivities and deficiencies carefully. It’s vital to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients, to avoid thinning and an unhealthy state of mouth mucosal cells.

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A quick video on some thoughts I had about minimalism and attachment to material things, it may be a bit of a ramble but I hope someone resonates with it and finds it interesting. 

What we know as minimalism can tie in quite well with spirituality and attachment to material things, as well as desires within this world. It is an interesting topic and I try to explore it, really just touching on the surface of it here.

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Thankfully, that isn’t necessarily the case. There are too many misconceptions about bodybuilding and plant-based foods. For years, people in the industry have been stereotyped as heavy meat-eaters, suggesting that’s the only way to reach your gain goals. But, you don’t need to chow down on chicken breast and fish every day to get the protein you need. 

Whether you’re following a vegan lifestyle or just trying to cut back on your meat consumption, there are plenty of plant-based foods that will not only give you the protein needed to reach your goals but can also improve your overall nutrition and health. 

Not sure where to get started? Let’s dive into how you can make a plant-based diet work for you and how you can fuel your body properly through every bodybuilding workout as you start to see the results you want.

Do Your Research on Plant Protein

The average bodybuilder needs protein in the amount of anywhere from 0.63 to 0.77 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day, and that’s without attempting to gain muscle mass. While it’s easy to throw back vegan protein shakes, those can get old very quickly. It’s usually better to get your nutritional needs from real, whole foods anyway. Thankfully, there are plenty of high-protein plant-based options to choose from, including:

• Beans;
• Legumes;
• Nut butters;
• Quinoa;
• Peas;
• Soy products.

Nowadays, because so many people are following a vegan diet, meat alternatives are more popular than ever. If you’re craving the taste of real meat, consider options like Impossible ground beef. These substitutes allow you to make your favorite dishes and enjoy some familiar flavors without giving up on your plant-based diet. The Impossible burger contains 19 grams of protein — the same amount you would find in a patty of 80/20 ground beef. It’s also loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B12, which can improve your overall health as you work toward your goals. Sometimes many meat alternatives can also include ‘unhealthy’ ingredients, so be sure to check the ingredient list and try not to consume them too often. There are other fabulous products like Just Egg made from mung beans, which are are rich in potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber.

Focus on Whole-body Nutrition

Speaking of improving your health, it should be your top priority as you work toward your fitness goals. There are plenty of unhealthy ways to achieve big gains, but you’re not going to be doing your body any long-term favors. Instead, focus on changing or adapting your diet to fit your overall health needs. 

That starts with fueling yourself properly before and after workouts. On a plant-based diet for workouts, you should focus on consuming whole grains, dark leafy greens, and high-carb fruits before a workout, and recover with some hummus and raw vegetables or a smoothie filled with greens. Getting the right vitamins and minerals will help to boost your immune system and keep you healthy from the inside out. 

It’s also important to cut out or limit certain foods, not just when you’re trying to cut weight, but for your general well-being. Alcohol, for example, can make it harder to reach your bodybuilding goals. Alcohol negatively affects your body by impeding your metabolism, which can make it harder to cut. It also breaks down protein faster than your body can make it. While having a drink now and then isn’t the end of the world, consider cutting back if you’ve hit a plateau or you’re not feeling as great as you know you could be.

Keep Up Your Energy

You might think it would be difficult to keep up your energy levels on a plant-based diet, but it doesn’t have to be. Again, focusing on whole-body nutrition is the key, but there are a few “extra” things you can do if you’re feeling sluggish during your workouts or on your recovery days. Some of the best ways to keep up your energy include: 

• Managing your stress levels.
• Staying hydrated.
• Avoiding too much caffeine.
• Taking supplements.
• Spending time outside.

By making these things part of your daily routine, you won’t just have an easier time reaching your goals, you’ll feel better throughout the day. As a bodybuilder, it’s far too easy to get into “funks” or hit ruts in your routine. That can lead to a lack of motivation, which can slow down your progress.

Keeping up your energy levels and striking a healthy balance between life and your time in the gym will make a big difference in how you feel and how motivated you are to reach your goals. 

The bottom line? Don’t believe the myths or give in to the stereotypes. There’s no reason you can’t be a vegetarian or vegan bodybuilder and achieve just as much success as your meat-eating competitors. By focusing on getting the right amount of plant protein and maintaining a healthy diet and routine, you can reach your goals (and beyond) and feel good about the lifestyle choices you’re making for yourself every day.

Author bio

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

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Athletes who train regularly for hours on end have special nutritional requirements over the average person, in which protein is probably at the top of the list to keep muscle and strength at its highest. Protein is the cornerstone of bodybuilding because it helps your body repair the damaged muscle tissues and prevents muscle breakdown. While vegan athletes can get protein in their diet from many different sources such as tofu, almonds, whole grains, vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts, sometimes you need more convenient and easier sources just to bump up the intake.

The best protein for vegan athletes an be found in many forms. Protein can be found in many foods but as supplements it can help bridge the gap making it easier and more convenient to get in those calories and fuel your body for optimal performance. Here are some of the top protein sources you can try as a vegan athlete.

Why should athletes buy protein supplements?

The number one reason to buy supplements is to give your body the required amount of protein, which natural food items may not do or we may just not have the means to get enough in with our schedules. You can get this essential nutrient from food items like beans, lentils, chick peas, tofu, quinoa, pulses, oats, chia seeds, and brown rice. Supplements help you meet any gaps and do so effectively and conveniently. The specific amount of protein varies between athletes, depending on factors like body size, hours of training, and body composition. 

Plant-based protein sources are the best option because they help you build muscles, enhance recovery between sessions, maintain a healthy heart, and keep your cardiovascular health in good condition.

Vegan protein powder 

There are various plant based protein powders, which contain purely plant products like watermelon seeds, brown rice, hemp seeds, green or yellow peas, and soy-isolate. Some have a combination of these substances. Below are some subtypes you can choose from.

Pure rice protein 

Rice protein is an excellent alternative to whey protein and provide the same results, made from rice. These usually contain substances like natural flavors, organic vanilla flavor, guar gum, and syrup solids.

Yellow pea protein

Pea protein is a high-quality plant-based supplement that fulfills your nutritional requirements. Extracted from yellow peas, they are nutritious and contain high protein and essential amino acids like valine, lysine, and leucine.

You can use it for smoothies and shakes. Many vegan athletes prefer this product because it is hypoallergenic and carries a low chance of causing allergic reactions. If you’re on a low-carb diet, this is ideal for you as it has +-0 grams of carbohydrates.

Besides supplying your body with the essential nutrients it requires, this protein powder also helps you increase muscle mass if you work out regularly. A study conducted to determine its efficiency found that pea protein powder builds mass at the same rate as dairy-based protein powders.

Organic hemp

Hemp protein is extracted from the cannabis plant by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Unlike other marijuana products, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Besides protein, it has 22 essential amino acids that repair muscles and improve cognition. You must choose these while looking to lose weight and looking for low-fat products. Unlike animal proteins, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fats.

What flavors are available?

Nowadays there are many different flavors to choose from, like banana, vanilla, dark chocolate, red velvet cake, or strawberry. If you like your drink flavorless, you can choose an unflavored product and mix it in with smoothies to create your own flavours.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are an alternative to powders and are suitable when you need a quick boost. You will find these extremely helpful when you cannot mix shakes or for when you just feel like a more filling option or as a little treat. 

Each bar usually contains about 21 grams of protein and can come in various delicious flavours such as dark chocolate, chocolate chips, coconut almond butter, peanut butter, and fudge brownie. They contain ingredients like organic almond butter, brown rice syrup, organic protein blend, walnuts, sunflower seeds, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Be careful though as many do also contain excess ingredients that may not be organic nd could potentially be harmful to you. Be sure to read the ingredient list.

Pre-mixed shakes

Pre-mixed shakes are another option you can choose from as an athlete on a plant-based diet. They are easy to use, convenient, and easily digestible. You can choose from various flavors, including vanilla, dark chocolate, and classic chocolate. Most of the shakes contain about 20 grams of protein. Before buying a shake for yourself, you should read the ingredients and nutritional information on the label to check the calorie content as some may use coconut milk, which may be higher in calories.

The shakes contain ingredients like pea protein, pumpkin seeds, water, sunflower oil, cocoa powder, pink salt, guar gum, and greens. 

Things to check before buying

You should read the labels carefully to confirm whether the product contains ingredients derived from animals like collagen or gelatin. Has the manufacturer mentioned the ingredients and amount per serving? 

Ensuring your nutrition is on point and your protein requirements are met will help to improve athletic performance, help repair muscle , enable faster recovery, repair tissues, and strengthen your immune system. When you combine these with a good diet and workout regiment, you are on your way to success. 

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This review looks at a vegan pea protein powder, more specifically the Youthful Living Vegan Keto Protein shake. 

Protein shakes are a great way to add to your daily intake of calories, and add just what you need. There is no need to overdo it on the protein, but sometimes we may find ourselves needing a little extra, especially on days where we may have trained a lot harder than usual for instance. 

“Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake is a plant-based, meal replacement shake designed to cater for anyone following a ketogenic diet, or looking for a healthy plant-based nutritional supplement.

The plant protein sources used in Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake are hypo-allergenic, making this suitable for Vegans, and anyone with food intolerances. The benefit of using plant-based protein is that this is naturally a cleaner protein source made without artificial chemicals. With added MCT oil powder, this shake is packed with healthy fats making this ideal for Ketosis.

Those on a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a high protein meal replacement will appreciate the low glycemic load, and the balanced ratios of protein, fats (with added MCT oils),  and carbohydrates in order to maintain ketosis and provide wholesome nutrition.”

• Keto-Friendly – with MCT oil powder.
• Vegan friendly
• No added sugar
• High protein
• High in fiber
• Naturally sweetened with stevia

I have tried many flavored plant based protein powders, and have found it difficult finding ones that actually taste good and have no awful aftertaste or pea taste. After many years of using unflavored raw pea protein, which I add to smoothies, I decided to venture out and try a new one.

I bought the Youthful Living Vegan Protein Powder, and I am happy to say that it tastes great and has no after taste or no taste whatsoever of peas. Lets take a deeper look at it.

Flavors and Sizes

The protein powder is available in 625 grams and comes in 3 flavours, Cafe Mocha, Coconut Dream, Dark Chocolate. I tried the Cafe Mocha.

Mixes

The protein powder is quite fine, and mixes well with no lumps or bubbles at all. It mixed well with both water and Almond/Oat milk, and mixes very well in a blender when added to a smoothie.

Taste

In terms of the taste, I really like it. There is no after taste, or for example, with some pea protein powders, I could still sense a ‘pea’ taste within the added flavour. I also like the fact that it is sweetened with stevia, and for me I like that it is not really that sweet at all.

I personally like to add some cacao powder to mine and add just a bit of water to mix it into a kind of protein pudding!

Protein content

This is the part that I was most concerned with, the PROTEIN and nutritional values.

It has a relatively decent nutritional profile, carrying about 60 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
Per serving (1 heaped tablespoon = 25 grams) it comes down to 15 grams of protein, which is not a lot but is sufficient for one serving.

Extra Nutritional values

The extra nutritional values are just as important as the protein content.

The carbohydrate content is just about 3 grams per 100 grams while the fat content is at 10.8 grams per 100 grams (most coming from MCTs by the looks of it).

It has no added ingredients or preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Affordability

The 625 gram tub costs ZAR 350 (in Dischem) giving you 25 servings per tub, that’s just over ZAR 14 per shake!

Final Thoughts

I really do like this vegan powder powder. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, in terms of the following:

• Taste (no after taste and great tasting flavour, finally!).
• Easy to mix.
• More environmentally friendly, being plant based.

If you are looking for a great tasting vegan protein shake, be sure to give this protein powder a try! And if you know if other great tasting vegan protein shakes please do let me know!

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Name: Duane Van Staden
Age: 28
Height: 185 cm 
Current weight: 114 kg 
Current city: Johannesburg South Africa 
Occupation: Gym owner & Coach 

What made you get started with training and living a more healthy and fit lifestyle?

I was looking for a sport that I could participate in as an individual. This way, I could recognise my hard work as my own. I wanted a healthy and fit lifestyle because this is what self-care entails. This also allows me to enjoy life and feel more fulfilled because I feel great and most importantly, confident. I feel a sense of pride through my accomplishments because I’m my biggest critic.

Who has been your biggest influence/support in your life and how have they affected you?

Celebrity influencers include Ronnie Coleman because he is the strongest bodybuilder I know. He looks amazing, lifts super-heavy and has an undeniable work ethic. 

Dorian Yates and Eddie Hall inspire me.  They are all about pushing their hardest to achieve goals which are impossible for most people.

Is your training more focused on bodybuilding or powerlifting?

My training has always been split across powerlifting and bodybuilding. I focus about 40% on powerlifting and the rest is bodybuilding. 

How was it throughout the lockdown keeping to your training?

Luckily for me, I have my own powerlifting/strongman gym which meant I didn’t feel the impact of lockdown. I remained consistent and worked towards my goals.

What are your future plans?

I want to continue working on gaining strength and gaining quality muscle. The key priority is remaining healthy.

Take us through an average day of yours:

• Wake up at 5:30am, meal 1
• 6am to 10am: Training my clients, one-on-one in my gym
• 9am: meal 2
• 10am: meal 3
• 10am to 12pm: Training online clients
• 12pm to 3pm: I complete my own training 
• 3pm: meal 4
• 3:30pm to 5pm: Training online clients 
• 5pm to 9pm: Training clients one-on-one at my gym
• 6pm: meal 5
• 9pm: meal 6
• 10pm: Bed

How long have you been vegan for and what made you change?

I have been vegan for about 2 and a half years but was Vegetarian for 5 years. Social media opened my eyes to animal cruelty and suffering. I am vegan for the animals.

Do you think as a Vegan it is more difficult to get adequate protein in your diet? Do you think we actually need as much protein as we are made to believe? 

We need less protein than we are made to believe. But as a vegan, we need to ensure that we have a variety of food sources that provide adequate nutrition. A balanced diet is key, for any kind of diet. 

Is it difficult to gain muscle or strength as a vegan?

Not at all. I was actually at my biggest and strongest as a vegan, than when I was eating meat. I consume more calories which are easier to digest.

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your diet

I would typically have 5 to 6 different vegetables and 2 to 3 protein sources in one meal. It’s important to have a balanced range of carbs, fibre, fats and protein in each meal.

Protein sources include black beans, kidney beans, lentils, chick peas, tofu,  broccoli,  green beans, some faux meat options, soya milk and vegan protein shakes.

What is your go to high protein vegan snack?

About 3 times a day I have 250ml soya milk, 25g of vegan protein, one teaspoon of chia seeds and 1 tablespoon of flax seed powder in a shake.

Do you think, to generally lose fat one needs to be super strict and repetitive, as strict as a diet for a bodybuilding competition?

I agree that you need to be strict with your eating and diet.

Your training can be great, but you will not lose fat without changing your diet. Results are only seen with a calorie deficit and consistently clean eating.

Have you seen any common mistakes that guys may make when starting out in the gym?

Guys tend to look for quick results and don’t realise that training goals take time to be achieved.  They don’t maintain consistency. When they don’t see results quickly, they tend to give-up on their goals.

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your training/training schedule and on average how long do you workout for?

Training split is a 8 day split. This means my training repeats every 8 days. I have two rest days in each cycle. 

• Session 1: Front deltoids and triceps
• Session 2: Biceps, side deltoids , traps
• Session 3: Legs – squats and quads, calves 

Off

• Session 4: Chest
• Session 5: Upper back, rear deltoids 
• Session 6: Deadlifts, hamstrings, glutes, Calves 

OFF

• Each training session includes cardio, core and abs
• Leg sessions are 4 to 5 hours long
• All other sessions are 2 ½ to 3 hours long
• Rest period between sets is typically 2 minutes

Do you advise using supplements, and do you use any yourself?

Yes. Pre-workout and vegan protein shake.

Do you think vegan protein powders are just as good if not better than non vegan protein powders?

Yes I do. They don’t cause bloating, and are softer on the stomach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Duane (SuperBeast Coach) (@superbeastgym)

What are your 3 favourite exercises?

• Deadlifts and squats. These provide whole body strength.
• Bench Press. It is a great accessory to improve pressing movements. Also a very enjoyable and challenging exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Duane (SuperBeast Coach) (@superbeastgym)

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Duane (SuperBeast Coach) (@superbeastgym)

Can you give a few tips to training and what sort of exercises do you favour the most when doing them?

Progressive overload and push yourself at every session. Leave the gym knowing you did your best on every set and you cannot continue.

Do you do a lot of cardio with your training? How do you schedule cardio and when?

Schedule cardio in the beginning of each workout, as a warmup.  And then, at the end of each session as a cool down.

Favorite male fitness/bodybuilding/powerlifting icon(s): 

• Ronnie Coleman
• Louis Simmons 

Favorite Quote:

“Don’t tell people your dreams show them.”

What is the most common question you get asked?

People always ask: How long did it take for me to look like this.

Where can people get hold of you?

• Facebook: Superbeastgym private gym and personal training
• Instagram: superbeastgym
• Tiktok: superbeastcoach
• Email: Superbeasttrainer[at]gmail.com

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Roshni Sanghvi, a Science Based Nutritionist shares 2 easy recipes for vegan savory and sweet pancakes! I have tried these out and both came out so well, I personally enjoy the sweet pancakes with bananas and berries. You can also use various pea protein powders as well as cacao powders and cinnamon in the recipes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Vegan Khaleesi. (@roshnisanghvi)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Vegan Khaleesi. (@roshnisanghvi)

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The post EGGLESS PROTEIN Pancake Recipes | Sweet & Savoury! appeared first on FitNish.com.

Ever since, the trend has blown up massively with more and more followers adding every day. It has become more relevant than ever now because of the awareness spread amongst people with regard to the exploitation of animals and their basic rights as well as the environmental factors and concerns at play.

Though, it is utterly important to keep in mind that Veganism isn’t just a trend related to your eating habits but constitutes an entire lifestyle where you are inclined to condemn any type of product that might not be cruelty free. Day by day, multiple companies are switching to automated manufacturing and production methods which do not touch base with anything that might be jeopardizing animals’ lives.

Thus, the ethical and moral preferences have become the prime reason for the widespread trend of veganism amongst masses. Vegans abstain from eating and using products derived from and tested on animals due to any degree of suffering inflicted upon them. Impregnated cows are held hostage by people to obtain milk for the market; denying the calves from their birth-right, this results in malnutrition and even the death of their new-borns.

herbivores or carnivores?

Along with these debates, veganism has been proven to affect the anatomy of one’s body well enough, whereas the consumption of meat and animal-driven food might be hazardous if consumed in the longer term. This could be because of the low cholesterol food items itself which is evidently a major factor in reducing the risk of widespread diseases such as Obesity, Cancer, Osteoporosis and so on. The true nature of human beings is supposedly of a herbivore, which means that the entire digestive system starting with the teeth itself has no resemblance to that of the carnivores. Even cow milk could allegedly be one of the greatest reasons for widespread osteoporosis amongst women, since their bodies aren’t physiologically equipped with methods that can consume or digest milk in the healthiest ways possible.

Perceptibly, vegans trust natural methods of obtaining things as opposed to using preservatives, and forced methods to ensure a well-functioning mind and body. Even the contamination of water with sewer, industrial wastes, or the enhancement of fluorides is detested, and as people are starting to be more and more aware—they are buying organic foods which aren’t influenced by harmful chemicals found in pesticides.

Ways to veganism

There are a number of roadways to veganism and everyone starts off their journey a little differently, however what the one perception that everyone has had in common is to reject and banish exploitation of harmless animals. Many people have started considering more vegan options to boost or reclaim their health and wellness; others are extra interested in the economic aspect which is of excellent importance to everyone. Few non-vegetarians value the reality that because a lot more vegan food can be produced on the same amount of land in a given period of time rather than the slaughterhouses or animal husbandries. Naturally there are difficulties for the people who have just started to walk on the path of Veganism, but it is not that veganism is impossibly tough– it is simplicity itself– but whilst the society (and also most of the world) is geared to animal exploitation, many global MNCs are built upon the lack of awareness amongst people who have inadvertently accepted the concept that using animals as mere resources to human beings are is possibly the best way to put them to use, instead of considering them as beings with rights.

It is important to address that many people, while trying to adopt a vegetarian diet regimen, boost their usage of dairy products and also eggs which indicates that any type of alleviation of endurance for the animals exists a lot more in theory rather than in practice. It is unexpectedly shocking to learn the number of vegetarians who are completely unaware of the fact that the rennet used to curdle many cheeses is obtained from the stomach of a freshly-killed, extremely young calf. Such cheeses are not vegan at all; and we really feel that these inconsistencies should be much more widely publicized. Companies use these convenient loopholes to stamp a green dot on their packages and greenwash people instead of rectifying their mistakes.

Exploitation in various industries

Again, repeated emphasis should be laid on the fact that veganism is not just concerned with your dietary habits, but to deplore the massacre or exploitation of any creature for any reason at all. The fashion industry has also had much involvement in exploiting animals, along with the makeup industry. Though, awareness is spreading and people are becoming more and more aware of these problems and perils of non-vegan industries. A gigantic good news came as the leading fashion brand Dolce and Gabbana announced that they will stop the use of leather and any sort of products which aren’t entirely cruelty free—striding a huge step towards the recognition of veganism as a lifestyle, a choice rather than something completely out of hands and utterly impossible.

Apart from the food and fashion industries, there are more cruelty driven products in one’s household than they realize. The toiletries, including shampoos and soaps with induced aromatic smells are generally derived from animals. The household products like rugs/carpets/blankets/polishes and even feather pillows have somehow inflicted an animal one way or the other. The pharmaceutical industry has been the most notorious for using and testing on animals since time immemorial as well, which is still prevalent with vaccines and serums being made/distributed on a day-to-day basis.

This shows how humans, on a fantastic level, have actually expanded to depend on animal-based substances and also the wholesale exploitation of every poor creature to extract a profit one way or the other.

So, the question of whether Veganism can truly be considered a part of mankind’s future still stands, but with people being more aware and making the right choices—the chance of an impactful change is becoming more and more probable every day.

Author bio

I am Stuti Shree, I’ve been working as an Content Head at Be Zen. As a published poet and writer, my work has also been published in several publications online and in-paper, encompassing multiple countries such as The U.S, The U.K., Canada, India and many more.

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