Although I have always been an avid runner and exerciser, I have never been a big lifter. I have just recently started to cut back on my cardio and increase my resistance training. I have plenty of friends who participate in Cross Fit and follow a strict or loosely-based Paleo diet. Here are a few things that I need to point out:
- I am not fad diet person. Just not my thang. I am all about getting all my food groups in and especially not discriminating against my whole grains. BUT, if there is one thing I have learned as a dietitian and working with food and people, there are different strokes for different folks. Meaning, different diets work for different people. It’s never one size fits all. In my opinion, this is why fad diets will continue to stay trendy. Research also shows that there is not one specific diet that trumps all for optimal weight maintenance (however, the Mediterranean diet gets pretty close), which again reinforces that not one diet takes the cake.
- Despite all the protein powders I encourage my oncology patients to fortify their foods with to increase caloric and protein content, I am not a protein powder person. They have always tasted artificial to me.
So I bet you’re wondering why I am reviewing a product that one is a protein and/or energizing powder that two promotes a Paleo diet that recommends eliminating my beloved whole grains.
As I said before, I am not about eliminating foods from my diet and even if you don’t follow a Paleo diet or lift weights regularly, there could be a place for Rootz Nutrition products in your diet. Here’s why.
Rootz Nutrition products, such as the energizing-superfood and the protein-superfood, use natural ingredients that I think most people generally need more of in their diet. These include “superfoods” (or foods that I like to say have high vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content), such as raspberry, goji berry, blueberry, acai, turmeric, kale, spinach, chia seeds, flax seeds, the list goes on.
These products can be helpful for individuals who struggle to get adequate protein or fruits/vegetables in their diet and those with severe allergies. Rootz Nutrition products are non-GMO, gluten, dairy, and soy-free, and do not contain artificial ingredients.
They can also be beneficial for the exact reason why they were created: pre- and post-workout supplementation. For athletes and body builders, contrary to popular belief most can get adequate amounts of protein through food alone. However, if this is an area you struggle with, a protein powder such as the Rootz Nutrition chocolate banana nut can be a convenient way to do so. To enhance muscle repair and growth, time your protein intake within 2 hours of your workout alone or pair with a carbohydrate.
Chocolate Banana Nut Protein-Superfood
One serving (28g)=97 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 3g sugar, 14g protein
*Low in sugar and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein using egg whites, Sacha Inchi, and hemp seed protein. BONUS: It actually tastes really good! Check out these yummy protein bars…
Homemade Protein Bars
Yield: 16-18 bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
- 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 packets of Rootz Nutrition chocolate banana nut protein-superfood powder
- 1 Tbsp. 100% cacao powder
- 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips, chopped
- ¼ cup sunflower honey
Directions:
- Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl until evenly distributed.
- Stir in honey. You may need to use your hands here to combine into a compact ball.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bar mixture on the baking sheet evenly in thickness and firmly to reduce crumbling.
- Freeze for 30 minutes to an hour. Remove and cut into bars.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in a plastic bag.
Raspberry Pink Lemonade Energizing-Superfood
Two servings (7.3g per serving)=18 calories, 5g carbohydrate, 2g sugar, 2g dietary fiber
This powder is mainly comprised of a blend of roots, seeds, herbs, and fruit. It’s a great source of energy, caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The taste of 1 full packet is a tad bitter for my liking so I would just use half a packet or 1 serving next time for my smoothie, but nothing a little fresh raspberries or honey can’t fix 🙂 After a long weekend of glutinous drinking and eating, this smoothie was the perfect reset button to start my week off right.
Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie
Yield: 6 oz smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 packet Rootz Nutrition Raspberry Pink Lemonade Energizing-Superfood powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 Tbsp honeycomb
- Handful of ice cubes
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy immediately or freeze for later use.
Enjoy!
-EAW
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