food – Luv Saving Money

My Favorite Protein Powders

I have been on a health journey continuously now for over a year and still plugging away. I’ve lost 38 lbs so far. I’m only a few pounds away from my goal weight. Then the goal will change to maintain. I have done a lot of things to get to this point including focusing on my diet.

In the past I tried counting macros. Of course that works but it would stress me out. I’d beat myself up if I went over on carbs or fat and didn’t hit protein. It got to the point that I started to feel defeated even when I was making progress. Then a tip I heard from a influencer stuck. I thought, hmm I’ll try that. You know what, it worked for me. That tip was. “Concentrate on protein and fiber, and throw in some veggies here and there” So simple right?

That’s not to say that some days I dont’ struggle to hit my protein. But I don’t beat myself up when I used to. In fact, I’m happy when I get closer to my protein goal.

That being said, for a busy mom like me sometimes a protein shake is awesome on the go or when I’m just not that hungry. Having flavor varieties on hand so I have options is another winner for me. But protein powders can be expensive. I’ve definitely bought some that I just didn’t like in the past. But here are my favorite brands with my favorite flavors.

Oath Nutrition

These, are awesome. Oath Nutrition is clear whey protein. A lot of people that don’t like the regular protein powder find these more palatable. I like to blend mine with water and some ice. Every flavor I’ve tried has been awesome. It blends smooth and tastes like a smoothie or juice. I’ve tried the frosty lemonade, mango, strawberry kiwi, coconut colada so far. As I said they’re all great but the flavor I keep going back to again and again is the frosted lemonade. It literally tastes like a frosty lemonade.

Pros: awesome flavor and consistency. Easy to drink, doesn’t taste like a typical protein shake. Grass fed whey. Only 1 g of sugar

Cons: Only 18 servings per bag. Only 20 g of protein (there are protein powders with more)

Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate

If you have not heard of this brand, definitely check them out. I’ll admit at first glance it looks like every other protein powder out there but I had the opportunity to sample Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate and since then I’ve bought 4 more containers of it. There protein powder have 30 grams of protein, offers a nice selection of flavors (including unflavored) and every flavor I’ve tried so far has been great. My tip, as with most protein powders, I prefer to blend mine in a personal blender. I feel like you get a creamier consistency.

They have basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or more unique flavors like strawberry acai and cake batter. I think the chocolate blended with unsweetened vanilla almond milk makes it tastes just like chocolate milk. My hubby’s favorite so far is the strawberry acai. A unique flavor for something different. I’ve used this just as a shake or I’ve used them in protein recipes like protein fluff, protein jello, and protein baked oats.

Pros: 30 g of protein. Nutricost offers frequent sales to be able to save some money. 24 servings in a 2 lb tub. They also offer 5 lb tubs. Good taste. Good flavor options.

Cons: Without a coupon can be just as expensive as the rest.

Save 10% off your order with my code: BEECHAN10

Quest Protein Powder

Quest Nutrition is a well known brand. A lot of people have tried the Quest protein powders or shakes. I think Quest has a lot of awesome products especially their line of protein treats. Their PB cups are awesome. Even my kids like them. I feel like their protein powders are hit or miss though. The Quest salted caramel protein powder is amazing. I like to blend mine with a little ice and either unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. I think it tastes just like a salted caramel milk shake. Their vanilla is pretty good. Not a fan of their chocolate. The cinnamon crunch I feel is awesome in protein recipes like protein baked oats but a little weird to drink because it has almost like cinnamon cereal chunks in it. This brand is generally more affordable than the others on my list too.

Pros: some flavors like salted caramel are amazing. And cinnamon crunch is recipes is great. Generally more affordable that most protein powders and found at more retail locations. 26 grams of protein per serving.

Cons: flavors are hit or miss for me.

Summary

In the end, these are my personal opinions. There are a few brands I’ve tried that I just didn’t like such as Muscle Milk. While other people seem to like it. In the end find what works for you and get that protein in however you like!

If there are any you think I should try, let me know. Maybe I’ll do a protein bar list next.

**This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links**

FREE Event tomorrow! Saturday Sept 14, 2024: Motor for Meals Event with the Central PA Food Bank

This event is happening tomorrow but I love the cause so I wanted to post about it just in case anyone wanted to attend.

Saturday September 14, 2024 the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) will be hosting a Motors for Meals event to help raise awareness of food insecurity in the community in partnership with the PACE Miata Club.

Motors for Meals is a free community event that is part of Hunger Action Month, a time when the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank joins with Feeding America food banks across the U.S. to raise awareness on the issue of hunger in our communities and raise our collective voices to advocate, educate and work together to end hunger & food insecurity.

The community will enjoy face painting, food trucks, car cruise, and tours of the Central PA Food Bank warehouse. The tours will begin at 10:30 am and there will also be a brief awards ceremony at 12:30 pm.

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

3908 Corey Road Harrisburg, PA 17109

Come out and enjoy this free event for a good cause. I think this would be a great way to learn about the struggles some Pennsylvanians may be facing and learn about resources.

About the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank:

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a nonprofit organization with a mission of fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities. It provides meals for 202,000 neighbors each month, by working with its 1,100 partner agencies and with the critical help of more than 15,000 volunteers. Its bold goal is to provide access to enough nutritious food for everyone struggling with hunger in each of the 27 central Pennsylvania counties it serves by working with its collaborative network and convening and nurturing partnerships to make progress toward ending hunger. Recognizing that there is a direct correlation between hunger and being marginalized, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is committed to working against racism and other systematic obstacles that prevent people from thriving.

About PACE Miata Club:

To unite Central Pennsylvania Mazda Miata enthusiasts in a spirit of friendship and to enhance their enjoyment and knowledge of the Miata. Back in 1992, Miatas were becoming more numerous in the central Pennsylvania area but there was no Miata club since the short-lived Keystone Club had disbanded. Our founder, Dave Allen, decided to remedy this sad situation and travelled to the Miatas at Indy event in the summer of 1992 to get the charter for a new club from the Miata Club of America. Also at that Indy event were Bob & Jo Bookwalter and Julie Swope and these three Miatas (one blue, one white, one red) formed the nucleus of the new club. That summer, more Miata nuts joined the club and after a few local drives, in October PACE took its first run to the Skyline Drive.

Virtual Vegetarian Cooking Class Through Penn State Extension

Looking into eating vegetarian? Maybe you already started but needs some tips and ideas? Penn State Extension is offering a virtual vegetarian cooking event called: Let’s Cook At Home: Vegetarian.

Vegetarian meals provide an opportunity to explore new flavors and recipes that highlight plant-based foods. Join “Let’s Cook at Home: Vegetarian” and learn how to eat a balanced, plant-based diet with tips to make traditional entrées the vegetarian way. This event is for anyone who wants to improve their diet and health and explore the health benefits of plant-based eating. Participants will learn how to prepare a healthy, vegetarian meal, plan a balanced plant-based diet, and simple cooking techniques and recipe modifications for vegetarian recipes.

Register

This live webinar will take place September 27 from 12:00 pm – 1 pm EST. Registration is $10. You must register in order to receive a link to the webinar. You can register for the Let’s Cook At Home: Vegetarian cooking event here: https://extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-at-home-vegetarian

About Penn State Extension

Penn State Extension serves individuals, businesses and communities, helping them address problems and realize opportunities through educational programs, products and services. In support of Penn State’s land-grant mission, extension programs make a difference locally through face-to-face education as well as widely through online programs. With support from federal, state and county governments, extension has a tradition of bringing unbiased, research-based information to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.

Penn State Extension offers a variety of online non-credit courses for the public. Consumers can access educational articles, videos, online courses and publications at their convenience, and register for regional in-person workshops and online webinars on a wide range of topics.

Great Tasting Energy Tea from Zest Tea

When you think about tea, what do you think of? Honestly I have so many thoughts. I think of a cold refreshing tea on a hot summer day. I think about a nice warm cup of morning tea to start my day. I think about a beverage that has benefits beyond quenching my thirst pallet.

Zest Tea offers a variety of energy teas to enjoy anytime you need a boost of energy.

This high caffeine tea is delicious, refreshing, and just the kick you need without the crash.

Zest Tea loose leaf tea and tea bags are available in 6 different flavors:

blue lady
pomegranate mojito
earl gray
cinnamon apple
spicy masala chai
superberry samba

The Zest Tea sparkling teas are available in different flavors and varieties

Passionfruit Berry (this is the flavor I sampled and LOVE IT!)
Sweet Chai Infusion
Pomegranate Mint
Blackberry Lime Zero Sugar
Blood Orange Mango Zero Sugar
Cucumber Melon Zero Sugar

So what is in a cup of Zest Tea caffeinated tea?

ENERGY: Up to 150mg caffeine = 3x regular tea
FOCUS: 40mg L-Theanine = no jitters, no crash
HEALTH: Natural, Non-GMO certified ingredients

Honestly, I loved all the teas. The flavors, the quality of the tea, the fragrance, it was definitely high quality.

One thing I really loved though was the Sparkling Teas for the summer. Cold, refreshing, crisp, just what I need on a hot day. I took several cans with me when we went to the beach. Because Zest Tea is the tea with the most caffeine, it’s great for long road trips. The added focus benefit was awesome too.

I’m usually the one driving when we go on roadtrips. My husband actually enjoys the fact that I drive and it benefits me because I get motion sickness as a passenger. I’ve tried a lot of caffeinated drinks during road trips but this was by far the best. I’m gonna have to order more for our next trip. We’re headed to State College in November to see Kane Brown, just me and the hubs.It’s a long awaited overnight getaway for me and the hubs. That hasn’t happened without the kids in a couple years.

With the kids starting back to school I’ll be enjoying my sips of hot Zest Tea on the porch while waiting for the bus to drop them off. That way I’ll be sure to meet them with the same energy they meet me with.

You can check out Zest Tea out here. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the zero sugar but the flavors sound amazing. I’ve been trying to cut sugar out of my beverages because it’s a pretty easy way to start reducing daily sugar intake.

GIVEAWAY

1 US winner will win a 20 ct package of Zest Tea tea bags.

I received sample products in order to complete this post. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Hosting a Board Game Night At Your Bar

Hosting a board game night at your bar can be a fun way to draw in a crowd, particularly if you have nights that are typically slow business nights. If your game nights are special events, be sure to advertise them well so people know to come. Here are a few other tips for using board games to boost your bar business.

Choose Great Games

When you offer games for your bar patrons to play, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. First, choose games that can be completed fairly quickly. Monopoly is probably not a game people would choose to play when going out for the evening. Second, choose a wide variety of games. Some people like classic games like cribbage or backgammon. Others are into fantasy or strategy games. Having plenty of choices means everyone is likely to find something they can enjoy. Also, be sure to have some games that can be played by only two players, and some that can be enjoyed by a large group.

Offer Special Drinks

Once your bar has its liquor license Houston TX in place, you can start planning fun drink offerings. Creating a specialty, game-themed drink for the evening can get everyone in the board game mood. If one of your games is Clue, why not offer a bloody mary, or a specialty cocktail featuring blood orange? A rousing game of Apples to Apples would certainly be improved by an appletini or two. Offering special drink pricing at the beginning of the evening can encourage patrons to arrive early and get settled in.

Host a Competition

Some board games work quite well for a bracket-style tournament. You can plan a quick, one-night competition, or a multi-week series of tournament game nights, culminating in a final victory round. Think of games such as Scrabble or Parcheesi that can be learned easily by most people and require some amount of strategy, rather than just luck. Offering prizes is a sure way to bring in more competitors. Some venues choose to charge an entry fee, and others just count on increased sales for the evening. You can also choose to have teams register in advance, or let people join in at the last minute. Offering team-matching services can help include patrons who don’t already have a team to play with.

Offering your bar customers an evening of board game fun is a great way to increase patronage on an otherwise slow business night. A good selection of games and drinks will keep people coming back for more of both.