health – 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**

Penn State Extension Offering Free Webinar To Navigate Health Insurance and Mental Health for Seniors

Penn State Extension is offering a free webinar to help people navigate their insurance and mental health “Smart Choice/Smart Use Health Insurance: Smart Actions for Mental Health,” is aimed at helping people understand how to use health insurance to pay for mental health care and manage expenses related to ongoing care.

This webinar will take place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. October 10.

Organizers noted that mental health care is a rapidly evolving sector of insurance, so it’s important to know your coverage should you or a family member require services. During this event, participants can discover the range of services available, understand the importance of seeking treatment for mental health challenges, and learn how to use insurance to cover expenses and manage costs.

I can only speak for myself but my coverage through my insurance has definitely improved and lets me access virtual counseling. I love that option

Attendees will learn:

— What is considered mental health care services.

— The importance of seeking early treatment for mental health challenges.

— How you can use health insurance to pay for mental health care and manage expenses.

This webinar is free, but attendees must register by 11:45 p.m. October 9 to get the access link. Those who register also will receive a link to watch the recording of the program.

For more details and to sign up, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/smart-choice-health-insurancetm-smart-actions-for-mental-health or call 877-345-0691.

Navigating health insurance can sometimes be confusing. Education is the best tool!

Black Friday Sale: Blender Free Smoothies 40% OFF!

This time of year, it is so easy to not stay on track with our healthy eating. There are cookies, candies, and indulgent drinks around every corner including some that are only out for the holidays. (Oh man do I love me a chesnut praline latte from Starbucks).

When you’re cooking holiday meals, decorating, shopping, wrapping, writing out holiday cards, etc sometimes meal prepping goes to the wayside and quick meals on-the-go take their place. I mean, I get it, we can’t do everything!

If you’re determined to stay on track and need an easy way to do it, check out Evive blender-free smoothies!

I know, it took me a minutes to wrap my head around blender free smoothies. But Evive makes it easy.

Healthy food made easy >> Evive Blender-free Smoothies

You can get a box shipped directly to you. You can choose a box of 15 or 25. You get to choose your flavors and how many of each too. When you’re ready to enjoy just pop the cubes into a cup, add your liquid of choice and allow the cubes to melt, and voila! it’s ready to enjoy. A much quieter alternative than running a blender in the morning and less time consuming then chopping and prepping fruits and veggies right?

You stopped by my little blog and took the time to read this. Thank you. So you won’t pay full price either! I won’t allow it. You can save 40% off your first box during the Evive Black Friday sale with code: BF40

The Black Friday coupon code expires 11/30/21 so grab those savings (and healthy smoothies) while you can!

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

Smile Brilliant Night Guard Review + Giveaway

You might have seen my review of the cariPRO Ultrasonic Toothbrush from Smile Brilliant in the past. I’m still using that same toothbrush today. I do keep a supply of new brush heads on hand. My dentist was impressed with how well it keeps my teeth clean. She actually asked for the name of the toothbrush. But a newer issued came along at one of my dentist appointments a few years ago.

About 2 years ago, while at my dentist appointment, my dentists commented about my gums receding. She says there’s a few reasons it could happen but one reasons is from teeth clenching or grinding my teeth. I had a coworker that had a similar problem. She ended up having to have cadaver gums to fix her receding gum line. The idea of that just doesn’t appeal to me. They did give me some hope that there has been advances with injecting collagen into the gums and seeing results with that treatment. Unfortunately it was just starting on the west coast and hadn’t made it’s way to the east coast yet. It’s obviously something that dentists will need to be trained to do as well.

I started to pay more attention. I noticed I did clench my teeth when working out. I sometimes grind my teeth when I’m bored. It’s possible I clench or grind my teeth at night. I don’t personally know that I do and my husband has never said anything to that effect.

So, what do I do? I ask my dentist. She suggested a night guard. Unfortunately she says it’s not covered by my insurance. They could do a custom one but it would cost around $500 or I could buy a pre-fab one somewhere like Walmart. So I went with that option. The pre-fab one I bought only cost about $20. Unfortunately you get what you pay for. It didn’t fit my mouth right. I had to cut the ends so it fit in my mouth without feeling like it was gagging me. In the end it didn’t work out.

I was starting to seriously consider shelling out the $500 to avoid cadaver gums. But then Smile Brilliant entered my life. It was exactly the solution I needed.

Smile Brilliant offers custom night guards you can get in the convenience of your own home. Smile Brilliant Custom Night Guard costs a fraction of what i would have paid my dentist but still getting the custom fit I need. They send you a kit in the mail to create your own custom dental guard at your convenience. They have an easy to follow step by step guide.

You kit comes with a mold and stuff that reminds me of silly putty that you have to mix together. They give you enough for two tries just in case you mess up on the first one. I’ve used the same method for their teeth whitening trays. I usually get it on the first try but did end up having to use the 2nd set this time. No worries if you still need more, you just have to contact them.

The whole process really only take about 10 min start to finish. The instructions have high resolution, color pics. They are are truly step by step. I personally suggest reading through the entire directions so you can anticipate what you need to do next. It’s not a hard process but you do only have so much time to work with the molding solution before it starts to harden.

Smile Brilliant also provides an envelope, postage paid, to send your impression back for your bite guard to be created.

It took close to three weeks for me to get my bite guard in the mail but when I received it, it was a perfect fit. It’s a nice flexible material. It’s comfortable in my mouth.

When your finished bite guard is sent to you, you also receive a convenient, vented storage container to keep your bite guard in.

How Much Is Teeth Whitening

Smile Brilliant offers several high quality and custom oral care products including the cariPro Ultrasonic toothbrush, Water flosser, custom teeth whitening kits, and more.

Save 20% off your order when you use my code: 20angiewith2

GIVEAWAY

Choice of T3 Sensitive or Light Custom Night Guard Giveaway link:
https://www.smilebrilliant.com/g/angiewith2

Just for entering you get an additional discount at Smile Brilliant!

*Eligible countries: US, UK, Australia, & Canada

**This post is in collaboration with Smile Brilliant. I was compensated with free product for this post. This post does contain affiliate links and I can earn from sales made through my links. Any opinions expressed are my own***

Juice Drinkers! This Online Community Is For YOU! Earn Rewards Too!

This post is a sponsored post.

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I’m definitely a fan of fruit juices. I like trying different flavors and combos. I love my classics too.

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