Protein Shake: Vegan & without Stevia
After a very stressful move from one country to another, and then looking after four kids by myself for many months, I was really (really) battling physically. My energy levels were extremely low, and I desperately needed a boost to keep me going. I knew that the best solution would be a protein shake.
The definition of a protein shake is (from the Oxford Dictionary):
“A blended drink resembling a milkshake that contains high levels of protein, typically drunk to help someone gain muscle or weight or increase their level of energy.”
But being vegan and having a problem with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which flares up badly during stressful times, I could not find a powder that did not contain whey or stevia. Stevia is poison for IBS and anyone with digestive issues, and is something that everyone should stay away from anyway. You can read my well-researched article all about stevia here:
Stevia: Do You Know the Truth?
Eventually, after a lot of research and checking many ingredient labels, I found the
My Wellness Super Vegan Protein powder.
It is 100% vegan (free from animal by-products) and the unflavoured version does not contain stevia! Yay!!
I gave it a try and felt so good/healthy, full of energy, and able to think clearly. I was really surprised at how great I felt! I was better able to deal with my tough situation, and am having this wonderful creamy shake every day now.
Even though it is unflavoured, it still has a really great taste, with no awful aftertaste.
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Here are the details for the unflavoured version which does not contain stevia (NB: be very careful because the other flavoured varieties do contain stevia!):
From the My Wellness website —-
- Clean Protein, NO artificial flavours, sweeteners or colourants
- Superfood enhanced with Baobab and Wheat Grass
- 20g of protein
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
My Wellness Vegan Protein is suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. The combination of hemp and pea protein powder provides a rich source of essential and non-essential amino acids that are highly bioavailable and easily digestible. The amino acid profile is comparable to the best animal protein sources containing high levels of L-Isoleucine, L-valine, L-arginine and lysine, which are beneficial after a strenuous workout. The protein used in this product are hypo-allergenic and created using low temperature natural processes without the use of chemicals.SUPERFOOD FACTS
BAOBAB: is the fruit of Africa’s ‘Tree of Life’.
It is also almost 50% fibre (two thirds soluble and one third insoluble, making it a powerful prebiotic) and contains more antioxidants than any other whole fruit.WHEATGRASS: Contains minerals known to man and vitamins A, B complex, C, E, K. It is extremely rich in protein and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Wheatgrass contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder.
INGREDIENTS
Yellow pea protein, hemp seed protein, organic baobab powder, wheatgrass powder.
DIRECTION FOR USE
Add one heaped scoop (30g) to approx 250ml of water shake in a shaker cup or blender for 20 seconds until powder is dissolved. Consume one serving 2-3 times per day or as required.
Our Vegan conscious products are designed to provide you with whole food nutrition direct from plants in their most raw form giving you the best that nature intended.
The My Wellness descriptions on each item in the powder are not very detailed, so to add to the above…
Dr. Axe (draxe.com) has this to say about the incredible Baobab :
“Baobab fruit and powder are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, baobab leaves, bark and seeds have been employed as a “panacea,” as in something to treat almost any disease. We’re talking about diseases ranging from serious concerns like malaria, tuberculosis and microbial infections to more common health problems like toothaches, diarrhea and fevers.”
From medicinenet.com:
“The nutrients in baobab may help improve energy and stamina, which also helps you to stay active and focused throughout the day.”
Wheatgrass:
draxe.com says that “Wheatgrass is gluten-free when harvested from a growing wheat plant without any seeds. In that case, wheatgrass is considered safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.” This is very very good news for someone with IBS or digestive issues, as gluten is a big NO NO for us.
“Wheatgrass is a potent source of a number of vital nutrients your body can’t do without.”
“Is wheatgrass good for your health? Dozens of studies on wheatgrass — and also its individual antioxidants and nutrients — show that its health benefits include:
- Supplying a high dose of chlorophyll
- Encouraging a highly oxygenated environment in your body
- Promoting a healthy metabolism
- Establishing an alkaline environment in the body
- Acting as an antibacterial by halting growth of unfriendly bacteria
- Rebuilding and strengthening blood
- Restoring fertility and balancing hormones
- Rebuilding damaged tissue
- Detoxifying the body of heavy metals
- Purifying liver
- Helping with blood sugar regulation
- Acting as an antiseptic to treat odors, strep infections, wounds, skin grafts, sinusitis, ear infections, varicose veins and scars
- Helping prevent tooth decay
- Aiding in sore throat pain reduction
- Fighting skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
- Improving digestion
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving eyesight, particularly night vision
- Helping with sleep
- Boosting the immune system
- Improving nerve signaling and mental well-being“
Whew! and wow!! Sounds too good to be true, right… I couldn’t believe it as well.
Convinced that this product is going to be awesome for you yet?
Besides the superfood qualities found in Baobab and Wheatgrass, there is also Hemp Seed protein in this product, which is awesome for your health. Here’s what I found on www.healthline.com:
“Hemp protein powder is a complete protein that packs antioxidants, minerals, fiber and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. It’s a good choice, especially for vegans…”
From Webmd.com:
“Both hemp protein powder and hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help to maintain good cardiovascular health. They protect the heart, help to maintain lean body mass, and maintain brain function.”
Yellow (split) pea protein seems to be the base of the product, and healthline.com says this about this incredible powder:
“Pea protein powder is a high-quality, easily digested protein source made from yellow peas. It’s rich in iron, arginine and branched-chain amino acids and offers benefits like improved muscle growth, feelings of fullness and heart health. It works with most diets, as it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and hypoallergenic.
Pea protein powder is a great option if you’re looking to add more protein to your diet.“
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I tried the 450g product, which comes in a sealed plastic packet. This packaging ends up being a bit messy when trying to get the measuring spoon out of the packet. I mentioned it to the company My Wellness, and they say that they will be working on this issue to make it less wasteful and frustrating. I hope that they come up with a better way to store the scoop/spoon.
This product comes in various sizes and not all of them are in plastic packets. I will be getting the 900g next, as I like the idea of it being in a container with a lid rather than a packet that seals. It seems like there would be less mess and that it will be easier to deal with. I will update you on this as soon as I receive it…
My Wellness have many (many) more products that are sold on their website and that are suitable for vegans. I am going to check out the other items and will be writing some more reviews soon… keep an eye out for them or Follow me to be kept up-to-date >>>
Please note that I have not been paid to write this review. All the information above is my own honest opinion.
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Very well articulated article! Very helpful thank you.
What an interesting and informative read. I learned a lot. Good healthy eating is important in these times.
Well done 👍🏻