Getting in Shape

I've been trying to get in shape and have just created my ticker symbol for MyFitnessPal.com.

Created by MyFitnessPal - Nutrition Facts For Foods

Pure Green Yuck!

Last week, I visited my local GNC to see if I can find something to help my leg muscles recover more quickly from running. The salesperson recommended the following whey protein:

It was just okay... not bad, but not as good as chocolate Ovaltine either. The directions recommend 3 scoops of powder with a glass of water. I definitely did not like it with water. It tasted like watered down milk chocolate, but with milk, the taste wasn't too bad. To lighten the formula, I am currently taking one scoop of powder with a cup of milk for breakfast and before I run.

The downside of the product is that it has an artificial sweetener, which I try to stay away from. Today I tried with two alternatives, 1. Garden of Life Raw Protein and 2. PureGreen Protein. Both of the single serving packets were chocolate flavored. 

Garden of Life Raw Protein contains stevia, which, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant,  is more natural than sucralose, but still leaves a strange sweet aftertaste. Another strike against this product is its inability to dissolve easily in liquid. Since it didn't dissolve easily in milk, I choked on the dry powder as I was drinking it. It has a light chocolate color and taste, which was not too bad, yet not the greatest either. 

PureGreen Protein was the worse of the three. When used with a shaker bottle, it mixes well. However, the taste and smell was very vegetal, due to the vegan ingredients and there was little indication of any chocolately goodness. When mixed, it was dark green in color with unattractive dark, almost blackish flecks in the powder. The texture was also very gritty and not very appealing. 

Hopefully, this weekend I can find a better alternative at the GNC made with sugar or even something without sugar that I can blend into my chocolate Ovaltine. I like taking the whey powder for breakfast as well as before I run, but need to find a better brand. 

Completed: Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful and fascinating book about your brain, how it works and how to get the most out of it. It is a great read for teachers and students alike, although it can benefit others too.

The contents are based on scientific research, but John Medina is a very skilled writer who presents the information in a fun, yet informative and interesting way. I enjoyed every chapter. :)

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New Current Read: The Poetic Edda

The Poetic Edda by Anonymous

After being inspired by the History Channel's "Vikings" series and by the National Museum of Denmark's exhibition, "Viking," which is now in The British Museum in London, I started reading "The Poetic Edda" yesterday on my way to work.

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