Hey boos!
Man, you guys REALLY know how to make a girl’s day! Thank you all sooo much for all the sweet comments on yesterday’s Pancake Sunday post!
I swear my head heart is swelling from all the love!
So, I was going to share the recipe for my Coconut Curry Salmon from last week’s WIAW post, but with all the love that’s in the air right now, I’ve changed my mind…and I have a sneaky suspicion that you guys won’t mind one bit…
How about a
GIVEAWAY?!
Yeah…I know…what recipe??
I figured! π
A couple of months ago, the awesome people over at Gotein contacted me about trying their ready-to-use protein packets. Since it’s no secret that I’ve been in the market for a new protein supplement, I JUMPED at the opportunity!
When they first arrived at Casa de Broccoli, I was excited…nervous…skeptical.
You see, after working at a supplement store for FOUR years while in college, I’m now a bit of a protein snob.
Here is my protein supplement criteria:
- Good mix-ability
- At LEAST 15-20 grams of protein per serving
- Short ingredient list WITHOUT the use of sugar substitutes/alcohols
- And it HAS to taste GREAT!*
Knowing from my research that Gotein boasted 3 out of my 4 requirements, I eagerly began my adventures in taste testing!
All the flavors were mixed with water because in my opinion, if a protein shake is high enough in quality, you won’t have to try to mask the flavor by using milk and/or any other ingredients.
First up, vanilla! Name of the strategy: start out simple.
If you screw up vanilla, then I’m out!
It was PERFECT! Like a lightly sweetened milk…nothing overpowering and no aftertaste at all (ugh, I really hate shakes that leave that fake “sweet” taste in your mouth)!
Then the flavor I was the most skeptical about. I have never had good luck with strawberry flavored shakes…they always tastes so…fake! To my amazement (and excitement), I LOVED this flavor! It tasted just like…
Yes, strawberry Yoo-hoo! I kid you not!
Ohhhh, the memories of my childhood!
And of course, I saved the best for last.
Even though I’m not a huge chocolate fan (I’d take a warm doughy baked good over even your finest chocolate bar any day…so sue me!), chocolate protein shakes are always my favorite! Well, except for this guy…there’s always at least one exception, right?
Laaaaa-huved it!!
I seriously went into this review with an open and non-biased attitude thinking that I’d at least have “ehhh” feelings for one flavor, but as it turns out, the guys over at Gotein know their stuff! I was SUPER impressed with each flavor! Whether I used my shaker cup, a recycled kombucha bottle (don’t tell me you guys don’t reuse those expensive little buggers), or even just a spoon, the mix-ability was amazing! No chalky/gritty texture…no residue left at the bottom…it was just like drinking a pre-made shake!
And now for the good part!
Gotein supplied me with an extra packet of each flavor for one of my lucky readers to try
annnnnnnd Anna threw in a SWEET discount code for $4 off a box if you decide (like me) that these are the best flippin’ things since sliced bread and can’t live without them!
π
So how do you win some Gotein of your own?
- Mandatory: Tell me about your very first experience with protein powder? How was it? Were you hooked…or scarred? Haha!
- Additional Entries: Leave a SEPARATE comment for each one you chose:
- Subscribe to Kiss My Broccoli by email
- “Like” Kiss My Broccoli on Facebook
- “Like” Gotein on Facebook
- Follow Gotein on Twitter
- Follow Kiss My Broccoli onΒ TwitterΒ AND “tweet” the following:
“Gimme some free protein powder! @kissmybroccoli @Gotein #giveawayΒ http://kissmybroccoliblog.com/2011/08/01/wake-me-up-before-you-go-gotein/”
Entries will be closed Thursday @ 11:59 CST and the winner will be announced on Friday (August 5, 2011)
I worked at a gym an I just made smoothies with the protein powder, I always got to drink the leftovers.
I just recently tried protein powder…it was a chocolate flavor that my twin brother drinks after he goes to the gym. Yummylicious!
I’ve recently gotten into protein powderβ¦ and I love it! But I’m really picky – no artificial stuff, and made from whole grains if possible, but i’m always open to a good clean milk derived protein. I’ve found that protein shakes really help curb my after-workout hunger.
(love your blog by the way, just stopped by for the first time a few days ago!)
Oh yeah, I completely agree! If I’m going to get my protein from a supplement, it better be legit! No fake hard to pronounce ingredients for me!
Thanks so much Rachel! Always good to hear from new readers! Feel free to pull up a broccoli-shaped chair and stay a while! π
I follow you on twitter, and tweeted!
I’ve actually never tried a protein powder, well I mean I’ve tasted something my brother had once, but I wasn’t into working out then so I didn’t even bother to catch the name. I have been searching for a good protein powder. I always want to try them at the gym also, but am not sure which protein powder to tell them to put in my drink. I would love to win this so I could try something that is easy to mix π
i think i added protein powder to a smoothie and it tasted fine! a little chalky and weird, but fine!
The first protein drink I ever had, I was like 9 and for some reason they were giving them out at Toys R Us… I’m so not kidding. And I HATED it. Blehhhh. Thankfully I’ve had much better experiences recently π
At Toys-R-Us?! That’s so weird!! Haha!
im following gotein on twitter
annnnd I already subscribe to your blog, of course π LOVE it.
My first experience was with designer whey. I remember making smoothies- 1 scoop designer whey, banana, strawberries, milk and jello pudding to try to dilute the protein powder taste haha. thanks for the chance to win π
i’m definitely a newbie when it comes to protein powder. I tried it once just mixed in water and I can honestly say its the first food that has ever made me gag haha. I need to try some gotein!.. strawberry yoohoo? yes!
subscribed to your blog!
I’ve actually never tried protein powder before. But this summer I’ve been making more smoothies to beat the heat and have been thinking a lot lately about trying some out. Would love to do so with this!
I have tried protein powder in the past. Every flavor/ type I have tried has always left an after taste. I am trying to lose weight and want to try and fine a good protein to use after workouts.
BTW– Your pics are amazing. Makes me want to just drink it up!
Already follow you on twitter…and I tweeted!
Subscribed to your blog by email!
I am following Gotein on FB and Twitter!
I still drink my first protein product. It’s nothing special but it’s cheap and suits my needs. I would love to try out something new and better for myself though! Body fortress whey chocolate protein powder needs to get outta my life (yeah you know the kroger/walmart brand).
oh man- first experience.. it was CHALKY! then i learned how to make a true smoothie from the blog world and it got better π
i follow you on twitter!
i tweeted the phrase βGimme some free protein powder! @kissmybroccoli @Gotein #giveaway http://kissmybroccoliblog.com/2011/08/01/wake-me-up-before-you-go-gotein/β!
liked you on facebook
liked them on facebook
+ like you on facebook π
i just subscribed!!
+ followed you on twitter and tweeted about the contest!
I’m @cschuurr π
I started using protein powder when I realized the importance of protein after workouts! I was a little scared at first, but the vanilla flavor I had tried of the brand turned out to be delicious!
I’m following Gotein and Kiss my Broccoli on Twitter and tweeting about the contest! π
I’ve never tried protein powders before! but…I love to work out, don’t love meat, and have a tiiiiny obsession with smoothies so im definitely in the market for a good one!
i Fb liked you π
i FB liked gotein(:
oh man, i think the first time i tried protein powder i was actually kind of scared…i was afraid it was going to be just another one of those freaky frankenfoods that “health nuts” love but i’m unable to choke down (i’ve had some rough experiences with chia pudding/stevia-anything/kale chips haha–i knowww, i’m not hard core at all). but on a whim i bought some vanilla protein powder on sale at costco and ended up being SO impressed at how i could get it to taste just like softserve by adding ice/vanilla extract! and i’ve had a shake before bed ever since :).
My very first experience with protein powder was when I was about 11. I went to a smoothie bar and they offered me a free sample of a protein smoothie. One sip and I swore I would never drink protein again. Now, I’m hooked!
didn’t like it at first – but mixed/baked/stirred/disguised… it’s great!
first time was awful! i used water and a cheap packet mix! yuck! i couldnt understand how so many people rave about it….eventually i tried other ones and added my own special somethings (sweetener,pb, cocoa powder, MILK!) and i was hooked!
My first experience with protein powder was when I got my wisdom teeth out…I figured there was only so much nutrients I could get from a diet of milkshakes all day!!
I already follow your blog on my google reader!
My first experience with protein powder was by tasting an ex-boyfriends smoothie after a workout. I hated it! Now I love it because I can make my own smoothies with my choice of ingredients!
Liked you on fb!
Liked Gotein on fb
Following you and gotein on twitter now!
My first experiences with protein have been mixed, depending on the use. In oats? not so much. In smoothies? definitely
My first experience I was scarred by a super strong earthy taste….blech! It’s gotten better since then, luckily…
I was so excited when I tried my first protein powder because it was chocolate flavored and I was thinking…how can anything go wrong with chocolate??…boy was I in for a surprise! The protein powder was nothing like I had expected and it just tasted awful. Overtime, I’ve come to find one where I love the flavor, but the only downside is the protein content is a little on the low side.
This gotein powder sounds great! And I love strawberry milk so you’ve really piqued my interest in this particular protein powder!
i just got some protein powder last month and honestly….im still not yet impressed. maybe these will change my mind!
That looks interesting. My first experience with protein powder was awful and I’m still kind of scarred. Even the stuff I have now I don’t like very much but I choke it down when I need it. Since you’re a “protein snob” you should write a post on different protein powders, I’d love to read that π
I like you on FB π
I’ve tried the Vega vanilla chai and it was… alright. Not nearly as good as reviews led me to believe, but okay enough to add to a smoothie.
I follow you on twitter.
My first protein powder was with ON whey vanilla and I loved it!
im following gotein on twitter
Like them on fb π
The first protein powder I tried was Vega Vanilla Almondilla… and I really didn’t like it! It had a really off aftertaste. π
Ahhh, my first experience with protein powder was a little over a year ago. I picked up a single-serve packet of protein powder at WF and made it into a microwave protein cake. It was chocolatey so naturally I was expecting the flavor of a brownie. Nope. Not even close. It was gritty and terrible and barely chocolatey at all. Since then I’ve experimented more and found my favorite. Thank goodness!
Following you and tweeted!
I’ve actually never tried protein powder, but I really want to. It’s just so expensive and I’m afraid I won’t like it, then I’ll be stuck with a huge tub of the stuff!
I subscribed to your blog π
I liked you on Facebook.
Also liked gotein on Facebook.
Following gotein on twitter
Now following you, too. And I tweeted!
@j_mosh
My first experience was when I bought Jay Robb Vanilla Whey at the advice of SkinnyRunner and made my first Green Monster. Delicious!
I made the mistake of trying protein powder (a cheap brand, plain vanilla flavor) plain with water. No thanks! I didn’t give up on it though and learned to love it mixed in oats =)
I have no idea when my exact first protein powder experience was. Since the 60’s my dad is an amateur bodybuilder and my mom is a health food nut, so growing up I had a protein shake with orange juice, banana, vanilla yogurt, and protein powder every morning with breakfast. My older brothers and I used to always beg mom for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. She always caved because she’s such a softie.
I firsst put protein powder in a smoothie and hated it. But now i can’t get enough of it!! π
I’m already subscribed π
i follow you on twitter
First experience with protein powder: I bought some generic brand years ago, thinking I could mix it with water and call that a good meal. It tasted like powdery sludge and there were pockets of powder which were horrible to drink.
Then a few years later I tried it again, but used a blender and realized that protein powder can be delicious!
I like you on Facebook!
I like Gotein on Facebook.
I am following Gotein on Twitter.
I’ve never tried protein powder because I’m worried it would taste gross! I would love to try it in my smoothies though.
My parents gave me some when I was a kid actually, lol! It was vanilla and SOO delicious, got me hooked!!!
Tweeted! π Apparently my comment is “too short” so adding more…..
my first experience was with a brand my fiance bought. i was nervous, but it.tasted.amazing. then i looked at the ingredient list and decided. meh. that brand isnt for me. on to my hunting for the perfect protein powder. can’t say i’ve found it, but i’ve found some pretty good ones on the way. but i like to use them all up before i get another. i love experimenting with new flavors too. a girl needs a little variety in her life. π
tweeted and i like you on facebook! ♥
andddddddddddd following Gotein. lets see how many comments I can leave π
I tried a hemp protein powder, and it was AWFUL.
Nobody told me hemp wasn’t recommended for beginners π
Following you on twitter and tweeted that!
Following Gotein on twitter!
Had it in a smoothie, loved it!
My first experience with protein powder was terrible! I thought it tasted like dust, but after a lot of testing and trying I’ve managed to find a few likeable ones! Gotein sounds great.
My first experience was a quick one, as I found it and ended up just mixing it up to see what it was like. It had a strange taste to it though, and I haven’t tried ever since.
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