After one to many mornings waking up with severe DOMS I figured it was time to invest in some protein powder to help in my recovery after long runs and bootcamps.  I always stretch and usually work a bit on my foam roller after hard sessions, but due to the poor plumbing in our flat (and my straight up fear) I can’t take ice baths. Darn it.

Protein scares me. Who hasn’t walked by a nutrition store and seen the posters of Mr. Big Muscle touting the latest and greatest whey powder. I never really understood why the French language applied masculine and feminine attributes to words until I saw those tubs of protein power. Le protein powder for sure.

Most of us can get enough post-workout protein from a glass of chocolate milk, eggs, or the standard chicken, beef or fish meal. Adding protein powder to your diet usually isn’t necessary at all, but sometimes people find it easier to drink a shake or smoothie rather than eat post workout. That’s where having some protein powder on hand can come in handy.

I did some we research (aka asked my very smart twitter friends) and saw some good reviews and deals for Maxitone. Yes, their products are all pink and their marketing focuses heavily on diet and slimming (not what I was looking for) but when I enquired about my needs and what products would work, their customer service was very knowledgeable and helpfully suggested the Definity Protein Plus Toning System.  Off to Holland & Barrett I went and grabbed a tub… along with a few packs of their amazing chocolate/yogurt covered banana chips. YUM I can never walk by these, they’re SO GOOD.

I’ve been using the Protein Plus for 2 months now after long runs or bootcamps, and in the occasional morning smoothies. I haven’t brought myself to buy one of those protein shaker cups yet, so I just mix mine up in the blender or with really vigorous whisk (which is really not the best option, I do not recommend it!).  So far I feel it’s a great addition to my normally protein-lacking meals (fact: I love carbs) and I can definitely say I’ll buy another tub when this one runs out. My legs  feel much stronger, and skinny jeans much tighter, now that I’ve upped my protein intake – which is a good thing and has helped me stay strong on the longer runs.  

I know there is tons of advice out there on specific grams and percentages of what you should be eating and when to optimize your performance, but as far as sports nutrition for an average girl who likes to run more the average girl goes I think this is an easy add to an otherwise normal diet that yields pretty good results.  

My post-running treat smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop of whatever yogurt you have (today Vanilla!)
• a splash of OJ
• 2 heaping teaspoons of ground flax seed
• 1 chia shot package (about a teaspoon)
• 1 scoop of peanut butter
• 1 scoop of Maxitone Definity (I have the discontinued chocolate but will try the chocolate toffee next for sure!)

Maxitone did not offer me anything to write this post nor did I receive anything free in return for writing it. I just wanted to put it out there that there is a protein powder out there that will work and not turn you into the incredible hulk.