Zena protein powder shake and concerns about other brands - wanting low cal and stevia?
Hey, I bought the Zena brand shake from Walmart because it was the lowest calorie option, low sugar (1g, uses stevia), and had a variety of protein. I mostly use the shake when I want something sweet and low cal because I know it'll keep me full.
However.. my Walmart isn't carrying it and I found EAS lite (about the same calories) on sale and bought it via amazon. I just realized tonight - I haven't used it yet - it has fructose in it. I'm VERY concerned this is going to trigger major sugar cravings. I've been mostly sugar free (other than trace amounts) after doing whole9 to get jump started into it.
I'm on a 30 day streak of CICO. I have a very demanding job that at times means running out of the house at 2am with just 15 minutes notice.. so being able to drink a protein drink on the run helps me avoid wanting to eat in the car. And usually when I get to where I'm going (often an hour drive), I feel satisfied with the shake and another 24oz (tervis tumbler) of water.
Is there another shake I should consider that's 130 cals (with unsweetened almond or cashew milk) or less? On Wed/Thurs I tend to have it for breakfast (again, 45min-1.5hr drive) and then I'm fine til I have lunch around noon or later.
I should mention that on normal days I get up at 6am. btw, I didn't buy the Zena due to all of the bells and whistles and miracle properties it claims to have - I bought it because it was 1) available and 2) lower cal/sugar than any of the others.
Posted Mar 23, 2016, 1:08 AM UTC
I found your aversion to any fructose a bit alarming, so I checked your post history. In your most recent post as of this reply you mention you eat apples and oranges to prevent sugar cravings. You are aware that fruit contains fructose, right? You're already eating fructose, having a bit in your shake probably wont' make a meaningful difference.
That said, when choosing a protein supplement I really enjoyed reading all the product reports on labdoor. You may find them useful to choose a replacement powder if you decide you don't like what you've found.
Thanks for the product reports. That's a great resource!
It was really hard for me to kick sugar so I'm leery of anything that may get me back into my brain craving it. (Really hard as in crying because the cravings were so freaking hard and I'm usually a pretty strong person!!!) If its in fruit/veg/whole things (like milk) it doesn't bug me. I'm guessing its because it's a whole food and everything else balances it. I'd rather nix protein drinks altogether than ever deal with those insane cravings again!