A Wall of Protein Powders

on April 16, 2010

in All Posts

Megan joined me for a lunch date at Whole Foodsâ€¦ or as Gina would say, Whole Paycheck. 🙂

I tried to scope out the hot bar before I began loading up my plate. Otherwise, I end up with WAY too much food.

My final selections:

I started off with a side salad, and then I added brown rice and tofu.

Roasted veg:

And yucca fries (which were amazing and I really need to make these at home ASAP!):

After eating, we toured the store, and I tried really hard not to buy EVERYTHING. :) After all, I was really there for just one item: protein powder!

There are SO many options for protein powder. I was a little overwhelmed.

Thanks for all your recommendations on non-whey protein powders! I definitely pulled out my iPhone to look up each product you recommended. :) It helped the wall look less intimidating. Although I was intrigued by the egg white protein, Iâ€™m trying to cut back on animal products and decided to go with Jarrow Brown Rice Protein.

The nutritionals look great, and the price was right!

I am excited to mix this into a Green Monster! Yum.

Other fun Whole Foods purchases:

Coconut Milk ice cream
Nasoya Extra Firm Tofu
Israeli Cous Cous (from the bulk bins)
ProBar (a meal replacement bar that I plan to eat during Sundayâ€™s Metric Century)
Spinach!
Justinâ€™s Almond Butter (totally worth the $$$)

On the way home, I ate a vegan chocolate chip cookieâ€¦ I started off with half and then slowly worked my way through the entire cookie. 🙂

I have an exciting weekend planned! Iâ€™m doing an 8K on Saturday and a Metric Century on Sunday. Wahoo! Canâ€™t wait to write those race recaps.

Got any fun weekend plans?

{ 81 comments }

Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com April 16, 2010, 3:38 pm
Looks yummy! We don’t have a whole foods, but we have a fresh market and it’s hard not to go crazy in there! It’s the accountant’s holiday today and I’ve been at the beach all day…tomorrow we’re heading for the Farmer’s Market in the a.m. and then it’s National Record Store day (the husband is excited, me not so much)…and I’m hoping we see Date Night at some point this weekend!
Heather (Heather's Dish) April 16, 2010, 3:38 pm
i’m glad you found a good powder! we’re doing some baby portraits tomorrow (woohoo photography!!!) and HOPEFULLY snuggling while it rains outside 🙂 oh, and reading about BOTH of your races!
caronae April 16, 2010, 3:39 pm
I want yucca fries now! I have just ventured into the world of protein powders too; I have WF vanilla whey. It’s pretty good and doesn’t seem to give me digestion issues (too much yogurt does). The brown rice protein is def. on my list tot try though! Not too much going on this weekend for me — maybe a long run, farmer’s market, paper-writing, maybe a museum-visit?
Have fun!
Paige (Running Around Normal) April 16, 2010, 3:40 pm
Geez! That IS a whole wall of protein powders! I’m excited to hear what you think about it.
Those yucca fries look fabulous
Snowflakes and Sunshine April 16, 2010, 3:42 pm
I love, love, love Whole Foods. We only have about three in the whole country here, so every time I go to one it feels like a bit treat!

Can’t wait to read your race recaps 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 16, 2010, 3:42 pm
Yay!! You’ll love the brown rice powder!

I love her dress (shirt?)! So summery!

No plans as of yet…last weekend was a doozy, so this weekend, I’m all about laying low.
Diana April 16, 2010, 3:43 pm
I wish Whole Foods existed here in Portugal! 😐 I would probably wander inside for hours ahaha
No big plans this weekend, I usually just go with the flow! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 16, 2010, 3:44 pm
I like vegans+ pea protein. I also like hemp protein but find it expensive and has fewer grams of protein per serving.
Jessica @ How Sweet April 16, 2010, 3:45 pm
My fun weekend plans include a trip to WF myself! I can’t wait!
Doniree April 16, 2010, 3:46 pm
YUM! We have Whole Foods all over the place here in Boulder and I LOVE hitting up their salad bar for lunch. Also? Justin’s Nut Butter is a Boulder company 🙂
Rachel April 16, 2010, 3:47 pm
Whole Paycheck….got that right!

I just got a new puppy and everyone wants to meet him! I am bringing him to my dad’s 53rd birthday party on Saturday, and he has a puppy play-date with a neighbor of mine and her dog.

I am running a 5k (my second!) on Sunday morning and taking my friend “healthy grocery shopping” after she asked me for some tips on getting healthy. We will NOT be going to Whole Foods haha! That place eats my wallet everytime I go in there.

I am taking her to a place called Newflower which is an indoor farmer’s market in my town and sells lots of local/organic items without charging an arm and a leg! I try to frequent this place and keep it in business! Its hard to compete with the Mecca that is Whole Foods.

Also, I am checking out some new places to live that include a yard for my little guy. He’s part boxer and part lab so he may be itty bitty now, he is going to be HUGE later.

Hope you have a good weekend!
Britt @ Runnerbelle April 16, 2010, 3:49 pm
Best wishes on the races!!

I’m resting & fueling up this weekend for the Boston Marathon! I’m looking forward Sunday when I’ll get to check out the Expo and listen in on some of the Runner’s World seminars.
- Laura April 16, 2010, 6:34 pm
  Loads and loads and loads of luck!
lauren @ Eater not a runner April 16, 2010, 3:49 pm
I had a similar experience at Whole Foods today! I ended up just picking up some sample packets to try….I was too overwhelmed!
Lin April 16, 2010, 3:49 pm
oo the protein looks awesome. i’m also looking for a non-whey protein powder. i’m going to have to make a whole foods excursion.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 16, 2010, 3:50 pm
I so wish there was a whole foods near me. I’m trying to lower my food bill right now, so that may not be the best idea 😉
Cynthia (It All Changes) April 16, 2010, 3:56 pm
The wall of protein powders always intimidates me too. I was so happy you asked that question because now I have a lot of options to check out.
Jenny April 16, 2010, 3:56 pm
Whole Paycheck- i feel ya! You look super pretty in that pic!
- Caitlin April 16, 2010, 4:01 pm
  thank you 🙂
Christie April 16, 2010, 3:57 pm
Can’t wait to hear your review of the protein powder- i’ve never tried any kind but have been considering it as well.

~Christie
Evan Thomas April 16, 2010, 3:59 pm
Which coconut milk ice cream did you get?! I think I’ve seriously gone through 5-10 pints in the last two months. Not a good addiction…
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion April 16, 2010, 3:59 pm
Sweet! I am looking for a new powder. Mine was discontinued, I will have to check it out.
Emily @ The Front Burner Blog April 16, 2010, 4:00 pm
when you run out of the brown rice powder, you should consider giving hemp protein powder a try. we’ve been using it a lot recently in green smoothies, and it has great texture and nutritionals. looking forward to hearing what you think of the brown rice powder!

shopping the bulk walls is my absolute favorite way to shop!

good luck in your races this weekend 🙂
gina (fitnessista) April 16, 2010, 4:02 pm
heh heh glad you had fun at whole paycheck- the sand lake one is one of my faves. LOVE those yucca fries.. i tried to make them but they did not taste like those ones. i’m excited to see your recipe!
have a great day <3
Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 16, 2010, 4:10 pm
Wow the protein powder selection at your Whole Foods kicks my Whole Foods butt!!
Therese April 16, 2010, 4:11 pm
Good luck with the protein powder and kicks some butt on your races this weekend!

I actually don’t have much planned for this weekend and I’m looking forward to it! I’ve been back at university for seven months (including full time work) and I just had my final exam last week. I am now free, free, FREE of school for two and a half glorious weeks which means absolutely NO responsibilities this weekend! *insert big giant sigh here*
Catherine April 16, 2010, 4:12 pm
You definitely have a better protein powder selection at your whole foods then me… then again, I can’t remember the last time I bought mine there because I just realized the health food store near me carries Vega – woot!!

I have a small run and some rest planned for this weekend, because come Monday I’m going to tackle the BEAST that is the Boston Marathon!!!!
- Caitlin April 16, 2010, 4:13 pm
  GOOD LUCK!!
Maura @ Maura Me to Love April 16, 2010, 4:18 pm
Kick some ass this weekend Boyle! 🙂
Carly @ The Road To Health April 16, 2010, 4:24 pm
Ah I was just at Whole Foods today too! I love that place… Have a great weekend Caitlin 🙂
RhodeyGirl April 16, 2010, 4:25 pm
My whole foods in Philly (.75 miles away from home) has only 4 brands of protein powder! This store must have been huge.
- RhodeyGirl April 16, 2010, 4:26 pm
  And I’m such a brat. I definitely wrote “.75 miles away from home” to make you jealz hahahaha! Our Whole Foods is tiny, but it sure is close! 🙂
  
  Happy weekend and good luck!
Hedda April 16, 2010, 4:27 pm
Whole Foods seem like a fairytale store, haha! Looks like a place where you, without realizing it, have spent a whole day just looking around and indulging in exciting products.

My weekend will include : sun, playing with my dog, reading books and a lot of good food.
Enjoy your weekend all readers, and good luck with the races Caitlin 🙂
jen trinque April 16, 2010, 4:27 pm
I was on the fence about having baked tofu for dinner tonight, but the pic of yours from the hot bar at Whole Foods has pushed me over the edge.
carolyn~ April 16, 2010, 4:31 pm
Ok, not sure how much Justin’s is at Whole Foods, but here in San Francisco and some of the Bay Area Marshall’s, yea Marshall’s they have all the Justin’s Nut Butters right now. The Maple Almond Butter was $7.99 and the Chocolate Penuat Butter was $4.99 and the packets were .59 cents! Might be worth it to check your Marshall’s or TJ Maxx in the area.
Natalie April 16, 2010, 4:31 pm
Just thouught i let you in on a little secret. Lately i have seen alot of the Justin’s Almond Butter product (packets and jars) at TJMAXX. I would try and check out the food section TJMAXX to see if they carry some of Justins Almond Butter there. Its around 7.99 i think and its probably a whole lot cheeper then it is at Whole Foods. Im in New England so im not sure if they carry it down your way but its totally worth the try!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 16, 2010, 4:32 pm
I’ve been thinking about getting protein powder — good to know prices are so reasonable at WF.
Lauren @ One Day at a Time April 16, 2010, 4:33 pm
Haha whole paycheck is right…whole foods is so expensive. Everything you got looks good though! I love coconut milk ice cream. Good luck with the races this weekend!
Stephanie April 16, 2010, 4:33 pm
Coconut milk ice cream is seriously the best stuff ever.. I lived off it after tonsils got taken out in Feb and still think it’s fabulous!
Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) April 16, 2010, 4:36 pm
I’m really excited about my weekend! There is a big Earth Day celebration here in Omaha on Saturday, my first long distance group run on Sunday morning, and then an Ani DiFranco concert Sunday night(she is my most favorite singer/songwriter of all time!)!

Is using protein powder new for you? Why did you decide to start using it? (just curious)
- Caitlin April 16, 2010, 4:39 pm
  i’m trying to reduce my dairy intake, which is where i get a lot of my protein. sometimes i use whey protein in smoothies .
Star April 16, 2010, 4:37 pm
My husband is from El Salvador and they use yucca a lot. I’ve found a healthier alternative to frying is to boil it and once it cools it tends to get a little hard -not crunchy though- and it’s great with ketchup (make sure you boil it and don’t eat it raw-it’s bad for you to eat it raw). I usally throw yucca in soups instead of potatoes.
Sirenjess April 16, 2010, 4:40 pm
Good luck! Right Now I’m at the airport on my way to Boston to run on Monday! I can’t wait.
Julie @ Pickley Pear April 16, 2010, 4:43 pm
I love WF and spend WAY too much time there. And money too. Good luck this weekend, looking forward to the recaps!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 16, 2010, 4:44 pm
Definitely let us know how that protein powder tastes!
Ashlee April 16, 2010, 4:47 pm
I really like the calorie stats on that protein powder!! I’m going to have to get some a.s.a.p.!! 🙂
Lisa April 16, 2010, 4:56 pm
GOOD LUCK this weekend!
Mary April 16, 2010, 5:04 pm
I agree. Whole paycheck, I do love Whole foods though! ESPECIALLY their bulk section!

GOOD LUCK this weekend!! I cant wait to read your recaps and I know you’re going to kill either race! you’re a rockstar!
Amanda (The Shoe Perspective) April 16, 2010, 5:38 pm
I just found out we have a “Whole Paycheck” in my area! My weekend plans consits to studying for a math test, a religion 8 chapter exam, and getting confirmed.TOMORROW! I’m so nervous!! So many protien powders!! I love the vegan cookie (never had one but it looks yummy) and your meal made me REALLY hungry!

I ran a half mile at my school today.. I was in the middle! I felt so happy! (I’m usually in back) I thought “Today, I’m going to run like Caitlin” and it worked. Apparently it helps if you push off from your legs..

Sorry for the loongish comment..
katie April 16, 2010, 5:43 pm
I’m so glad you asked about dairy-free protein powders cause I need a new one too. I’m off to read people’s responses. My little town probably won’t carry anything mentioned though. Sad story…

Good luck this weekend!
Cindy April 16, 2010, 5:44 pm
I am very interested in hearing how you found the new powder. I need protein powder ASAP and I would change from whey to a different kind given the price/size of that container compared to what I usually get!
Alexandra April 16, 2010, 5:54 pm
Yay for bulk bins! They have the coolest items sometimes. I went to Whole Foods in La Jolla (here in San Diego) and they had black quinoa! I’ve had red before but when I saw black I had to try it. Even though it tastes like regular quinoa it makes cooking fun to try new things. Israeli couscous is awesome btw. I love the chewy texture! Looks like you had a fun trip. I could spend all day in that store.
- Caitlin April 16, 2010, 5:58 pm
  black quinoa sounds mysterious!
Tiffany April 16, 2010, 5:58 pm
I’ve just found your blog, and I love it! I love Operation Beautiful, and I love your overall attitude and spirit. What a treat to be able to follow along – thank you!
- Caitlin April 16, 2010, 5:58 pm
  thank you so much!
kate April 16, 2010, 6:28 pm
Holy Protein selection!
Monica April 16, 2010, 6:43 pm
I wish we had a Whole Foods here or even a Trader Joe’s! And I also have to say that I LOVE coconut milk ice cream, there’s a Cherry Ammareto by Coconut Bliss that is heavenly! 🙂
Jocelyn April 16, 2010, 6:49 pm
Try living 3 blocks from a WHOLe FOODS!! It’s a dream but if you have money…sometimes I go in there just to browse. Yes I’m THAT cool haha
Julia April 16, 2010, 6:58 pm
I LOVE the bulk section at Whole Foods!
I can’t wait to see what flavor of ProBar you got – I’m a big fan of the Nutty Banana Boom and Koka Moka flavors!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 16, 2010, 7:01 pm
Wow…I would literally give my right arm to have a Wholefoods near me! The nearest one is 2hrs away in London!! Alas…
Nicole, RD April 16, 2010, 7:01 pm
Brown rice protein powder…I’ve been hearing about this, and I want to try it!
Jenn (www.j3nn.net) April 16, 2010, 7:11 pm
I LOVE Whole Foods, but our closest one is 75 miles away. 🙁 Worth the trip, though. hehe My favorite vegan complete protein powder is Lifetime Life’s basic vanilla plant protein powder. It tastes great!

My weekend plans include shopping. Maybe at Whole Foods? hahaha 🙂

Jenn
Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 16, 2010, 7:44 pm
I always put protein powder in my smoothies, yum yum! glad you found some.
Amanda (modernation) April 16, 2010, 8:34 pm
I have never been able to find a protein powder that didn’t make me want to gag – even when it is mixed in with stuff. Interested to hear your thoughts on this one. I would love to find one I liked.
Katherine April 16, 2010, 8:38 pm
I wish protein sales were nation-wide. 13$ is a steal!
I want to try yucca fries, too! My WFM doesn’t make them.
what a treat!
Katherine
eatingRD April 16, 2010, 8:44 pm
I can’t go into WholeFoods that often because I peruse the isles just looking for things to try lol I’m on the hunt to find a protein powder that doesn’t taste like poop, so it will be interesting to see how it turns out. I’ve tried Sun Warrior brown rice, but it was pretty chalky on its own. Good luck on all your races, yay!!
Ellen Collis April 16, 2010, 9:01 pm
Whole Foods just overwhelms me in general, but usually in a good way! Nothing exciting going on this weekend, and I’m pretty pumped about it. I’m going to a “Sip and See” on Saturday night. Umm yeah, I’m at the age where my friends are popping out babies. I’m not sure if anyone would want me around their babe after I’ve had a few cocktails, but it sounds like a good idea!

http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 16, 2010, 9:01 pm
Very curious to hear how the protein powder tastes, i’ve been looking for some myself!
WF has the BEST vegan cookies!
Lisa April 16, 2010, 9:54 pm
Let us know how the brown rice protein is! I had it before and it could have been the particular brand but I wasn’t a fan.
Shelley April 16, 2010, 10:39 pm
Wow I wish we had a store like Whole foods here!

Just wanted to leave a comment as I discovered your blog last night & spent ages reading all of your race recaps – once I read one I had to keep going! – and wanted to say you are very inspirational!

I am just starting out running myself, and have just finished week 5 of the c25k program. After reading your recaps, and finding myself struggling this morning, I used your mantra of pain is temporary, quitting is forever, and found that it really helped me to push through to the end!

So thank you and I’ve put you on my must read blog list now!
Shelley
- Caitlin April 17, 2010, 6:19 am
  thank you so much shelly! what a sweet comment.
Amber K @ sparkpeople April 17, 2010, 12:06 am
During the weekends I work and volunteer, so there’s always something going on! But tomorrow afternoon I get to hang out with my best friend to watch Glee on my DVR. Can’t wait!
peony April 17, 2010, 2:04 am
ive never really looked into powders before, probibly wouldnt need it! yess off to brighton tomorrow 🙂 best place ever gotta lovee the uk! xx
- Caitlin April 17, 2010, 6:18 am
  i love brighton!!!!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) April 17, 2010, 9:05 am
I love going to Whole Foods. I can not go for just one thing!! I am still on the fence with BR protein powder… it is a bit grainy for me. Can’t wait to hear your review!

xo
K
Susan April 17, 2010, 1:20 pm
Awww, Megan looks so cute in that photo!

Stellar looking protein powder. I’m thinking of moving away from the whey, and think brown rice would probably be the way I go too…

Fun weekend plans = reading your race recap!! 😛 Actually, I just did my first kickboxing class and it was a blast!
Annie April 17, 2010, 1:24 pm
Forever 21 has a new shirt that says “You look beautiful today!” 😀 I bought it and it made me think of Operation Beautiful! It brightened everyone’s day when I wore it.
- caitlin April 17, 2010, 4:07 pm
  what a cute shirt!
Susan @ Journey for Health April 18, 2010, 9:01 pm
Caitlin – I have a question for you since you decided to use a non-whey protein powder. What is the difference between whey and non-whey protein powders? Does whey do something different? Basically, why did you decide non-whey? I am so confused about the different protein powders….
- Susan @ Journey for Health April 18, 2010, 9:13 pm
  Okay. I just read (in a more recent post that I had actually missed somehow) that you’re cutting it out because of the animal protein. Okay 🙂 Nevermind, then. 🙂
  - Caitlin April 19, 2010, 10:19 am
    hehe yes thats it.

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