Be Well Living / 
Get to Know my ChoCho Bean Protein Powder!

While you may have caught glimpses on my social media or website, I couldn’t be more pumped to have introduced the cleanest vegan protein powder to the market. Meet my Plant-Based Protein Powder!

I don’t play favorites when it comes to my protein powders, but this one is special for some really unique and unexpected reasons, and we’re going to dive into all of it below. You can also find why I made it, how to use it, and everything else you need to know about my plant-based protein here.

Why a plant-based protein?

Let’s address the most obvious question first. I’m not vegan. In fact, I’m a regenerative and responsibly-raised animal protein enthusiast, so why did I come out with a plant-based protein?!

This is such a great question, and it opens the door for me to share my heart behind why I was so committed to seeing this product through to its creation.

1. To fulfill an unmet need. Health doesn’t fit in a box, and diets don’t have to either. As a celebrity nutritionist, I work with clients of all different types of eating styles. And guess what? Some of them are plant-based. Regardless of your eating style, protein is paramount. And what I found for my plant-based friends is there were few really great options for them to get enough protein. Most plant-based protein powders use GMO-soy as the protein source, which happens to be an endocrine disruptor. But even for the plant-based proteins that don’t contain soy, I find most contain a ton of ingredients. Many of which include fillers, gums, added sugars and other digestion disruptors. Additionally, many plant based protein powders are high in heavy metals (because plants are fantastic at sequestering heavy metals from the soil and storing them). What was missing on the shelves for my clients was a clean, minimally processed, maximally beneficial and simple plant-based protein powder. Many of my health-minded, plant-based friends try to get their protein from whole food sources (like legumes, nuts and seeds). I love this approach! But the problem is most of these sources are 1) not complete proteins, 2) also high in blood-sugar spiking carbohydrates (as is the case for most legumes) and 3) contain anti-nutrients, making the protein less bio-available and more difficult to digest. When I couldn’t find a protein good enough for my clients, I made it my mission to create one.
2. Unique qualities of this plant-based protein powder make it especially useful for specific purposes. Make no mistake, this protein isn’t only for plant-based eaters! You might be surprised to know as a meat-eater, I find myself reaching for my plant-based protein often! It’s incredibly robust and rich. I love to use it for making thicker smoothies and shakes, especially when making smoothie bowl creations. I also prefer it for baking. I’ve found it actually performs superior to animal-based protein in baked goods. It’s also great at thickening up soups, stews, dips and dressings!

What’s in the plant-based protein?

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a fan of minimally processed, super clean and simple protein powders. When throwing together a smoothie, I’m a big believer that protein powder should be used for basically just that – protein! I like adding whole food ingredients for my other macros and super-foods.

My plant-based protein has anywhere from 1 to 3 ingredients, depending on the flavor. The protein is sourced from the chocho bean. It’s a type of lupin bean from the Andean mountains in South America. It’s an excellent protein source, given its complete amino acid profile.

Meet the ingredients in the highest quality plant-based protein powder around:

• Unflavored: Only 1 ingredient - Chocho bean protein
• Vanilla: Only 3 ingredients - Chocho bean protein, organic vanilla powder, organic monk fruit extract
• Chocolate: Only 3 ingredients - Chocho bean protein, organic cacao powder, organic monk fruit extract

Literally, that’s it. And that’s why your body will love it. No added ingredients to disrupt digestion or spike blood sugar.

All about the Quality

Can I be honest? This is what makes me the most proud. I was absolutely uncompromising in my quality standards when it came to creating a plant-based protein. Honestly, that’s a huge reason why it took me so long to get it to the market. I wouldn’t settle. And now I couldn't be more excited to flaunt its impressive stat line:

• Made from 100% natural, regenerative ground chocho bean from South America
• A complete protein packed with all 9 essential amino acids
• Keto, Paleo, Vegan
• Allergen Friendly: gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, dairy-free, lectin/phytate/oxalate-free
• Per serving: 20-21g protein / 8-9 g of carbs / 8-9 g of fiber (which makes this a fiber-rich protein powder with low net carbs → only 0-1 g per serving!)
• Higher protein content and more essential amino acids than other lupin varieties (i.e. white lupin, sweet lupin, blue lupin, yellow lupin)
• Non-chemical, non-enzyme protein extraction process
• Processed using a water-based microfiltration method where the bean is crushed, soaked and dried, increasing both bioavailability of the protein as well as ease of digestion
• Tested after production for allergens, heavy metals and microbials
• No sugar, maltodextrin or dextrose added
• No added hormones or antibiotics
• No added preservatives, artificial flavors, dyes or emulsifiers
• Two year expiration date

Because the chocho bean grows solely with rain water through a process called nitrogen-fixation, it makes the soil richer and healthier for future plants. This regeneration process is good for both our bodies and the planet. My plant-based protein is the highest-quality from source to spoon. I’m as proud of the process as I am of the product, and I stand behind it 1000%.

First-Time Users: What to Expect

For those who’ve never used a plant-based protein powder, it can feel a little intimidating. But also for those who are plant-based protein devotees, I want to give you an idea of what to expect in my protein powder. Because there’s nothing like it on the market – it’s rich, filling and probably my most versatile protein in terms of the ways I like to use it!

• Available flavors: unflavored, chocolate, vanilla
• Taste: The unflavored is very mild, making it extremely versatile. The chocolate and vanilla are moderately sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. For those who are super sensitive to sweetness, you can always cut the shake with the unflavored protein.
• Texture: This protein creates a very thick shake. As I stated earlier, it’s fiber-rich (yay for microbiome health!), which gives it a little more bulk. I also opted for a fine-grind powder, creating a very smooth shake with no grittiness.
• How it performs in baking: I actually prefer this protein as my top choice when using a protein powder in baked goodies. I find it creates a lighter crumb that is less dense and holds together really well.

How to Make the Most out of your Plant-Based Protein Powder

I want you to think about this protein powder as a versatile tool you can use for blood sugar balance. You can seamlessly manipulate drinks and dishes to make them more stabilizing and ultimately more satiating. I absolutely love working my plant-based protein powder into foods well beyond the smoothie scope. And I have the satisfaction of knowing I’m improving the nutritional profile of whatever I’m making at the same time!

I hope you grab a bag and choose a few of the following to try!

1. Smoothies, of course!

   Vegan or not, try my plant-based protein in your smoothie using my tried-and-true Fab 4 formula. The combination of protein, fat, fiber and greens will keep you feeling full, calm and balanced for 4-6 hours. My plant based protein creates a rich, thick shake with 8–9 grams of fiber, perfect for smoothie bowls and eating with a spoon!

   I created the Fab 4 formula as seen below. And it’s the fundamental method I’ve used for losing post-baby weight, working with actors to get red carpet ready, or just walking alongside private practice clients who need improvement in their metabolic health. You can insert whatever ingredient you want into each category alongside my plant-based protein and absolutely make it your own:

   Fab 4 Smoothie Formula: 20-30 g plant-based protein + 1-2 tbsp fat + 1-2 tbsp fiber + handful of greens

   Optional Add-Ins:
   - Fruit (¼ - ½  cup)
   - Superfood (1 tsp - 1 tbsp)

   But if creating your own smoothie recipe feels a little new and overwhelming, no worries! I have a ton of recipes on my website for any kind of smoothie you could possibly crave. Just use my plant-based protein powder wherever the recipe calls for protein.

2. My preferred protein of choice for baking. The unflavored protein is excellent in any sweet or savory bake. Alternatively, use the chocolate and vanilla flavors to add a hint of sweetness to baked goods without blowing blood sugar through the roof.

   Adding my protein powder to any baked good will greatly improve the glucose response to whatever you’re baking because the protein and fiber in the protein powder will blunt the blood sugar spike so often seen when consuming baked goods.

   Here are some recipes that already call for my protein powder to get you started:
   - Plant-based protein pancakes
   - Guilt-free protein pancakes
   - Protein packed pumpkin spice muffins
   - Heather’s famous grain free walnut protein banana bread

   You can also add the protein to baked goods that don’t call for protein powder in order to improve the nutritional profile. Simply reduce by ⅛ to ¼ cup of whatever flour is being called for in the recipe and add one scoop of my protein in the same step as when you add the flour. Choose your own adventure between unflavored, chocolate or vanilla depending on the dish!

   Real life example: Once you do it once or twice, you’ll see how easy it is to add my protein to nearly any baked good. Let’s do it with Danielle Walker’s Corn-free Cornbread. The recipe calls for 2 ¼ cups of blanched almond flour among other ingredients. I would only use 2 cups of the almond flour and add 1 scoop of my unflavored plant-based protein. Otherwise, follow the recipe exactly! It’s such an easy way to enjoy your muffins, cookies, or more…but be mindful about balancing blood sugar at the same time. Total win-win.

3. Dredging or creating a faux-fried crust. Bonus points, because this doubles the protein content in the dish! My unflavored protein powder is fantastic to dredge chicken or other meats before pan frying them. Use it as you would any flour for dredging.

   You can also use it in a DIY breading mixture to create a faux-fried crust for chicken tenders, veggies or more. Some of my favorite “faux-fried” recipes include: quick homemade chicken nuggets, chia-flax chicken fingers, fun-onion rings, "fried" chicken BLT and salmon cakes.

   Real life example: To create double-the-protein quick homemade chicken nuggets using the given recipe, I would either add 1 scoop of unflavored protein to the breading as the recipe is written, or alternatively you could reduce by ⅛ to ¼ cup the amount of breading then add 1 scoop of unflavored protein. Pro tip, I love using either crushed Siete chips or crushed Simple Mills crackers alongside my unflavored protein powder for a homemade “Panko” that’s much healthier than anything store-bought.

4. Double-the-protein meatballs, in place of breadcrumbs. Similarly to dredging chicken in unflavored protein powder, you can double the protein in your meatballs by adding unflavored protein powder in place of breadcrumbs. My go-to recipes for meatballs are saucy paleo meatballs and no fail flax meatballs.

   Real life example: To make my no fail flax meatballs using this method, reduce the ground flax by half (bringing it to 1-2 tbsp of ground flax) and add one scoop of the unflavored protein powder. Similarly, for other recipes, you can either reduce or completely replace the breadcrumbs with my unflavored protein powder. I would use 1 scoop of unflavored protein powder per pound of meat.

5. Blunt the blood sugar spike of baked meals and treats. No white-knuckling a “no” every time a craving for a treat or carb-heavier meal hits. Instead, recreate your favorites in a way that offers a superior nutritional profile using the power of the plant-based protein powder.

   Are you a morning oatmeal person? Try my warm chai triple seed protein pudding instead. Rather than grabbing the processed cookies you know will leave you crashing and craving 90 minutes later, go for these protein balls or keto cookie dough. And this freezer fudge is the perfect pre-bed time sweet that satisfies sans spike.

   Real life example: Coconut yogurt can be a fantastic alternative to dairy yogurt, but what many people don’t realize is that while dairy yogurt is high in protein, coconut yogurt is not. I like to add one scoop of vanilla protein powder to my plain coconut yogurt and whisk it smooth in order to add a touch of sweetness and ensure at least 20g of protein in my morning yogurt bowl.  

6. Thicken soups and stews while upping the protein. My unflavored plant-based protein is the perfect addition to soups and stews. The fiber content of the protein powder results in a richer, thicker soup/stew. Oftentimes, flour is called for in order to thicken the broth in thinner soups/stew. But if you add my unflavored protein powder instead, you get the double benefit of thickening the soup/stew while also upping its protein content!

   I often use this trick to thicken bone broth soups that are thinner in nature (such as my Tuscan kale and white bean soup). Or I’ll add a scoop of unflavored protein powder into carb-heavy soups (like creamy butternut soup or pumpkin soup) and hit it quickly with the immersion blender to keep the silky texture.

   Real life example: Create a slurry by whisking together a few tablespoons of bone broth and one scoop of unflavored plant-based protein powder. Add this slurry to the soup or stew of your choosing in order to increase protein and/or thicken the broth.

7. Add to dips and dressings to improve the nutritional profile. One of the more surprising discoveries of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for my clients is seeing how the average store-bought or restaurant-made dressing or dip can cause such a spike in blood sugar. Not only are these often laden with inflammatory and highly processed vegetable and seed oils, they’re typically loaded with added sugars, too.

   If you’re a dressing or dip enthusiast (like me!), let me show you a better way. You can make your own in under 5 minutes and sneak a scoop of unflavored protein powder into it at the same time! This up levels the nutrition with the added protein and the flavor by utilizing fresh ingredients. That’s how you turn a health liability into an asset for your wellness.

   Some of my dressing and dip recipes already call for a scoop of protein powder, like my chocolate protein dip. Others that don’t, you can just add it in addition to the recipe’s ingredients!

   Real life example: It’s as simple as deciding if you want to add unflavored, chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the dip or dressing. Blend the protein into the dressing or dip with a whisk or immersion blender. And if you’re concerned about changing texture/thickness, etc., then start with just half a scoop of protein powder. Recently, I made my garlic sauce dip using this method – just added half a scoop of unflavored plant-based protein to the food processor and otherwise followed the recipe exactly. I ate the dip with vegetables crudité, knowing I was getting a more satiating and stabilizing snack due to the added protein.

8. Coffee and other drinks to combat morning cortisol and start the day with balanced blood sugar. In the morning, most of us experience a very natural and normal spike in cortisol. This isn’t a problem when managed well with diet and movement. However, it can be problematic when blood sugar balance is not prioritized.

   Let’s take a look… Cortisol naturally rises in the morning. Cortisol is a hormone that communicates to the muscles to dump sugar into the bloodstream. Blood sugar rises. At this point in the morning, you may opt for a caffeinated beverage. Caffeine, especially on an empty stomach, exacerbates the blood sugar spike. Add in a carb-dominant breakfast bar or pastry, and you’ve set your day up to be a blood sugar roller coaster of spikes and crashes.

   The good news is you don’t have to give up your morning cup of caffeine in order to better manage blood sugar! Instead, blunt the natural morning cortisol and caffeine-induced blood sugar spike by adding one scoop of protein powder to your coffee. This added protein and fiber will slow down the blood sugar spike and leave you balanced and calm instead of shaky and craving.

   But it’s not just coffee! Add my protein powder into any of your drinks to improve blood sugar balance and up your protein intake. Try my iced vanilla chai, collagen golden turmeric latte, or protein vanilla latte.

   Real life example: Want your plain coffee without the over-caffeinated symptoms that can come with it (blood sugar spike, cravings, shakiness, fatigue, headache)?! Easy…blend one scoop of my unflavored plant-based protein into your morning cup along with whatever else you would normally include. For a touch of sweetness and flavor, use the chocolate or vanilla flavored plant-based protein powders.

One of the most powerful tools in your blood-sugar balancing toolbox is having the ability to manipulate the macronutrient content of your food. Regardless of how you eat, my plant-based protein powder puts that power in your hands.

In a day and age when obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other degenerative diseases are on the rise, what you choose to put on your plate (or in your cup!) is a huge factor in determining your health-span, joy-span and life-span. I want you to feel your best and look your best – from the inside out – by utilizing simple but impactful mechanisms to hack your way to better health. My plant-based protein makes hacking your way to blood sugar balance easily accessible to everyone!

See additional resources below and tag me on Instagram as you find different ways to put this power tool to use!