Morning shake isssues ...

[Odysseus]

Only thing I'm wondering, if it's not advisable to use flavored rice protein because I have no idea how exactly the flavoring is done, chemicaly-wise speaking.

I find this depends on the brand. I've seen some protein powders that are sweetened with aspartame, which is a definite no-no, but some use stevia or xylitol. Take a look at the ingredients and see what they're putting in there to flavour it. Watch for terms like "natural flavour" or "flavour" - these are code words that basically allow the manufacturers to put in chemical ingredients like MSG without having to declare them.

I had a closer look at the package descriptions and I found being used cocoa powder for chocolate flavor , beetroot "colorant" for strawberry flavor (whatever that means ) plus sucralose/splenda as sweetener.

I hear about this sucralose/splenda sweetener the first time (I'm aware of aspartame e.g. and avoid it). I made a quick search and found quite a few health complaints about it:
http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/
http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/splenda-adverse.txt
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2000/12/03/sucralose-testimonials.aspx

Strange enough, I recognized my self the last couple of days an uneasy/bloated-like feeling, especially with the kidneys. I didn't pay to much attention and attributed it to my starting smoking one week ago and it's just a temporary "getting used to smoking" phase. I'll cut off the flavored rice protein and continue smoking (I only smoke 2-3 cigarillos per day) and see what the results are.

Thanks for the hint about the hemp protein powder, Endymion. Will try to get hold of some.

 

[Laura]

Even in so-called "health foods" avoid flavored and "sexed up" versions. That sucralose/splenda/aspartame poison is turning up everywhere - even in prescription medications!

 

[nicklebleu]

Thanks all for all your suggestions.

I have decided to ease back on my shakes, and have started to eat buckwheat in the morning again (soaked in water overnight), with berries or other fruit.

I still like the idea of shakes, which I will make myself on days that I am working, because they take less time to do and to eat. I might try the chlorella instead of the spirulina, once my big spirulina container is empty (which might take a while).

I haven't added any protein powder to the shake at this stage, as I generally use almonds to provide the proteins. Haven't been able to source brown rice protein powder from where I live, haven't seen hemp protein either, the only thing that seems to be available around here is whey protein - a derivative of dairy products (which I have been abstaining from for quite a while) or soy protein (which I am not keen on taking either).

Anyway, I will continue experimenting with different formulas.
I guess variety is the key here as well, as any rigidly monolithic recipe is bound to become a bit boring over time ...