In the nutrition and health world, there will always be new products that come out on the market. I always do my best to give everything a "fair chance" and below I've described the process I go through when choosing supplements to use personally and to share with you.
Isabel's 5 step supplement approval process:
- Know the ingredients. Does it contain any of the following?:
- • Artificial sweeteners
- • Vegetable oil
- • Processed sugar
- • Agave syrup
- • Processed grains
- • Soy
- The owner/creator of the product MUST be willing to get on the phone with me to have a thorough discussion about the product. I always ask where the ingredients are sourced, what the manufacturing process is like, and who exactly is involved in the production of the product. If the owner is not willing to discuss these critical components with me, I do not try it nor would I recommend it.
- Once I feel comfortable with what I have read and discussed with the creator, I use the product myself for a minimum of 30 days before sharing it with my readers and clients. During the "test" process I evaluate how the product makes me feel immediately after using it (gas, bloating, energy) and what its long term effects are (decreased body fat, weight loss, weight gain, etc.).
- If I am happy with the product and find myself using it regularly, I contact the owners again and ask for a discounted rate for my readers.
- I share all great stuff with you so you can decide whether or not it is a product that fits into your lifestyle and your healthy eating plan.

If the answer is YES, I immediately say "NO, thank you." 9 times out of 10 (yes, that many times) health food products I am sent contain one of these and I quickly tell the company owners that it is not something I would ever ingest personally.
Frequently asked questions about Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder:
Here are a few answers to questions I've received about my #1 recommended protein powder:
What are the ingredients in Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder, Vanilla?
There are minimal, natural ingredients:
- •Pea protein isolate
- •Rice protein isolate
- •Natural vanilla flavor
- •Gum blend (for consistency)
- •Salt
- •Natural flavor
- •Stevia
In addition, Spring of Life's chocolate protein powder contains red russet cocoa and natural chocolate (both Isabel approved!). It's also GMO-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder contains "natural vanilla flavor"... what exactly does that mean?
The natural vanilla flavor is sourced from real vanilla bean - and that's it! It contains absolutely no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial colors.
How do I measure one serving of Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder?
One serving is one scoop of protein powder, and the scoop is included with the product. Take one scoop with 8-10oz water or mix with any smoothie, oatmeal, pudding, or ice cream recipe, and more!
How many grams of protein are in one scoop?
There are 21 grams of protein in both the chocolate and vanilla flavors of Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder options.
Is it vegan? I'm sensitive to dairy (or choose not to eat it)
Yes, this particular brand of protein powder is vegan. Its protein sources include rice protein and pea protein only.
Do I have to use protein powder to lose weight?
OF COURSE NOT!
Whole foods will always be my #1 recommendation and you can get all of the nutrients you need by using the foods I recommend to you in Beyond Diet. Having a protein powder that you like on hand may give you a few more quick and easy meal options when time is an issue, but it is not necessary by any means.
Here are a few ways I like to use to Spring of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder
- •Add 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder in my morning oatmeal.
- •Mix 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder with 8oz water and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for an easy snack.
- •If you are someone who enjoys smoothies, 1 scoop is a great addition to any healthy smoothie recipe.
- • Freeze a blend of some of your favorite fruits and 1 scoop of protein powder to have protein-packed popsicles (and they are great for kids too!).

Hopefully now you have a better idea of what to look for when choosing protein powder and how EASY it can be to include in delicious snacks and meals!
Comments
Tina - I don't know the exact product you're referring to, but I took a look at some of their products and it looks like it contains fructose, maltodextrin, and a ton of other ingredients. If you want to finish it that's fine, but I would try a different protein powder once you're done.