Bob’s Red Mill

ViSalus Protein Pudding

Congratulations to my DOLE Bananas Peel The Love giveaway winner, Tammy!
Make sure to check your email!

Motivation Monday: “Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring!”

As you guys know, I’ve been traveling a ton lately. Along with traveling comes little time to cook my own meals and unhealthy airport options, so I was excited when ViSalus contacted me and asked if I would like to try their Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix. I’m always searching for the perfect, quick, no hassle  protein shake that actually fills me up for days where I’m short on time. I’m not a huge fan of protein shakes because they never fill me up and I end up snacking times 100 about a half an hour later, but ViSalus actually kept me full until my next meal!

Since I’ve been on the go a lot recently, I’ve been replacing my usual breakfast (or sometimes lunch) with one Vi-shape shake. I throw it in my blender bottle with one cup of almond milk and hop in my car to go to my meetings. I was really surprised by the flavor. While most protein shakes taste chalky, ViSalus‘ Sweet Cream flavor tasted like cake batter! Very pleasantly surprised!

When I took a road trip a few weeks ago to Chicago with my friend (she got a new job and needed a driving buddy!) I took my ViSalus Vi-Shape Mix and a blender bottle. It was easy for me to get some fresh nonfat milk and shake it up each morning! I NEVER skip breakfast, so the Vi-Shape shakes have really helped me when I have little time in the morning. I even created a recipe for Protein Pudding that I can make overnight and have in the fridge to snack on when I get a sweet tooth!

About ViSalus Vi-Shape Mix:

  • Only 90 calories per serving
  • 20g protein per serving
  • 25 Vitamins & Minerals
  • Lactose free
  • Gluten free
  • Certified kosher
  • Non GMO soy
  • Proprietary Tri-SorbTM protein blend helps build lean muscle to help your body burn fat
  • Full serving of fiber (5g)
  • Low fat (1g)
  • Low sodium (75mg)
  • Low sugar (less than 1g)
  • Low carb (7g)
  • Heart-healthy
  • Includes calcium for bone health
  • Good for those watching their sugar intake

ViSalus Protein Pudding
ViSalus Protein PuddingViSalus shake and chia seeds before refrigerating for 3 hours.

ViSalus Protein Pudding
ViSalus Protein PuddingChia seeds in the ViSalus shake after refrigerating for 3 hours.

ViSalus Protein Pudding
ViSalus Protein Pudding
ViSalus Protein Pudding
Serves 2

2 scoops ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Mix
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 Tbsp chia seeds

Combine ViSalus mix and almond milk and blend until smooth. Transfer to a jar and stir in chia seeds. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight for best results.

The final tally per serving:
Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrate: 14.5
Fiber: 13g
Sugar: <1g
Protein: 12.5g

*nutritional information based on Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds, and Unsweetened Original Blue Diamond Almond Breeze.

For awesome inspiration, motivation, and jaw dropping transformation photos, checkout the ViSlus Facebook page, website, and blog!
Website: http://www.ViSalus.com
Facebook: ViSalus
Blog: http://www.ViSalusBlog.com
ABout Vi-Shape Shakes: Vi-Shape Shake Mix

The Secret To Thick Smoothies

I cannot stand watery smoothies, I drink them way too fast and they end up feeling more like a juice! I have found the solution to end all of your watery smoothie problems: Xanthan Gum!

Instead of the usual, “Maybe my smoothie will get thicker if I just add one more banana… no maybe 1/4 cup more oats… and an extra Tbsp of nut butter!” We’ve all been there, and before we know it, our smoothies have doubled in calories, carbs, and fat!
Xanthan Gum a simple way to thicken your smoothie without adding unnecessary calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc.

So what is Xanthan Gum?
It is made from a tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris and is a natural carbohydrate. Xanthan Gum is a thickener and byproduct of fermentation of glucose or sucrose given off by specific bacterium. The xantham byproduct is dried and forms a powder which is added to liquid to form the “gum.”

Show me the stats!
One tablespoon contains only 30 calories, 7g of carbohydrates, 0g of fat, and a whopping 7g of fiber! Xanthan Gum is gluten free and from my research, it’s vegan too.

If there were such thing as fairy dust, this would be it. Who am I kidding, this stuff is magical, it’s the modern day fairy dust in my book!

All you need is 1 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum and your smoothie can go from this…

to this!!! 


PB Kale Smoothie
Serves 1

2 cups chopped kale
1 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 Tbsp unsalted peanut butter
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.


Where to buy Xanthan Gum:
I buy Bob’s Red Mill Xanthan Gum at Whole Foods, but you can also purchase it online on Bob’s Red Mill’s official website. An 8oz bag is about $12 and will last you quite some time!