If you are looking to lose weight as we come up to summer, or to even boost how your body looks and become more toned, then protein is such an important part of that. Really, protein is the single most important nutrient for weight loss and a better looking body. Having a diet or meal plan that is high in protein helps to give your metabolism a boost, as well as reduces your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer. It can even have an effect on several weight-regulating hormones. If you follow my blog regularly you’ll know that I struggle with a hormone imbalance. So it shows that protein could really help me to lose some weight.

But now being a vegetarian, how do I get the protein in my body that I need? In the past, I would have resorted to just making sure I had meat, fish or eggs as part of every meal. After workouts I have been using protein powders in the past to help give me a protein boost. After all, it is what is going to help my bod to repair and heal; ultimately what will make it change shape and lose weight.

Not all protein powders or protein products are created equal, though. They can have varying amounts of protein in them, and some contain some pretty junk ingredients. I was recently offered to try out the new Some Body protein range from Superdrug, that they describe as their “new new health and wellness range to encourage and inspire you to reach your goals”. What I was most intrigued by is the fact that there are a range of different things to have, not just protein powders. There are bars, protein water, as well as pancake mix, tea detox, and snacks like popcorn. So there will be something to suit everyone’s needs and taste, whether you’re looking to have some healthier snacks or to dramatically change your body shape.

Sports Water

First thing is first, though; what on earth is sports water? Isn’t water just water? While it isn’t going to be designed to replace a regular glass of water, it is a drink that is zero calories, and made from no artificial colours or flavours. The sweetener in it is Sucralose, which is going to be better for you than the aspartame that you’d find in a zero calorie bottle of coke, for example. The drink is designed for whenever you are thirsty or find yourself craving sweet foods. It is going to fill you up, without you wanting to grab a chocolate bar.

The flavour of the one I have tried, watermelon, was really refreshing and tasty. I like that it is zero calorie but isn’t filled with junk like low calorie soft drinks. The fact there is no caffeine in it is a real bonus too.

Sports Water – priced at £1.79 for 500ml. Great to grab from Superdrug when you’re out an about shopping, though it is more than competitors zero calorie drinks.

Natural Protein Cacao and Orange Bar

Next up is the snacking range. As has been said, there is a big range, from popcorn to snack bars. But what I loved about the snack bars is that the taste is amazing, as well as it being made from completely natural ingredients. There is no added sugar, and is made from things like dates cashews, and superfood cacao nibs. I would definitely get these again, when I’m out and about. They are just the right amount of sweet taste, without them feeling like you’re eating rabbit food.

It is best to swap this for a mid-afternoon snack, as well as to have after exercise as it does contain whey and soya protein. They are priced at £1.49.

Strawberry Protein Powder

The thing that most people will associate with any ‘protein’ products is a protein powder. But I must admit, this is a pretty tasty one (I have tried plenty before in my time as a personal trainer, and this one tastes pretty good. The strawberry flavour isn’t too sweet). It is a pretty thick shake when made up, which for me, is a good thing as it fills me up more. Priced at £17.99 for 600g I think it is on par, if not cheaper, than competitors for what it is. So if you want to replace a meal with a shake, or even just to have after the gym, I would recommend giving this a go.

If you’d like to try out the protein powder but want to mix things up a bit, just using milk or water can get a little repetitive. Then here is a tasty smoothie to try using the Some Body strawberry protein powder.

Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Servings: One

Difficulty: Easy

Calories: around 300

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop Some Body Strawberry protein powder 
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ¾ cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
• ice cubes, depending on how thick you like your shakes (use at least three)

What To Do:

1. Place all the ingredients into a blender, putting the milk in first. If you can, use a chopping setting on the blender to break up the ice and strawberries, then a steady blend to puree the mixture to create a smooth consistency. Add more ice if you like a shake to be a little thicker.
2. If too thick, you can add some more milk, a small amount at a time. Add more maple syrup to make the smoothie sweeter.

It really is that simple, but makes a great breakfast shake to start the day, or mixes up how you get your protein for after a workout. Would love to hear if you give it a go!

Have you heard of the Some Body range before? It would be great to hear what you think.

*the range was gifted in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.