protein.part.ONE.

I finally decided it was time to sit down + bust out this post on protein, that I have been talking about for some time now.  Why has it taken me this long?  Honestly, it has been on my mind almost every day.  I have been a bit intimidated to write it because I want to make sure I do enough research and cover as much as possible, while making it interesting for everyone to read.  I never want my posts to be overwhelming for to write, so I’m going to break things down to make it easier.  This is a topic that I’ve really been wanting to talk about, so here you go! 

Tonight I decided that this will be a multi-part post.  Reasons for this?

1. I don’t want to write a book, as this is a blog
2. It will let you all ask questions and give me feedback, that I can then address in the next post.
3. I don’t want to be overwhelmed with trying to consolidate a bunch of information into 1 post.

Maybe I’ll continue this post for the next few Fridays…?  We’ll see!!

**Remember** I’m not a doctor, or even close.  Please consult your doc or a medical professional before buying gallons of hemp seeds + protein and eating it like it’s going out of style.

What’s on tabs for today? 

1. Hemp growth + the environment
2. Hemp Protein

What will my future posts talk about?  [these won’t all be separate posts, just a list of what I will be discussing]

1. Soy Protein + the environment
2. Brown Rice Protein + the environment
3. Whey Protein
4. Pea Protein
5. Egg White Protein

These lists help sort things out for me and if you want to see something else discussed just let me know.  I LOVE researching food related topics.

Okay, on to today’s topics.

Hemp Growth + the Environment

One of the main reasons I like hemp is because of its low environmental impact.  I don’t look into the impact of every single thing I eat, but I think about it a good amount and try to make the most ethical food choices I can.   It’s just another step in being connected to your food.  When I have a choice with a specific type of food, like protein powder, or different milks, I like to research pro’s + con’s.  I don’t always eat with the environment in mind, but I try my best!

Hemp has gotten a bad rap over the years for its obvious association with marijuana [I can’t wait to get a bunch of spam comments about drugs…sweet].  However, I think this view is starting to change as more and more hemp products are popping up.  I know that even my dad was like, you EAT hemp? 

So, what is so great about the growth process of hemp?

Here is a brief overview.  There is a load of information about hemp + the environment out there, so if you want to look into things more on your own, I’ll provide you with a few links.

• Hemp grows fast + abundantly in any climate and does not require an large amount of water.
• Herbicides and pesticides are not used + unnecessary to successfully grow hemp.
• Hemp is a natural weed suppresser.  The way that hemp grows it actually blocks sun from allowing weeds to grow.
• Hemp growth actually give back to the soil.  It’s long roots deliver nutrients + nitrogen to the soil and help to prevent topsoil erosion.
• It’s oxygen production is high.
• Hemp can help rid toxins from the ground with a process called Phytoremediation.

I’ll leave it with that and give you the following links. 

-an awesome expanded list on hemp’s enviro impact

-the many environmental and health benefits of hemp

If you’re interested in a longer post about the growth of hemp + the environment, let me know!  I don’t want to blab on and bore you…especially on a Friday

Hemp Protein

Hemp protein has been found to be one of, the best sources of protein that your body can ask for.  It’s a complete protein, containing all of the known essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce.  It also contains the perfect 3:1 balance of essential fatty acids [omega 3 + 6].  Hemp is packed with insoluble fiber [which is harder to find] and very easily digested, preventing bloat that a lot of other protein sources can cause.  It is typically tolerated by even the most sensitive stomach. 

Hemp protein is a very low processed product as well.   It is easy to find cold-pressed raw hemp protein, which is great for our bodies and again easier on the environment. 

You can find hemp protein in the form of powder or seeds.  If you have tried hemp powder and are not a fan [some people complain of it’s earthy flavor] I would suggest trying the seeds.  They have a flavor similar to peanuts and sunflower seeds.  You can sprinkle them on anything from salad, to yogurt, to blending them in with your smoothies. 

From my research and taste tests, here are some products I recommend checking out.  The sites are also extremely helpful in explaining more detailed information on the benefits of hemp protein.  These are all GMO free, vegan + gluten-free. 

• Living Harvest Food – Organic Hemp Protein 
• Nutiva – Organic Hemp Protein
• Nutiva – Organic Hemp Chocolate bar
• Manitoba Harvest – Organic Hemp Protein Powder + Seeds

Throughout the next few posts, I’ll talk a little more about hemp protein making comparisons between other proteins.

And with that, I’ll leave you with my very earthy earth day GREEN monster…obviously packed with hemp  

earth day GREEN monster

• 8 cherries
• 1/2 banana
• 2T hemp seeds 
• 2c spinach
• 1/4 avocado [for healthy fats + an extra creamy consistency]
• 1 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate SuperFood
• 1c unsweetened almond milk

This was one of my favorite smoothies ever.  A hint of chocolate + sweetness with a side Galaxy Granola and a cool spoonula

I had a FABulous day!  I got an early morning swim in, which was great.  Here was my workout:

• 50m kickboard – legs only
• 50m buoy – arms only
• 1500m – freestyle in 30min!! [give or take 50m because I have counting issues, hehe]

I split a lane with a guy next to me.  He swam butterfly almost the entire time.  Very impressive!  It also created waves when we passed each other that had me gulping down some delicious pool water..mmmm

After my swim I headed down to CO Spinrgs to see Melissa and my little buddy Jake, who is going to be ONE in a week!!!  More on our fun day tomorrow.  We made THEE best lunch!!

Have a great weekend…I will be working fri-sun, so get outside and do something fun for me!

Night!!

Ashley

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