WIAW #73

I first heard of Vega when I initially started reading blogs. I read about Vega protein powder on Oh She Glows and sort of wondered why Angela was so obsessed.

But somehow I just never got around to trying Vega products.
 

This January, however, Vega has launched a pretty cool Thrive Forward program for all of those looking to become healthier (or to switch things up in a fun way, if they're already pretty healthy).

Vega is a vegan company, but even vegetarians (like myself) and omnivores can benefit from the tips and advice the Thrive Forward program offers on how to make our lifestyles and diets not only healthier for us, but also for the Earth!

So what's Thrive Forward?

Thrive Forward is a free personalized online program developed by top athlete Brandon Brazier to help all of us learn how we can (easily and tastily) incorporate more plant-based nutrition to both become healthier and lower our carbon footprints!

Thrive Forward includes customizable lessons, recipes, and challenges, plus lots of informative videos on all sorts of topics - there's something for everyone and every interest! There are videos about stress management, anti-aging advice, sleep, mood, energy, immune health, digestion, sustainability, and (so scandalous) sex drive, among others.

I think the coolest part is that the videos are interactive, each including a fun 'call to action' - like inventing (and drinking) a yummy whole-food, plant-based smoothie daily. Before you know it, it will become routine.

What a great way to add in some fruits (and veggies!)

To help optimize your nutrition, Vega has a bunch of really yummy healthy foods and products, including some pretty great bars, SaviSeeds, and protein shake mixes.

I tried the bars first since I am, after all, a huge fan of bars.

They're practical, they're delicious, they're rectangular. What more could you want?

And even though their vibrancy bar is the only one that proclaims itself 'WHOLESOME' on the wrapper, they're all very wholesome.

Even the Chocolate Decadence Vibrancy bar.

They are a good source of vegan protein and include such healthful ingredients as white chia seeds, organic sprouted buckwheat, dates, raw almonds, and hemp seeds.

They're also really tasty! Did I mention that?

Original

My favorite is definitely the Chocolate Decadence Vibrancy bar. You'd never guess its decadence is only in flavor - nutritionally, it's a superstar!

Berry Bliss

But the Berry Bliss and Original are both quite tasty, too. I love the almost-toffee-like flavor the Original bar, with its big chunks of almond.

Original

But my favorite new Vega products are the Savi Seeds.

I had never even heard of Savi Seeds before so, for those of you who haven't heard of them either, they're Sacha Inchi Seeds and are the richest plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids out there. 

With 17x more Omega-3 than wild sockeye salmon, ounce for ounce, they're as healthy a snack (or cereal mix-in) as you can find!

And they're actually really tasty. 

They taste like a mix between sunflower seeds and dry roasted edamame. They look like dried light brown Lima Beans. 

And the crunch factor? Out. Of. This. World.

There are also caramelized Savi Seeds, which are delightfully sweet and absolutely delicious on a bowl of soyogurt, and chocolate Savi Seeds.

The chocolate Savi Seeds are a delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth while doing your body a huge favor!

Okay, now I get why Angela was/is so obsessed with Vega. 

I'm a little obsessed now, too (shhhh).

But I haven't even gotten to the protein powders, which Vega is probably known best for.

I tried three flavors (French Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, and Chocolate) all of which were plenty sweet and flavorful on their own, even when mixed with just cold almond milk or water! They're low in sugar and packed with all sorts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in addition to vegan protein. There are even greens (chlorella, alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, and kale) in there!

These shakes are absolutely perfect for people who don't have much appetite for breakfast. How else can you get veggies in so easily and deliciously first thing in the morning?

Anyway, as delicious as the shakes are by themselves, they also make a marvelous addition to a homemade smoothie, turning a fruity drink into something that's filling and balanced enough to keep you satisfied for more than just thirty minutes!

Chocolate

I blended the chocolate protein with a banana, peanut butter, and soy milk.



It made a tasty drink!



But even better was my vanilla chai creation.



I started with the vanilla chai nutritional shake mix and made a really tasty breakfast shake.

Bananas for Almond Chai Smoothie (vegan)

* 1 packet Vanilla Chai Vega Nutritional Shake

* 1 very ripe banana

* 1.25 c. milk of choice (soy, rice, almond, coconut, etc.)

* 1-2 Tbsp. Justin's Maple Almond Butter

1) Add all the ingredients to your blender.

2) Blend.

3) ENJOY!!

I challenge you - make a yummy whole-food, plant-based smoothie, too! 

If you post it, please leave the link here. I'd love to see pictures of your creative drinks! If not, I'd still love to hear what you put in your smoothie.

I also made pancakes with the French Vanilla Nutritional Shake, but we'll save that recipe for another day.

Vegan Protein Pancakes with veggies? Yes, please!

What goes into your healthy smoothie?

Have you tried SaviSeeds?

What's your favorite Vega product?