A Diet and Exercise Reprogramme

I spent most of February feeling ill, a mixture of anxiety, teamed with low B12 and iron levels, as well as a borderline thyroid condition. The whole experience made me question my diet and lifestyle. I'd been content with stuffing my face for months on end and my body had finally decided it had, had enough.

I'm on a long journey to a healthier me, I have an unhealthy relationship with food. It's a comfort, if I've had a bad day, junk food is the first thing I reach for. For me it's a 'reprogramme', a way of understanding what food I should be eating and what exercise will help.

I do struggle with energy levels, from the B12 and iron deficiency so exercise isn't always easy but with the help of MyProtein I've started this journey on a positive note. They sent me a few goodies to try out: Impact Diet Whey Protein in Vanilla Cookie, with a shaker, Total Nutri-Greens in Tropical flavour, Elle MP Max Virtue Bar in Double Chocolate, Vitamin B Super Complex tablets and Vitamin C Effervescent.

I go to an exercise class after work every Tuesday and Thursday, the personal trainer likes to switch it up but for the most part we do HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), which requires lots of energy. I'd nearly passed out in one gym session, which was due to the low energy levels and eating the wrong food. The lovely Jenny at MyProtein advised me on what supplements to take and what shakes to go for to give me energy boosts for working out and most importantly quick recovery.

What is a protein shake and why do I need one?

Protein is usually made from whey, egg or soya. Whey is the most common of those, it is found in milk, so those with a lactose allergy should try a lacto-free version. When you exercise your muscles undergo tiny tears, and then the body repairs itself. Protein help increase muscle repair so you can recover quickly and feel less achy. 

Impact Diet Whey Protein in Vanilla Cookie

I worry about extra calories, I'm sorry, I know it's not all about that but I just don't need unnecessary calories. This is why I like this protein powder, it's intended for someone who is looking to loose weight, reduce fat but increase their lean mass. It does take some getting used to but I'm starting to enjoy it. I've started using protein shakes after the gym as I always feel incredibly hungry, as well as a little shakey and I know I'll be aching tomorrow. It's something that can give me a quick boost and also help me recover in the long run.

Total Nutri-Greens in Tropical

I have allergies to certain fruits and vegetables, (kiwi especially, hello swollen face) so I do find it hard to push more fruit and veg into my diet, this is where this powder comes into play. It contains 22 different superfoods, this includes Chlorella, Broccoli, Spinach Leaf, Acerola Berry and Spirulina to boost your vitamin levels. I've seen people add this to smoothies or sprinkled in food.

Elle MP Max Virtue Bar in Double Chocolate

This is a super quick way to boost your protein intake and it's low calorie. Whenever I see chocolate flavours in diet food I'm always sceptical of the taste, but I think this one is tasty. I'll be picking up some more of these!

Vitamin B Super Complex tablets

I'd chatted to Jenny about my low energy levels and deficiency and she kindly gave me some Vitamin B tablets. I've noticed my energy level pick up slightly but I'm also going to be teaming this with energy boosting foods like bananas to ensure I can workout at maximum level.

Vitamin C Effervescent

MyVitamins Vitamin C Effervescent helps to boost your immune system, as well as helping you to absorb iron more efficiently. I think these will be great for hangovers and colds too!

I think a lot of girls are scared of protein, but you need to fuel your body for your workouts. You can still pick the Diet Whey options if you are worried about calories, and you'll still feel the repairing benefits.

I've found the Women's section of the MyProtein site really helpful, you can see which protein shake is best suited to you based on your fitness/weight loss goals. There is so much advice and help available on the website, as well as recipes so if you are finding adding protein intimidating, check it out.

Have you tried protein shakes with your workouts? What flavours would you recommend?

*This post contains PR samples

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