June 10, 2013

Turning 53 and Up to My Ass in Whey Protein Powder

Yep, in attempt to solidify my health blogging reputation as a PR rep's worst nightmare, this post is indeed partly about some very tasty 365 Everyday Value Vanilla Whey Protein powder.

How thrilled the folks at Whole Foods will be to see they've secured a great blog review accompanied by reference to, and a picture of, the reviewer's posterior!

But hey, we're all about multi-tasking here at Cranky Fitness, so the post is also about greed, aging, and birthdays.  Plus it contains a sincere cry for help.

So here's the deal, in ten twelve easy steps. Plus, I added bold text to make it easier for skimmers!

1.  As with my sneaky Kuhl clothing review, I already use the product in question.  So when I got an offer to "sample" some, I figured I could save some cash on future purchases I'd make anyway if they were willing to pony up enough to make it worth blogging about. Clever huh?

2.  The reasons I'm a fan of the 365 Vanilla Whey Powder: It is comparatively reasonable priced; there is no added sugar; it has a good ratio of protein to total calories; it tastes really pretty decent; and it blends well.  I tried Trader Joes Vanilla Whey when I couldn't get to Whole Foods once, and yuck. Theirs tasted chalky and weird to me.  I like some other brands of whey powder fine too, but they are Whey More Expensive than the 365.

3.  During the summer, depending on traffic, it is a 2-4 hour drive each way to get to the nearest Whole Foods.  The idea of having the 365 protein powder sent to me directly at someone else's expense seemed appealing.

4.  Before the product sample arrived, a friend had a big birthday celebration, and we had occasion to go to Boston. On the way home, whoopee, we got to stop by Whole Foods!

5.  I completely f--ing forgot about the PR email and bought a very large container of Vanilla Whey Powder, because it's always something I buy there.

6.  The next day, three more containers of whey powder arrived in the mail.

7.  Another thing I failed to keep in mind: I have recently started to tire of the fierce green smoothies I have been consuming daily for the past few years. They're still tasty, but I've been craving eggs for breakfast instead.  (I make a mean scramble with quickly browned onions, red bell peppers, spinach, kale, pecorino cheese, and the generic Egg Beaters knock-off from the grocery store. Don't judge.)  Consequently, I am using much less whey powder than I used to.

8.  Due to my greed and failing memory, I now have enough whey powder on hand to last until civilization ends and sentient robots and cockroaches take over the world. Hmm, I wonder if they'll eat protein powder?

9. The Cry For Help: Anyone know anything else you can do with vanilla whey powder besides put it in a smoothie?

10.  The Birthday part:  This quick post was prewritten on Birthday Eve so that I could loll around over the weekend without worrying about a coming up with something more interesting to post today. I am one of those folks who refuses to do anything productive on my birthday. As a present to myself, and to y'all as well, I decided to forgo lengthy discussion of:
a. The pros and cons of various kinds of protein powders;
b. My crappy memory in all its manifestations;
c. My love/hate relationship with Whole Foods;
d. My awareness of the fact that blogs get tiresome when they start to be all about products and nonetheless how I plan to rationalize future product pimping;
e. The awesomeness of the Lobster, who will cheerfully take a picture of my butt whenever I ask her to, even if she is in the middle of something; and
f. How I feel about aging and birthdays.

Consider yourself spared!

11. Post-Birthday Update:  Guess what arrived in the mail about an hour after I wrote this post?



A surprise sample pack from Now Foods!  I thought we were just doing a giveaway with them, I didn't know I'd get my own stuff too.

(And speaking of which, we've now ironed out the details of the June Goals Giveaway, and it's $50 worth of products as listed in the updated June Goal Support Post.)

Anyway, when I opened up the backpack, guess what one of the items inside was?




Oh yeah, you guessed it:  yet more freakin' whey powder.  I'll tell you how it tastes when the winner is announced.

12.  My birthday was wonderful.  The Lobster spoiled me for two days in a row, I got a massage, there was beautiful weather for running, biking, walking, and of course lots of eating, eating, eating and eating.

Anyone else have trouble saying no to "free?"  Or forget and buy vast quantities of something you do not actually need? Or set aside your birthday as a day to be even more lazy and self-indulgent than usual?





68 comments:

  1. LOL! The last protein powder picture had me laugh out loud!

    Your "eggs for breakfast" recipe sounds delicious. Can I come over?

    However, to get rid of protein powder, I suggest you use it in your pancake batter (or homemade muffins).

    So you're an early June birthday? Now I know why you are so pleasant, fun, smart, funny, and beautiful. We Geminis all are, aren't we! ;-)

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    1. Another Gemini? That's awesome HSH! And thanks for the pancake/muffin idea. I've been recently playing with coconut flour to use in batters and I'm thinking protein powder might go along nicely!

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  2. Love it! And happy birthday!

    Suggestion for what to do with protein powder - protein bites to keep in the freezer and grab and go.

    Vanilla recipe: http://alifewithouticecream.blogspot.ca/2012/07/vanilla-peanut-butter-protein-bites.html

    Chocolate: http://alifewithouticecream.blogspot.ca/2012/04/protein-squares.html

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    1. THANK YOU Steph! Oh, and sorry for shouting. Will scurry right over and check these recipes out!

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  3. "Whey More Expensive" Good one.
    Meanwhile, no legitimate clue what to do with all the whey powder, but hiding it in baking came to mind.

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    1. Excellent idea Leah... and you're back! Must go off to check your blog to see what you've been up to...

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  4. OMGOSH I SO SO SO SO SO CANNOT SAY NO TO FREE!!!!!
    It's getting bad :-)

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  5. I do not feel a need for more protein in my diet (cheese! cheese is the original protein bite!) and most things of that sort have something in them my allergies need to avoid, but what company could possibly object to being associated with such an excellent posterior?

    Buying vast quantities came in handy when the annual Post Office food-for-charity day came around recently. I had absent-mindedly bought peanut butter several times without crossing it off the grocery list, as well as a few other staples, so I could actually put something out for once.

    Lazy and self-indulgent on my birthday? But it only comes once a year! I tend to schedule such days more often than that. If only I could have one right now (while I'm trying to fight off a cold) but work will not cooperate.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

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    1. Aw, thanks Mary Anne. And I love the idea of setting aside more "birthdays" during the year... once doesn't seem quite enough!

      So sorry you're fighting off a cold! Summer colds are the worst. :(

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  6. Happy Birthday!!! Glad that you enjoyed a few days of being spoiled!!!
    I've never tried any of the Whey powders - wouldn't know what to do with them.
    But, I love free things!!!
    And, I love those shorts you are modeling!!! (are they the same ones from Kuhl?)

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    1. Thanks so much Kim!

      Actually, they're pants, because it hasn't been warm enough here for shorts very often. But yep, they're one of the Kuhl pair as I seem to wear them ALL THE TIME now.

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  7. Many happy returns of the day! And yes, i sometimes forget what's in the pantry and end up with too much of one thing and not enough of another. It's why i need to start using lists, if i can convince the kids to leave my pens where i can find them...

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    1. Lists! That would make sense messymimi; alas, whenever I make one I forget to bring it...

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  8. BEST REVIEW EVER! Seriously, Crabby - you are so dang funny! I laughed so hard at forgetting that you had some protein coming and buying a gigantic can - totally something I would do. OK, have done. And heck yes to taking a product that you already use!

    Glad you had a wonderful birthday! And wait, you're supposed to limit the food free-for-all to one day?? Huh. ;)

    P.S. When you feel particularly ranty, I'd love to hear about your love/hate relationship with WF. We don't have one here; the only time I get to visit one is when I go to Santa Cruz. They are overwhelming to me, but in a "kid in a candy store" type of way.

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    1. I do find Shelley that I tend to LOVE Whole Foods a lot more when it's a couple hours away and I miss all the great stuff they carry.

      The "hate" has a bit more to do with our local Hillcrest/San Diego store, which keeps upping the already high prices and stocking fewer groceries in order to make room for juice bars, coffee bars, and even a bar and grill. There are a zillion other restaurant/carryout places in the 'hood if I want to go out to eat! But Whole Foods would rather sell and serve the prepared stuff with higher margins than the actual "whole food" they're supposedly known for. rant

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    2. Oh, I totally get that - I'm amazed at all the prepared food available there. Cook? Who does that anymore?? ;)

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  9. Glad you experienced many wonderful birthday celebrations!!! No one offers me things, so I don't have to say yes or no!

    When it comes to birthdays The Boss and I have a routine. Go out for breakfast, have a massage, go out for lunch, go to the casino, and then go out for dinner. Maybe this year we will squeeze in a yoga class on my birthday.

    Enjoy your protein! We use "One World Whey", which sounds very Orwellian to me...but we like it!

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    1. Hey Kimberley, that sounds like a fantastic birthday routine!!! Seriously, I do think we need birthdays more than once a year.

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  10. I told you those pants were awesome in the rear! That is a rare gift in the world of hiking pants.

    OK, so I don't use whey powder, but I did finally start using a brown rice powder on occasion. Anyway, long story short, I am surprised that you can actually bake with it. Something to consider.

    And Happy Birthday. :)

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    1. Thanks QD!

      And your baking pictures always make me drool; too bad you're not in my neighborhood or I'd tried to bribe you into concocting something for me!

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  11. Happy Birthday!

    I use my protein powder to make homemade protein bars: http://www.food.com/recipe/peanut-butter-protein-bars-79090/review#rz-w

    (hint: they're even better covered in a layer of chocolate) I keep them in the fridge.

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    1. Robin, thanks for the recipe, that sounds very intriguing!

      And EVERYTHING tastes better covered in a layer of chocolate.

      Well, ok, maybe not pizza...

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  12. Very Happy Birthday to you Crabby!

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  13. Speaking of old this reminded me I need to get a new pair of reading glasses so I can actually read one of my double copies of books I forgot I have already bought. I forgot I already had the books because every time I sit down to read I can't remember where my glasses are so I give up and do something else like shopping for a new book.
    I used to feel really righteous when I donated my hardly used books to the library but they won't take them anymore. The church doesn't do a book drive and the used book store will only take about half the books you bring in.
    Wow! Moaning Monday or what!!
    Happy Birthday!

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    1. You are always hilarious, Cindy! I have the same problem ordering netflix dvd's and discovering halfway in I've already seen the movie. Sigh.

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  14. First things first - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! My only gripe is that you didn't alert faithful readers earlier on so that we could craft wonderful tributes and shower you with gifts!!! And - seriously - you should consider turning this into a week (or month?) long Crabby Fest wherein you are let off the hook of any responsibilities and simply have a great time!

    Next - can I come over for breakfast, please? That recipe sounds scrumptious :)

    Finally - oh the wheys one can have fun with just the word.... I, too, find myself needing a break from green smoothies from time to time and then I tend to go all creamy white kinda stuff (pineapple, banana, coconut, rice milk kind of thing - with the protein powder, of course).

    Whatever you are concocting today, hoist that glass and toast yourself as all your readers are likely doing :)!!

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    1. Aww, Anon, you are sweet to fantasize that I would have such an enthusiastic fanbase, but heck, I sure like the idea of a month long birthday fest where all responsibilities are suspended!

      And the smoothie rebellion is my own fault for having them every darn day for years. But when I decided to resurrect them, mixing it up a bit more is a great idea!

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  15. PS - from Anon.... I'll bet there are a BUNCH of us who have a love/hate relationship with WF. Mine centers around the occasionally snobbish attitude from the help as well as the unapologetic jacking up of prices and over-use of cayenne pepper and jalapenos in virtually every pre-cooked item. But, hey - everything except the price-gouging are my issues. Still what would life be without something to grumble about???

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    1. Ah, it's not just me and the WF jalapenos anon? :) Hadn't noticed the cayenne but bet I will next time.

      I don't, however, mind their generous use of garlic. There is no such thing as too much garlic.

      And I get back at them for price gouging by "sampling" about $15 worth of smoked-salmon salad whenever the have that on offer. And don't get me started on my sneaky food bar strategies...

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  16. I am sure you got this already but I would gladly take some of that whey powder off your awesome 53 your old butt & hands! :) I do make protein bars & muffins - just posted my muffin pic an hour ago - I have been making the same ones for a couple years now & have posted the recipes on my blog a number of times if you want to search AND easy - you know me - EASY! ;) PLUS easy to change up. I use about 5 scoops of powder per recipe & if I add too my much liquid egg whites by mistake, I just add more powder! :)

    YES, I have trouble saying no to free stuff - YES I DO! :)

    So glad your bday was wonderful!!!!!!

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    1. Wish it didn't cost almost as much to ship the powder as to buy it Jody, or that you lived right down the street! Fortunately the cans don't expire for years. (Or unfortuantely? What's in em that defies time like that?)

      Muffins! I haven't had a muffin in a while, will go hunt down a recipe or two, thanks for the suggestion!

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  17. Free food is fun! That's my motto, baby. Even if I'm suspicious that free food in question may taste like a rat's ass after a sweaty run through the city sewer system, it's still free, so I at least gotta nibble.

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    1. Oh shoot, speaking of which, I needed to find out if you ever did your canned bacon review!!

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  18. Ps. Your ass does not look 53. Neither does your face.

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    1. And P.S. I LOVE YOU Yum Yucky. Just be glad the pants were on though. Without 'em it's a different story.

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  19. Lazy Girl Goes RunningJune 10, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    Happy Birthday!!! I love birthdays! So, happy owner of lots of whey powder, I have a recipe idea for you... Have you ever made cupcakes using just the mix and greek vanilla yogurt (plus a little water)? Quite yummy & close to as healthy a cupcake as you're gonna get without sneaking in some veggies. Anyway, what about using plain greek yogurt & a scoop or 2 of the whey protein powder for the 'vanilla' flavoring & protein punch? My girls LOVE these cupcakes-- we don't even ruin 'em with frosting they're so good!

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    1. Cupcakes, LGGR? Cupcakes??? That sounds intriguing! Is there any baking or other ingredients involved? Or are your girls just unusually adaptable as to what they'll consider a cupcake? Either way, I gotta figure that one out!

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    2. 1 cake mix (dark chocolate is my favorite, girls also like strawberry), 1 c of vanilla greek yogurt (or plain with vanilla PP), & 1 c water. Mix together. I will be thick. Scoop into muffin tin (use ice cream scoop, it's perfect size) and then bake 15-20 min. A few sprinkles on top of the batter is always fun ;) They are super moist & yummy!

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    3. Ah, cake mix is also an ingredient! Now I get it LGGR, thank you!

      BTW, if you actually come back to read this, try signing in under name/url next time and putting in a link to your great blog so people can find you there!

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  20. Happy birthday, Cranky!

    Ways to use whey pp:

    1.) Proats=serving of (cooked) oatmeal + scoop of pp. In my experience, it helps to make the oatmeal a little thicker than you might ordinarily because adding the whey liquefies it a bit. I don't understand the physics of how adding a powder to a solid makes it more liquid, but I don't understand the physics of how I can weigh *more* after using the bathroom sometimes either, so whatever. Just trust me on this. Also, do NOT cook the whey in the oatmeal. You will not be pleased with the results.

    2.) Sludge=serving of Greek yogurt + scoop of pp + any of: peanut butter/almond butter and/or fresh or dried fruit and/or granola or trail mix and/or (if you are a 20 y.o. bro dude on a bulk who requires approx 4500 calories a day) cookies/Snickers bars/M&Ms. Basically the yogurt and pp are the base of the sludge and you can add in anything that's in your kitchen that looks good. Endlessly versatile!

    3.) As other people have said, it's easy to add to your baking. I have successfully replaced 1/3 of the flour called for in quick bread or cookie recipes with pp, though the amount of liquid and sweetening may need to be adjusted.

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    1. Malevolent Andrea, you totally had me laughing on the physics lesson.

      OK, for some reason, I hate oatmeal, even though I like oats in oatmeal cookies just fine. Go figure. However, the sludge sounds promising, though needs a little help marketing-wise given the name plus the pp abbreviation...

      And baking... I've been experimenting with coconut flour and monk fruit and stevia, thus decreasing sugar and increasing fiber; by also adding the protein powder, I could either really up the nutrients in my desserts or concoct something so hideous as to be inedible. We shall see how this goes!

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  21. Great story. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy birthday and get lots of enjoyment out of your whey powder supply.

    I've never tried the stuff. Perhaps I'll give it a shot. You're an inspiration

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  22. Happy birthday! I hope it's another fine year ahead.

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  23. Can't say no to free food, no matter what sort of packaging it comes in!
    Happy birthday. The Kuhl looks great on you!
    You could always give the whey away as a birthday present to someone!

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  24. I really must try and scrounge some of these freebies myself!

    When my blog hits such dizzy heights, perhaps retilers will be knocking on my door too.

    I love my whey protein, banana and ground flaxseed shakes. Can't get enough of em!

    Belated Birthday wishes by the way! :)

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    1. Be careful what you wish for on the freebies Peter... it can turn an innocent blogger into a product whore faster than you can say "free? really??" :)

      Thanks for the birthday wishes!

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  25. My birthday was 5 days before yours and yours sounded so much better than mine! :-( Some years are better than others but I always look forward to birthdays, and am grateful that they come around each year.

    Don't they say that 'there's no such thing as a free lunch?' Free can be great but it often comes with strings attached!

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    1. Happy late birthday Sam!

      And yeah, I've got freebie strings dragging behind me for miles. :)

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  26. CUTE BUTT! And remember, you're older than you've ever been and now you're getting older! ........ And now you're older still! hugs and happy birfday! :)

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  27. If I may say, without sounding creepy and/or stalkerish, it is a very nice butt.
    Happy, happy birthday!!!!!!

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    1. You never sound creepy azusmom, and thanks for the compliment!

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  28. I try not to celebrate my birthday too often. I'm pretty sure that means that I don't get older. However, my birthday and anniversary are the same day. My husband has no excuse to forget either.

    I had no idea that you could have too much whey protein powder. I've not tired of my daily green (actually blue because of the blueberries in with the spinach). How about some protein brownies? or protein cake? Or something dessertish in general.

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    1. I like your math Carli! Oh wait, given I celebrate my birthday a LOT, that doesn't really work to my advantage.

      My smoothies are technically a brownish gray, very attractive. And hmm, brownies, now that sounds promising!

      Delete
  29. Death Ride GrandmaJune 11, 2013 at 11:34 PM

    Happy birthday!

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  30. All I got from this post was something about you & Lobster driving from the Cape to Boston which meant you totally drove through Plymouth and hmmmmm.... ;)

    Adulthood birthdays haven't been nearly as day-off-like as childhood ones (being a Crab as well, I never had to go to school on my birthday!) -- this July I turn 44 and I'll be killin' the morning at a thing called Escape/Adrenaline Rush (3-mile "prison break style" obstacle course/mud run event up in Hanover) to celebrate. Then going out for my annual fried clam plate dinner and my once-a-year ice cream (large vanilla soft serve with red dip). Then back to my regularly-scheduled AWESOME.

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    1. Wow Norma, and obstacle course mud run on your birthday? You are totally an ass-kicker.

      And actually thought of you as we were driving home but this was after costco, trader joes, whole foods, and an outlet mall to buy underwear... one of those non-restful boston getaways with not much time for fun.

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  31. Way to be sneaky and get some stuff! Also, I love that protein! It tastes better than any other to me.

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    1. Thanks Jessica, glad to hear there's another fan out there!

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  32. Well I use some of the stuff what Chris Gethin offers. Love it and seems to be working without a doubt my friend recommended it and Ill do the same to you

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  33. Happy Birthday! I love the butt shot. That's good advertising for sure.
    Do you consider things like GMO's in your whey choices?

    As far as what to do with extra vanilla whey powder... I have no idea if this would work, but how about putting it in cake! I didn't have time to read all the previous comments to see if someone already said that.... Maybe I should find out who else thinks like me.

    And I am sooo happy you had a nice birthday.
    xo

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  34. I am drinking whey protein daily, do you think it might damage my health somehow???

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  35. SO late to this Gem party, so I'm bringing both me(s) to wish you a very belated Happy Birthday!
    First, why would anyone refuse free stuff? Second, next time you have a giveaway, could you make it your derriere and enter my name, PLEASE?

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  36. Hi,

    I want to say, "365 Everyday Value Vanilla Whey Protein Powder" tastes really good. I don't like that the serving sizes are so big and the protein in each serving is average. I thought it was a great price but I realized that there weren't that many servings as I thought would be in that big jug.

    Regards,
    Juile Roberts

    ReplyDelete

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