Food, drinks and a very hydrating giveaway
It’s all about food and hydration today. And one lucky winner of the giveaway below will get a heaping helping of healthy and tasty products, so read on for more.
Last week, I received a huge box of goodness to my door compliments of the folks at Coco Libre. When they said they had a new product combining protein and coconut water, I was sure I needed to try it out. And boy am I pleased with what I’ve sampled so far.
You see, if you’ve been reading A Lady Goes West for any length of time, then you know that I love to drink coconut water to power me through some of the tough group fitness classes that I teach. And you also know, that I’m a big fan of drinking a protein shake directly after my workouts. Well guess what, Coco Libre offers something to satisfy both of these needs through the company’s organic coconut water, as well as its brand new line of protein coconut water called Coco Libre Protein.
A look at some of the good stuff that I’ve been enjoying from Coco Libre.
But you may be wondering, what’s so great about coconut water and why should you drink it …
When and why should you drink coconut water?
Because of the added electrolytes and potassium, coconut water is extra efficient at hydrating your body and is better than water alone. Here are some great times to enjoy it …
- With your afternoon snack as a hydrating pick-me-up
- When you’re at the beach and getting very hot and sweaty
- Before, during and after a hot yoga class, which involves a lot of sweating
- During any physical activity or workout lasting longer than an hour, when you need more than water to replenish what you’re sweating out
- In place of any sugary sports drink that you may have previously enjoyed
- In place of water in a smoothie to add some flavor and vitamins
- If you’ve had a few too many adult-beverages the night before and are feeling headachey and dehydrated
To me, outside of its nutritional value, coconut water is just plain tasty and a great addition to my daily liquid intake. I’ve introduced many friends to the benefits of this healthy beverage. And I always tell them, the taste is mild, but slightly fruity and very refreshing.
And now, let’s get to the specifics of Coco Libre’s line …
What are the best things about Coco Libre’s line of products?
- Fair Trade Certified
- The company is committed to sustainable agriculture
- Products are made from organic green young coconuts grown in the South Pacific
- USDA Organic
- The new line “Coco Libre Protein” combines the best of what you need for both hydration and muscle recovery by packing 20 grams of protein and more than 22 vitamins and minerals in each 11-ounce bottle
The three flavors available include Almond, Vanilla and Chocolate.
Here’s what I’ve tried:
- Original Coconut Water — Contains more potassium than a banana, five beneficial electrolytes and only 60 calories per 11-ounce bottle. Not to mention has a fresh and yummy taste. Perhaps one of the best tasting coconut waters I’ve ever had.
- Pineapple Coconut Water — Made from pineapples and has only 75 calories per small 11-ounce bottle, no added sugar and five beneficial electrolytes.
- Chocolate Protein Coconut Water — Made from Dutch cocoa and grass-fed milk protein, with 20 grams of protein and 130 calories per 11-ounce bottle. Also has more potassium than a banana and as much fiber as a cup of oatmeal.
- Vanilla Protein Coconut Water – Made from Madagascar, Tahitian and Indonesian Vanilla and grass-fed milk protein, with 20 grams of protein and 130 calories per 11-ounce bottle. Also has as much magnesium as two cups of broccoli. Very creamy.
- Almond Protein Coconut Water – Made from natural almond and vanilla flavors and grass-fed milk protein, with 20 grams of protein and 130 calories per 11-ounce bottle. Also has as much calcium as two cups of milk. Now officially my favorite protein beverage ever.
The protein coconut water products only have a slight taste of coconut water. In fact, they taste like fresher and healthier versions of regular protein shakes, yet they don’t leave a bad after-taste.
Coco Libre products = good stuff. I’m definitely glad that my pantry is stocked with these for a while, but I’ll probably move through them quickly.
If you want to try these products out for yourself, you can enter the giveaway below, or look for Coco Libre in Whole Foods, Costco, Sprouts, Kroger or on Amazon. Just check the store locator to find out what’s available near you.
Let’s transition from drinks to food, and you’ll see below that I’ve made Coco Libre part of my routine this week …
A look at all of my food and drinks from yesterday
Because it’s Wednesday, I’d like to get to the usual topic at hand.
Each week, I like to take pictures of all of my meals from one particular day and share them in a recap called “What I Ate Wednesday.” This post is designed to give you some meal and snack ideas and offer a glimpse at what a full day of eating can look like. Here we go …
Breakfast at 8 a.m.
A bowl of plain Greek yogurt, topped with a massive sliced-up banana and a dollop of local honey. Served alongside a mug of hot green tea, sweetened with stevia and cashew milk.
Snack at 10:30 a.m.
I got this cold-pressed beet, carrot and apple juice at an event last week and thoroughly enjoyed drinking it as a snack. Apparently it cleanses the liver?
Lunch at 1:30 p.m.
A strange but tasty lunch, consisting of multi-grain crackers, topped with high-protein cottage cheese and cinnamon. Served alongside a mug of herbal tea, sweetened with stevia and cashew milk.
Snack at 4 p.m.
My go-to trail mix, which I made by combining raw almonds, whole cashews, goji berries and dried prunes. Both Dave and I have been eating this mixture every single day for the past month. I have some portion-control issues with it, that’s for sure, and I definitely had more than is shown in that little bowl.
Post-workout protein at 6:30 p.m.
This creamy and delicious beverage filled me with plenty of protein and potassium to restore my energy levels after teaching BODYPUMP, and it was enough that I could get through a night-time stop at Target.
Dinner at 8:30 p.m.
Another grilled delight prepared by Dave. This plate features grilled asparagus, a grilled turkey burger, wrapped in lettuce and topped with salsa, as well as a mixture of beets, parsnips and carrots. I would have wrapped my burger in a whole wheat bun, but we only had one left, so I gave it to the chef.
That concludes my meals for the day, outside of some water and milk, and I’d say it was a pretty good day of healthy eats.
Now for that giveaway …
GIVEAWAY: Win a Hydration Pack from Coco Libre
Do you want to try some of the healthy new coconut water products I gushed about above?
Here’s your chance. And the winner will receive all of the following in one awesome Hydration Pack:
- 1 case of Coco Libre Original Coconut Water
- 1 case of Coco Libre Chocolate, Vanilla or Almond Protein Coconut Water (your choice!)
- 1 Coco Libre t-shirt
- 1 Coco Libre water bottle
Yes, you’ll be hydrated and decked out!
This giveaway will end on Sunday 3/1 at midnight, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday. And sorry, my international friends, but this giveaway is only open to those in the United States or Canada.
That’s it for today, folks. After some work, I’m teaching an evening BODYATTACK class, and if all goes well, I may even fit in a yoga session too. Have a good one!
More daily eating recaps
Each week, “What I Ate Wednesday” is hosted by Peas and Crayons for bloggers to showcase their eats to the world. If you want to see more food recaps, check out some of my posts from the past here:
- A full day of eating in pictures
- Another full day of my eats and drinks
- Real food isn’t always pretty
- Do you have a balanced dining out strategy?
- What I ate and drank all day
- Three meals, two snacks and a shake
- Food trucks and rest-day eating
- Plenty of protein at every meal
- Colorful fuel for a day of training
- Long days of training require a lot of food
- Making do on “What I Ate Wednesday”
- Healthy foods for a rest day
- Who doesn’t like pictures of food?
- A look at a full day of eating in pictures
- Snapshots from a day of delicious meals
- Pictures of food, because you like them
- Food pictures and the juice cleanse that wasn’t
- A look at what I really eat in a day
- What I ate in the Sunshine State
- My weekend eats and a little narrative
- Stories about food and yesterday’s meals
- A day of eating and some commentary
- Do you want to know what I ate yesterday?
- Healthy challenges and foods from my day
- Eating, napping and eating again
- Filling up on healthy food before the holiday
- A perfect birthday at home and my eats
- Top blog posts, reader stats and my food
- A different kind of training and my food
- Joining a healthy green movement and my eats
- Must-try veggie pasta tip and my eats
- Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?
- What a difference a week makes and my eats
- On Wednesdays we look at pictures of food
**Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Coco Libre, however all of the thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Questions of the day
What’s your favorite beverage to drink outside of water? What’s the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
Looks like a delicious healthy nourishing day of eats! I love coconut water, but my favourite beverage ever is definitely coffee and then milk. Yum! 🙂 ps I’m not sure if I said this in another comment to you but your new photos (like the one on your sidebar) are gorgeous!
Thanks, Jessica! You’re very sweet to say that. And I think a lot of people would agree with you that coffee is their favorite! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
I’ve never had coconut water, but I’d love to try it! I’m crossing my fingers for a win 😉
Thanks, Chrissy! Good luck!
Crackers with cottage cheese and cinnamon, yum! I need to try that combo.
It’s quite tasty!! Happy Wednesday, Megan! 🙂
If I drink the pineapple coconut one, is it like drinking a pina colada? ; )
If you close your eyes and dream of the tropics, of course it is! 🙂 hehehe! Happy Wednesday, Stacie!
I too have a major issue with portion control when it comes to trail mix! Thanks for the review on Coco Libre! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I win the giveaway, but in the meantime I’m definitely going to pick up the almond variety so I can try it ASAP!
Sweet! Let me know how you like it, Court!! 🙂
me, too! The serving sizes are way smaller than you think!
MB
I love to use coconut water in my smoothies. With mango and banana it’s delicious!
Now that’s a lot of healthy fruit in one smoothie! Thanks, Amanda! 🙂
Coconut water with PROTEIN!? Love it. I like how you drink a lot of tea throughout the day… I need to do this more.
Hi Karina! Oh yes, I’m a big tea drinker! Happy Wednesday!! 🙂
I love drinking coconut water because it tastes good, but also because it is so hydrating! I buy a lot of it during the summer months and it is always in the fridge! I would love to try these by COCO Libre to see if I could start substituting these for my regular post workout protein shakes 🙂
That’s what I’ve been doing with them. Thanks for entering, Katie! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
I’d love to try coconut water, especially with protein!
Thanks, Kate! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
Those flavors sounds delicious! I am intrigued by the chocolate and almond one. I have not incorporated coconut water into my daily routine but I know there are so many benefits to drinking it.
It’s gooood stuff, Sara!! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
A nice big glass of almond milk always works for me :). I did try a chocolate almond milk and WOW so good, it was like chocolate milk! Too expensive to have on a regular basis though… considering all the sugar.
Home made trail-mix, I did that last month, and I agree, it’s quite challenging to eat a single portion. I put almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries, peanut butter chips, and coconut chips in mine- YUM!
Hi Jessie! I haven’t tried chocolate almond milk, but I guess I should. And trail mix is addicting — your combo sounds great!! Have an awesome Wednesday! 🙂
I love drinking coconut water when I’m feeling extra dehydrated, or on a hot summer day. And I love the addition of protein in these!
It’s pretty yummy! Thanks for entering, Emily! 🙂
I love the chocolate coconut water or coco water in smoothies. I tried these Coco Libre Protein drinks at an expo this past fall and loved them!
Hi Lauren, I know! So good!! 🙂
I am looking for a good post-long run beverage and I’m hoping coconut water could be it!
Absolutely, Becca. Thanks for entering! 🙂
The protein ones sound scrumptious and would be great after a workout! Kind of wish one of them did actually taste coconutty though!
Well you never know, Buzibu, you may taste it more than I did! 🙂
I love it after a run!!
Yummy! Protein and coconut water- win win
Sure is a win, Radeema!! Thanks for entering! 🙂
I enjoy coconut water after a tough and sweaty workout for rehydrating! 🙂 LOVE Coco Libre!
definitely before a workout to keep me hydrated and the small amount of sugar i need to get that boost of energy. It’s also good post workout because of the quick hydration.
Totally is, Anita! Happy Wednesday. Thanks for entering! 🙂
I love drinking coconut water after a workout.
I keep telling myself I need to give coconut water a shot. Chocolate flavor has me even more convinced…
Yes! You have to give it a try, MJ! 🙂
I like coconut water because hydrates faster than water alone! Great tips on when to drink it 🙂
Thanks, Allison! It sure is good stuff. Have a great Wednesday! 🙂
I can imagine these coconut waters being good (frozen into ice cubes) and added to my morning smoothies!
That’s an awesome idea, Nancy! Thanks for that!:)
I LOVE an ice cold coconut water after a nice sweaty run. That’s great that they have a little protein boost!!
Sure is good stuff, Amber! Happy Wednesday!
I actually have never tried coconut water?! I really should, especially the protein version!
MB
For sure, MaryBeth! I hope you like it when you try it! You may get hooked! 🙂
I love coconut water! This brand looks great 🙂
It’s pretty darn tasty!
looks like a yummy day! That protein drink is a great idea this is the first I’ve heard of it.
Hi Ivanna! It’s new and so good!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Have a great Wednesday!
I love coconut water after a long run. This protein is great for post workout pre-food! I tried the chocolate one from Bestowed and I liked it alot! I agree – less after taste than other protein shakes. Thx for the giveaway!
Thanks for stopping by to enter, Erica! And I’ve never tried Bestowed. But I am a huge coconut water lover. Have a great Wednesday! 🙂
Ashley – come by my blog tomorrow – I have a February Bestowed review and giveaway! It will be linked in Smitha’s round up too if you linked up via Running with SD 🙂
I love to add it to my fruit smoothies! Thanks for this : )
You’re welcome, Angie! Thanks for entering. Happy Wednesday! 🙂
I like drinking coconut water after my workout!
I am so intrigued by this concept! I would love to try the coconut water with protein! I think my boyfriend would REALLY love it!
It’s good stuff, Mandie!! Thanks!! 🙂
after long runs…a great way to rehydrate with less added sugars!
Nothing beats coconut water fresh from the coconut, but since I’m not hanging out on a beach, those look like a great alternative. I love them coconut water after a workout or when I just need a quick drink and already had tons of water.
Yes and yes, Megan!! Thanks for entering! 🙂
I’d drink this after my workout for hydration + protein.
Ditto – same here! Thanks for entering, Amy! 🙂
I’ve never tired coconut water, but I’d love to!
Coconut water is pretty much one of my favorite things ever and one of the few things I’ll ever drink that actually has calories (I’m much more of a water/tea person otherwise). I’d happily have it at any time of the day! *-*
Agreed!! 🙂
Coconut water is perfect during hot yoga or after/during an intense workout. I’ve never seen it infused with protein before, though! I’d love to win this!
It is so tasty! I was also very excited to try this combo. Thanks, Jordan! 🙂
Loveeee coconut water after a night out! And after a long run and sometimes as a cure to a sweet tooth 🙂
I like adding coconut water to my smoothies!
I love that they started adding protein to their coconut water! Such a brilliant idea!
I’ve never had coconut water, but I’d probably enjoy drinking it anytime of the day.
My mouth was watering reading about the different CocoLibre products. Looking forward to trying them soon! We take coconut water for granted in California… so many brands and options. When I got to the Chicago O’Hare airport in September, my first thought was to rehydrate after the flight and I couldn’t find coconut water ANYWHERE. Californians are spoiled!
I love using it to replenish my electrolytes after I go for a long run.
What a racist giveaway- Not open to Aussies 😉
Just kidding. I am shocked. first you got rid of your cottage cheese snack and then you had sweet potatoes and eggs and now….gone again.
That’s okay. You’re pretty cool.
I love drinking coconut water for rehydration after my workouts! I’ve never tried or heard of this brand and it sounds fabulous! Thank you!
I love coconut water after a sweaty run! It makes my water taste like a treat! I love these new protein options. PERFECT for the drive home after Body Pump/workout when I want to get some protein 🙂
I definitely have been enjoying these post BODYPUMP! Yay for PUMPING. 🙂 Thanks for entering, Heather! 🙂
I love to drink coconut water after a tough run, especially in the summer! It’s so refreshing 🙂
It sure is refreshing! 🙂
I love coconut water after a sweaty run-though in Boston right now, it’s hard to get very sweaty!
I have only tried plain coconut water but would love to try the flavors, my mom loves it too
I’ve actually never tried coconut water, but I really want to because I’ve heard great things about it!
I love Coco Libre! I hope I win so I can try these 😀
I generally only use coconut water in my smoothies.
Yum! I love coconut water and am intrigued by the protein option.
I love coconut water when I feel like I’m not getting enough water in.
It is quite tasty! Thanks, Shay! 🙂
I don’t have a specific time of day, I like to drink it at all hours. Especially with meals.
I’m drinking coconut water right now to try and help me kick my cold! So tasty 🙂
Thanks for entering! Hope you feel better soon! 🙂
After spin class
I don’t like coconut water…but the rest of my family does.
I love it after a long run.