Happy Monday to you all! I hope you had a great weekend. It was probably full of a lot of candy, so now we have even more of a reason to start the week off with a little talk about something healthy. Today, in addition to my weekly workout recap, I’m introducing you to an incredible new product and also offering a giveaway for two lucky readers to win a full-size batch of the product to try it out! Read on …
Introducing the brand new Les Mills Good Protein
If you’re a regular around A Lady Goes West, then you’ve heard the name Les Mills many times before. Les Mills is the group fitness company that I’m slightly obsessed with and the creator of BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK and CXWORX workouts, all of which I teach. I’ve been a Les Mills instructor for more than five years and even worked for a short time at the Les Mills West Coast office here in San Francisco. I’ve attended tons of Les Mills trainings (which you can read all about over on the Fitness page), I write about Les Mills-related topics all the time, and most recently, I’ve had the very exciting opportunity to become a Les Mills U.S. Blogger. As part of that role, I’ve been able to be one of the first to try out and tell you all about Les Mills very first nutrition product, Les Mills Good Protein, a high-quality protein powder.
To tell you the truth, I was really nervous about trying Good Protein, because if I didn’t like it, I would have to tell you my honest opinion, and I don’t like to speak ill of Les Mills. But good news, it’s completely delicious, the ingredients are high-quality, and I’m 100 percent sold. I can honestly say this is the best protein powder I’ve ever had. What’s it like? Well, according to the folks at Les Mills who spent a long time developing it, here’s what you need to know:
Good Protein is low carbohydrate, dairy-based protein powder, sweetened with stevia leaf extract. It contains the same ratio and types of proteins found in real milk, whey and casein. Whey gives a fast release of amino acids, and casein provides a slower release over several hours. Together, they provide optimum muscle recovery. Les Mills Good Protein is protein as nature intended.
Good Protein comes in two delicious flavors: Natural Vanilla and Natural Chocolate. The big white pouches contain 2.3 lbs. of protein powder, which is about 30 servings total. The price per pouch is $69, and this stuff just hit the market. In fact, Good Protein went on sale online at the very end of October, and you can only get it in the U.S. by visiting the Les Mills shop.
Shown above: Two big white pouches full of natural protein goodness.
The verdict on Les Mills Good Protein
Taste: I put both flavors of Good Protein to the real test: I mixed one scoop of powder with nothing but water — no extras at all. I’ve had so many different protein powders throughout the years, and I can confidently compare and contrast this product to other major brands. Taste-wise, Good Protein is incredibly delicious and much tastier than other protein powders I’ve ever tried. Both the vanilla and the chocolate are rich with the right amount of sweetness, with no strange artificial aftertaste, and I liked them both equally.
Texture: Good Protein has a thicker, creamier texture than you usually get just by mixing a protein powder with nothing but water, and I like that aspect about it the most. It’s almost like a thick creamy milk-type liquid consistency, and that’s solely from the quality of the powder.
Recovery: After drinking both Les Mills Good Protein flavors as shakes after hard workouts (once after teaching Les Mills BODYATTACK class and once after taking a different hard class), I was very pleased with the quick recovery and shot of energy I received from just one cold shaker of the powder mixed with water. Because a one-scoop serving calls for 10 ounces of water, it seems like a heartier portion than you usually get with other products. The thick and delicious mixture restored my blood sugar and definitely provided the quick amino acids that I needed to go on about my day after sweating and working very hard.
Overall: I promise you, this is delicious and nutritious stuff. As a group fitness instructor and someone who works out a lot, I reach for a protein shake after every single one-hour workout for muscle recovery and so the ingredients are very important to me. But I can also tell you, that as as a foodie, I want each and every shake I reach for to be something with quality flavors and taste. I’m not into stomaching functional health food; I need good food. And Les Mills Good Protein delivers. I’m once again amazed by the fabulous production from my favorite company out of New Zealand, now offering a nutrition product as awesome as their workouts.
The high points of Good Protein
- It’s got just over 26 grams of protein and 120 calories per serving.
- There are only six simple ingredients, nothing artificial.
- Made with a combination of whey and casein protein, you get the best of both worlds: Whey protein works fast, while casein offers slow release of amino acids.
- The protein is ethically-sourced from the milk of grass-fed cows, which is the best kind.
- Each pouch costs $69, and there are 30 servings in each.
- Can be used in smoothies and food, but is good enough to drink alone just mixed with water.
The final say? Good Protein is not-your-average store-bought protein powder. It’s made from the people who really research and think about how to do things right, and you can tell. Les Mills cares about creating a fitter planet, and the company’s first nutrition product is nothing but A+, with top-of-the-line ingredients, taste and purpose, designed to do good.
I love it. And I’m promising you, it’s worth the extra money, because just like the name says, it’s GOOD.
With that, I’d like to get back to the regularly scheduled programming here on Monday mornings. Let’s take a look at how I got moving over the past week.
Weekly Workouts
- Monday – Completed 30-minute CXWORX core workout at home
- Tuesday – Rest day (traveling from Florida to California!)
- Wednesday – Taught one-hour BODYATTACK and BODYPUMP classes, foam rolling
- Thursday – Attended one-hour Barry’s Bootcamp Hardcore Abs class
- Friday – Attended one-hour Vinyasa flow yoga class at Satori Yoga
- Saturday – Taught one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Sunday – Attended one-hour Barry’s Bootcamp Full Body class
What was good about my week of workouts?
I had great variety in my workouts this week, with several sessions of cardio in BODYATTACK and Barry’s Bootcamp, as well as resistance training in BODYPUMP and Barry’s Bootcamp. That, combined with a full rest day, a short day of core training and a one-hour yoga class gave me all the different types of exercising and moving I needed to get in over the course of seven days. I taught some classes, and I took some classes, which gave me the chance to lead and follow. I must say that I loved attending Barry’s twice in one week, because the workout was totally different, yet absolutely killer each time. I was able to do that because I skipped a couple of workouts while visiting Florida and had a mid-day rest week, which freed me up to sweat on Sunday morning.
What could have been better?
This week, I didn’t fit in a single session alone in the gym lifting weights, although I did do the 30-minute CXWORX workout at home in my parent’s living room. I’ve been very good about getting at least a short weights workout done on my own time lately, such as my four-move total-body dumbbell workout and 20-minute total-body dumbbell workout, but none of that happened this week. It’s certainly not the end of the world, because I’m pretty sure my muscles felt worked enough after Pumping and Barrying this week. I’ll say this week was A-okay, especially since I was able to refuel with Les Mills Good Protein.
Now, it’s all about you …
Enter the Les Mills Good Protein giveaway
I’ve raved all about Les Mills Good Protein today, so I’d like to offer TWO of you a chance to give the product a try. That’s right, there will be two winners of huge 2.3 lb. pouches, one of which will get the vanilla and the other the chocolate, worth $69 each. Follow the instructions below to enter. This contest is super short and closes this Thursday night, so enter today. And hey, share with your protein-powder Les-Mills loving friends, because I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. (This giveaway is now closed.)
And if you’re new to A Lady Goes West because of this giveaway, thanks for stopping by and come back again real soon.
* Disclaimer: As part of my role as a Les Mills U.S. Blogger, I was sent two complimentary pouches of Les Mills Good Protein in exchange for my honest review. But of course, my love for the product is real.
Questions of the day
How was your weekend? Did you eat too much candy? Do you have any workouts planned for the week?
Seems like you had a great week. I hope you had fun back home. I feel great after getting up to get an early morning workout after a long weekend!
Me too! Even though I like rest, I enjoy jumping right back on the healthy train when vacation is over. Thanks, Nicole!
Would love to win a free bag after this write up. About to submit my ATTACK assessment film for release 86!! Could use this shake to propel me through all the workouts & practicing I have been doing!! 🙂
Hi Cynthia!! Soooo exciting you’ve filmed your assessment. And yes, you definitely need some Good Protein after teaching BODYATTACK. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for entering. Let me know when you find out your results. 🙂
This sounds like a great protein powder! I’d love to try it. While I do love Shakeology, it is NOT just a protein powder. So I would enjoy to mix it up a bit and get a nice dose of protein in the morning. Happy Monday to you Ashley!
Hi Courtney! Yes indeed, Good Protein would be a nice complement to your daily Shakeology. Thanks for entering and have a lovely Monday! 🙂 Hope your vacay was great!
One thing that makes me feel good…the high after a great run!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Reflections and the Friday Five!
Hi Sue! Yes, I’m sure a good run gives you some nice endorphins. I don’t run very much outside of the group fitness room, but I remember that feeling when I did used to run more often. Hope you have a lovely Monday!
going for a run on a cool, fall morning feels amazing!
Hi Emily! Thanks for entering, and yes, a cool call morning is the best time in the world to run outside. Maybe I should do that sometime. Have a good Monday!
I am a huge Les Mills fan as well – in fact I believe that’s how I found your blog originally. Anyhow, I feel good after I take a hard 6am BodyAttack class – it is always a challenge but I always feel awesome afterwards. Thanks for the giveaway and sharing the news about their protein powder. Super exciting!
becca recently posted…In the West
Hi Becca! 6am BODYATTACK is intense, so good for you. You’re very welcome! I hope you get a chance to try Good Protein soon. Have a lovely Monday:)
I love how I feel after a great upbeat workout as my endorphins are all energized and oxygenated! Thank you so much for this fabulous giveaway to try!
Hi Renata! A post-workout high is a pretty awesome feeling. And you’re so welcome, thank the folks at Les Mills for letting me do this giveaway too. Have a great day!
I’m super excited to try the new protein powder – I would expect anything other than the best from Les Mills and glad to hear that they delivered!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. 🙂
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Weekend Update: 11/2/14
Hi Katie! I know, I was soooo happy to find that it was delicious. Of course they would nail it! Have a wonderful Monday:)
This protein power sounds amazing!! I cant wait to purchase some.
Hi Catherine! Thanks for stopping by! Happy Monday:)
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
Looks like a good week of workous. We did not have one trick or treater on Halloween! My boyfriend and I did a Halloween workout and enjoyed the weather in Austin. Two lovely fall days! It was perfect.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…The Math in Your Goals
Lovely fall weather is awesome! That’s great. I look forward to living in a house one day and having little trick or treaters, but I surely didn’t see any in the City this year hehehe:)
Kia kaha fellow Les Mills junkie! I teach RPM and Combat and have been dying to try the new PP! What makes me feel good? Excercise of course!!
Hi Britney! Thank you for reading! You will LOVE Good Protein. Sooooo tasty. I haven’t taken RPM or BODYCOMBAT in forever! I need to brand a bit, but stick to my BODYATTACK, BODYPUMP and CXWORX programs mostly. 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
Love seeing your mix of workouts! My typical go-to (Iron Tribe) is closed on Monday and Tuesday so I’m enjoying adding in some variety to my workouts! Went to a kickboxing class this morning that kicked my bootay and am going to hit up a Barre class tomorrow! So fun to mix it up.
Christa @ Living Unbalanced recently posted…The Best Part About Weddings
Hi Christa! Yes, that’s great variety right there. What’s Iron Tribe all about??
spending time with loved ones!
Hi Carrie! That’s a good one for sure. 🙂
Facetiming with my family (who live a few hours away) always makes me feel happy and loved 🙂
Hi Ashley! I just Facetimed with my Momma this weekend! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
I am actually surprised they haven’t come out with a protein powder sooner! I am all about quality protein powders and would love to try this out. Oh, and a nice long run or a good nights sleep makes me feel good! 🙂
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…Ew! It’s my stepdad, Gary!
Hi Katie! A good night sleep is definitely key! Thanks for entering:)
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
Great giveaway! I’m a BIG fan of good quality protein, and I’ll take your word that this is delicious! How exciting you’re one of the first to try! I hope this is open to Canada as I just entered 😉
running and good smoothies make me feel good 🙂
Hi Paige! I bet they do. Thanks for entering!
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
I enjoy a good warm home cooked meal as it is the perfect comfort food. Thanks!
Agreed!! Thanks, Ray!
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
Looks like you had an awesome week in workouts! I always feel best after a great workout or run! 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: Baked Falafel with Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce {Gluten Free, Vegan}
Hi Annmarie! Thanks for entering, and yes, working out definitely makes me feel good too:)
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
One thing that makes me feel good is the feeling after finishing a tough workout, then eating a nutritious meal! 🙂
Hi Stef, Thanks for entering! Yes, those are great feelings for sure. Have a great Monday:)
Eating after an AMAZING workout makes me feel good 🙂
That protein powder sounds freakin’ delicious. I would probably go for Vanilla flavor, as I have had some pretty scary chocolate protein powders before 😉 Your weekly workouts never cease to amaze me. Do you still get sore every day? How do you power through that? 🙂
xoxo
Audrey
Audrey recently posted…Here’s Our Post-Halloween Skin Detox!
Hi Audrey, You know I’m actually not sore all the time. Maybe every other week or so, depending on what I do. This week I was VERY sore, because I took some time off in Florida and came back to teach a double on a Wednesday night. But I try to stretch and foam roll after all my workouts to help my body recover a bit. I’m very used to this kind of schedule, so it’s not too bad for me:) Thanks for entering!
Ashley recently posted…Les Mills protein powder giveaway + workouts
I feel like a new revived person after my yoga classes!
Hi Georgiana! Agreed, yoga does make you feel good. 🙂
Not too much candy for me 🙂 just some Häagen-Dazs peanut butter pie ice cream! Busy week this week with a huge conference at work, 14k+steps just walking around the convention center all day, sore from an intense sprint workout yesterday, otherwise just some nice/effective workouts other days. That protein powder looks great, I love to make mine into pancakes!
Hi Jessie! Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of steps around a convention center. Sounds like you earned some more Haagen-Dazs! Thanks for entering! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
This is a great giveaway! I have to say just being active makes me feel good – whether it’s a stress-busting kettlebell class or a relaxing yoga class.
Wow, you are really hooking your readers up lately with the giveaways lately! 🙂
I tried out a bag of Stronger Faster Healthier protein most recently–I like that they use whey from grass-fed cows, and it’s cool that Les Mills’ variety does too. That said, the stevia in the SFH is soooo strong, the taste ends up overpowering. My bf won’t touch anything with that powder in it, although I’ve still managed to get through most of the bag (maybe the chocolate would work out better than the vanilla, I dunno). What sweetener is in this protein? Have you tried SFH and how do you think it compares?
For my Halloween, I stayed at home with my honey, wore my comfy clothes and watched Parks and Rec on Netflix with some wine and a little leftover candy. I thought that was a great way to spend the evening, certainly beat battling the crazies out on the town for me! 🙂
Suzanne | Agent Athletica recently posted…Deepest Cranberry Passion Run Crops + Pigment Hot Cheeks Shorts + More
Hi Suzanne, Les Mills Good Protein is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, and I don’t think it’s too strong of a sweetener at all. In fact, the flavors are perfect. I’ve never tried Stronger Faster Healthier before, and I can say Good Protein is my favorite ever! Hope you have a great day! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
Serious week of work outs. They look great. I’ve heard a lot of love for Les Mills classes.
I definitely indulged in a little bit of candy this weekend. I had a friend who made homemade almond butter cups, and they were so so worth it. (Okay, no lies, the candy corn was worth it too.)
Kay @ Kay Bueno recently posted…Halloween Weekend, the ugly and the not so ugly.
Halloween candy is nothing to be ashamed of! Have you ever tried anything Les Mills?? You’ve got to come take my classes then!
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
I’ve been using Metabolic Protizyme protein powder and loving it. That said I take a weekly Les Mills Body Pump class and also love it. Net, I’d love to try the protein powder and see if it’s worth switching!
Hi Jen! I’ve never heard of Metabolic Protizyme. So glad you’re a BODYPUMP fan! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
Getting a good sweat makes me feel good! And spending quality time with my hubs 🙂
Brittany @ Barr & Table recently posted…Chinatown Hops
I like both of this things too, Brittany! Thanks for entering. 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
a great pump in the gym makes me feel great!
I’ve been looking for a good protein powder and this sounds perfect! Using my lunch breaks as work out time makes me feel good ~ its nice to get out of the office and build up a sweat!
I too love Les Mills’ good protein!
Annette@FitnessPerks recently posted…What’s in My Gym Bag (Fitness Instructor Edition)
Me too! Soooo yummy, and just as I would have hoped and expected from Les Mills.
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
A good, sweaty workout first thing in the morning.
Agreed! Thanks for entering, Kelsey!
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
I always feel great after a long hot yoga class!
Me too! I’m always trying to get more yoga in my life. Thanks for entering, Lizzie!
Ashley recently posted…Blogging is funny and more LE TOTE clothing
working out makes me feel great!!
I have 3 runs and a yoga class on the schedule this week! Great giveaway!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Avg vs. Awesome? Run with friends!
Thanks, Mary Beth. Yoga and running makes a lovely combination for a week of fitness.
Eating my favorite foods.
Nela recently posted…Labor Day Barbecue
Hi Nela! Agreed, that’s a great way to feel good. Thanks for entering!
One thing that makes me feel really good is a healthy diet. One of my favorite “foods” right now is Kombucha. I remember drinking it as a little girl in Russia and now I enjoy it from health food stores and it decreases my sugar cravings.
Hi Vita! That’s great. I’ve only tried Kombucha once and definitely want to have some more. Thanks for entering!
Exercise and eating right makes me feel good.
One thing that makes me feel good is when my sons hug me and tell me they love me!
Matt recently posted…Am I Losing My Mind?
That’s really sweet!! Thanks for entering, Matt.
Would love to try out the new LM powder. As an instructor myself (certified in LM Pump and RPM, among others), I am constantly on the hunt for good, healthy products. Protein powders all tend to upset my stomach, so I’m constantly looking for something that’ll work!
PS – new to your blog and love it! 🙂
Hi Sarah!! Well, welcome to A Lady Goes West. Hope you can check out some of my other Les Mills posts. I love having another member of the tribe to interact with … and yes, Good Protein is awesome! Have a great day!!
Running in the am
Exercising makes me feel good!
I’d love to win! Honestly, my Les Mills workouts like BodyPump make me feel good, it’s a weights class and I always feel strong and confident when I go.
Amy Lauren recently posted…Weekly Workout Recap: Oct 27- Nov 2
Hi Amy! I agree! So glad you’re a BODYPUMP fan! Thanks for entering!
I need some new protein to shake up my current routine!
A good run makes me happy!!
Totally a good run!!!
Kristen recently posted…Tuesday iPhone Photo Dump
A hot bath
Getting to catch up with old friends! <3
Farrah recently posted…November Blog Challenge (#1-#6)
I’m constantly on the hunt for a good protein powder and love natural ingredients. I am also a lover of Les Mills!
Hmm, one thing that makes me feel good? Being with my friends and boyfriend, and giving my all on a tough workout 🙂
Alice @ Honestly Fitness recently posted…Comment on Harmless Harvest Coconut Water + Giveaway! by Harmony
A good night’s sleep, closely followed by massage.
Yum! They sound great, still trying to figure out what protein shakes I like most. Would love to try these!
bubble baths and reading a book