One important way I help ensure my physical and mental health when the stress in my life starts to ramp up is to ensure I’m eating enough protein. If you know me at all, virtually or in real life, you know the priority I put on consuming ample protein as part of a balanced diet.  But, when life gets crazy, managing this macro can seem like just another chore . . . or gets pushed out of the way almost completely by stress eating (for me, chocolate). Thankfully, I keep fizzique sparkling protein water on hand to sip on during the day. Read on to learn more about the product and discover Best Times to Drink Protein 

First, let me say on my soapbox, that drinking a diet of protein waters, protein shakes and other such “supplement” stuff should NOT be a complete replacement for whole foods. Variety is the spice of life and eating an assortment of whole grains, lean proteins and colorful fruits and veggies will ensure that you are getting the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients needed for optimal health and wellness.

However, there IS a time and place (make that times and places!) for alternative nutrition choices, including protein. I’m sharing Best Times to Drink Protein and how having a product like fizzique sparkling water on hand makes it convenient, easy and super tasty to take care of your body.

In a Pinch: Consuming a protein drink is a much better option than going hungry when you are delayed in traffic, stuck in a meeting, having to postpone a meal until later, or traveling without access to good food choices.  Several research studies show that having enough protein on the front end of the day will reduce cravings for high carb snacks later on.

Post Workout: It is VERY important to consume 10 to 20 grams of protein within a 30-minute window of an intense run or workout. This is what helps taxed muscles mend . . . and grow. I have stood on my “box” and fussed at gym friends so many times for giving up their “gains” by skipping a protein-rich snack after a sweat sesh because they were either “watching calories” or hadn’t planned ahead.

Salad Sidekick: A protein rich drink (like fizzique) can help keep your diet balanced on those days when you are in salad mode without any substantial proteins to put on top. Usually, but not always, I’ve meal prepped Italian Beef Crumbles and Honey Shredded Chicken or at least have a few hard-boiled eggs in the fridge. Pairing my mainly veggie salad with a protein-rich drink (like fizzique with 20g protein) helps be reach my goal of eating 30 grams of protein per meal.

Party Drink Swap: In theory, I’m not against a glass of wine, beer or other adult libation now and then and in moderation. However, I personally can’t handle it, anything more than a half-glass (and I’m being generous) makes me feel like crud the next day . . not hungover bad, but just general malaise that ends up putting a damper on the day. A protein drink like fizzique offers healthy bubbles without the hangover. Additionally, sipping on a protein drink can also help you from over indulging on appetizers.

Bedtime Snack: Whomever decided that snacking before bed is bad, was so wrong. Bedtime snacks are a great way to manage weight and maintain muscle mass, I’ve posted about why bedtime snacks are good a few times!  Eating protein before bed helps curb hunger, repair and build muscle and tissues broken down during workouts earlier in the day – the largest percentage of muscle growth and repair happens at night while in a deep sleep. Eating protein before bed also helps to stabilize blood sugar and prevent middle-of-the-night hunger awakenings or mornings where you wake-up feeling energy drained. Eating traditional proteins like steak, chicken, fish, eggs and so on can leave you feeling bloated and full at night, but a smoothie or drink with whey protein will feed your body what it needs without that sensation of undigested food sitting in to your gut.

Let me tell you a little more about this fizzique sparkling protein water I’ve been mentioning. It’s a refreshing, bubbly grab-and-go drink with 20g of protein (whey), only 80 calories, fat-free and 0 net carbs. No sugar, no colors or artificial flavors or preservatives. GMO free, soy free, gluten free and very low sodium. It’s available in Strawberry Watermelon and Tropical Limon flavors, both are absolutely refreshing, crisp and delicious – not at all heavy, chalky or thick like you might expect from a protein drink, instead just like a clear, effervescent “regular” flavored sparkling water!

Here are some other ways you can learn more about fizzique and how it can help you on your health and fitness journey:

Jump into the fizzique “Curb Your Cravings” Instagram Challenge (running April 16 – May 4) for a chance to win a case of fizzique by posting a photo guided by the three weekly prompts.

Try fizzique for yourself, order on their website drinkfizzique.com and use my discount code FITFORKFIZZIQUE to save 10% or shop it on Amazon.

Join my Facebook Live chat “Fizzique on Fleek” this Friday April 20^th at 9:00 to 9:30am CT and enjoy some fun and festivities, The Fit Fork style!

What is your go-to protein snack? When are you most likely to fall off your healthy eating routine? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

****This post is sponsored by Fitapproach on behalf of fizzique. However, all comments, opinions and enthusiasm for the product remain my own.****