Review: Arbonne Protein Shake Mix

A couple of months ago I shared a list of all of the foods that I cannot eat. The list is lengthy, and while it is frustrating, I am trying to focus on the foods that I can eat. Since I run 4-5 days a week and lift weights 2-3 times a week, it is imperative that I am fueling properly before, during and after my workouts. It is also important that what I am using to fuel my body is not upsetting my stomach or gastrointestinal system. After a lot of trial and error, I have finally found a product that agrees with my body: Arbonne Protein Shake Mix

Arbonne Protein Shake Mix comes in two different flavors:

More about the Protein Shake Mix:

Provides 20 grams of vegan protein, plus more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals per serving, delivering a 100% amino acid score. Clinically tested and certified to have a low glycemic index, which has little effect on blood sugar levels and does not cause a spike in blood sugar.

The best thing about Arbonne products is they are gluten-free, vegan and kosher certified. I have had issues with so many different similar products on the market, but have had zero issues with this product. The taste is great, the texture is smooth, and the powder mixes well with water or almond milk in a protein shaker. I have also used the Protein Shake Mix in a smoothies and have fallen in love with this Pumpkin Smoothie. The Protein Shake Mix is sold in a 2 lb 15.6 oz package for $69.00. While that does sound like a lot, it is comparable to similar products on the market, but is sold in a larger, re-sealable bag. 

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The Arbonne Protein Shake Mix is also sold in individual packets and Ready-to-Drink Shakes

In the spirit of full disclosure, while I do purchase the Arbonne products I reviewed in this post, I am now a consultant for Arbonne. I became a consultant just a little over two weeks ago because I believe strongly in their products. You will begin to see some posts in the future about different Arbonne products that I now use and why I use them. I am happy to answer any questions you many have. If you would like to order the Protein Shake Mix, or any other Arbonne product, you can do so by contacting me through the “Get in Touch” button on this page or by ordering through the links posted throughout this post. 

===> Order Arbonne Protein Shake Mix Vanilla

===> Order Arbonne Protein Shake Mix Chocolate

A Letter to Restaurants Offering a Gluten-Free Menu

When I first started the gluten-free diet almost ten years ago, there were only a handful of restaurants offering a gluten-free menu. I dreamed of the day when it would be easier to eat out and when people wouldn’t look at me like I had two heads. However, that day has come and it isn’t anything like I imagined. The masses of people following the gluten-free diet because it is the latest “fad” has increased the number of restaurants offering a gluten-free menu, but hasn’t done much to teach these establishments the serious risks of cross-contamination. There are more people being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance thanks to raised awareness, and that is great!  However, I don’t feel that those are the people many restaurants have in mind when they begin to offer a gluten-free menu. Unfortunately, those are the people that may suffer the consequences of so many establishments jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon and not taking the necessary steps to educate their staff and minimize the risks of cross-contamination. 

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After another not-so-great experience this past weekend, I decided to write the letter below to all restaurants offering a gluten-free menu. 

To Whom it May Concern,

Thank you for including a gluten-free menu in your offerings. I appreciate you taking any and all precautions in your establishment to keep me and my family safe. However, if you overlook some of the following basic, common-knowledge facts concerning serving gluten-free food and how to avoid cross-contamination, please don’t bother to insult me. Educate yourself and your staff. This is not a fad diet for most people, this is our life. We don’t choose to eat like this. 

  • If you use a common fryer, your fries are not gluten-free, and neither are your tortilla, potato chips, or anything else you fry in your fryer. 
  • This also goes for common toasters, ovens, utensils, etc 
  • Picking the croutons or bread off of the salad is not acceptable
  • Change your gloves before touching any food that should be gluten-free
  • If you are using condiments with a utensil that has touched gluten, you must use new, uncontaminated condiments and clean utensils
  • If you cook gluten-free pasta in the same water as non-gluten-free pasta, it isn’t gluten-free
  • If you steam vegetables with pasta water used to cook non-gluten-free pasta, those vegetables are not gluten-free
  • If you dust the cake pan with regular flour, your cake is no longer gluten-free (I’m looking at you Cheesecake Factory)
  • If you thicken your omelettes or eggs with pancake batter, they are no longer gluten-free
  • Most soy sauce is not gluten-free, so dressings, sauces, and marinades made with soy sauce are not gluten-free
  • Gluten-free pizza cooked on the same surface as non-gluten-free pizza (many establishments do this)
  • Beer is not gluten-free, so if it is used in any dish, dessert, etc, said dish is not gluten-free

Of course accidents do happen, but an accidental cross-contamination is much different than one that results from blatantly ignoring the items listed above. I choose to accept the risks of accidental cross-contamination and do so willingly so that I can have a social life. 

Respectfully,

Kim Bouldin

Diagnosed with Celiac Disease in January 2006

Please help make gluten-free dining out safer for those with Celiac Disease or gluten-intolerance and share this letter. Feel free to copy and remove my name and sign yours…maybe if enough of us call these restaurants out, they will make the necessary changes or stop offering their gluten-free menus. I would much rather a restaurant not offer a gluten-free menu and know that upfront, so I can choose someplace that has my best interests in mind. 

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