As most of my readers are aware, I am very much against the use of artificial sweeteners.  In the same line, consuming too much sugar is also a sure fire way to put a halt to fat loss.  I won't go into the reasons why here (you can see my book the Daily Detox Diet for more info on this topic), suffice it to say that you should avoid both sugar and artificial sweeteners if you are serious about getting real results.  This poses a bit of a problem when searching for a protein supplement however, because the vast majority of them are LOADED with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and chemicals.  Not only that, but many use very low quality ingredients that have little bio availability (your body can't process them and absorb them well), and the companies that produce them are little more than multi-level marketers trying to squeeze you out of a quick buck.

For my protein supplement recommendations, I have chosen three brands that stand above the rest due to their choice of ingredients, lack of artificial sweeteners and processed sugar, and superior attention to quality control.

Protein Recommendation #1 - Vega from Sequel Naturals

Vega is a vegan-approved protein supplement that is sweetened with stevia, contains digestive enzymes, a full range of added vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and even fiber.  It is the Cadillac of protein supplements in my opinion.  It is also the most expensive I have yet to come across (you have to pay for quality).  However It tastes fantastic, and is tolerated by anybody, even those who traditionally get digestive upset from whey proteins.  In actuality, this product is more of a total meal replacement than just strictly a protein powder, as it does contain a small amount of high quality, slow burning carbohydrates, in addition to essential fatty acids.  If you can afford it, this is easily your best option in a protein supplement.

Click the image below for a link to Vega




Protein Recommendation #2 - Vegan proteins+ from Genuine Health

Vegan proteins+ is another vegan protein powder which is derived from pea, cranberry, brown rice, alfalfa, and hemp proteins.  It is made by a company called Genuine Health, who are well known for their top-notch 'greens+' products.  Like Vega, Vegan proteins+ is void of sugar and artificial sweeteners, and is sweetened with Stevia.  It is less expensive than Vega, but does not have some of the 'bells and whistles' that the former contains such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, and EFA's.  Therefore it is strictly a protein supplement, and should not be considered a meal replacement.  I recommend the vanilla flavor as it is easily mixed and hidden in many different recipes to give them a protein boost.

Click the image below for a link to Vegan proteins+




Protein Recommendation #3 - Gold Standard Natural 100% Whey from Optimum Nutrition

The last protein on my list is also the least expensive, so for those on a budget here is your best option.  You can get a 5lb tub of this protein for around $40.00 US, and it will last you upwards of 2-3 months depending on how much you use per day. This is one of the very few whey protein supplements that does not use sugar or artificial sweeteners, and again, opts for Stevia as it's natural sweetener - which is a rarity in commercial whey protein products.  The reason this protein doesn't net the top spot on my list is simply due to the fact that it is a whey protein, and for those who don't tolerate dairy well, this could present a bit of a problem.  For such folks, I recommend one of the vegan proteins listed above.  However, if you tolerate whey protein well, then I highly recommend anything from Optimum Nutrition's 'Natural' line.

Click the image below for a link to Gold Standard Natural 100% Whey