It's about time...time for your protein shake, that is! As weight-loss surgery patients, it seems "anytime" and "all the time" is the time for a protein shake. 

Here is a new one you might like. About Time. About Time comes in eleven exciting flavors. Imagine among the most popular flavors such as Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla—flavors such as Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Swirl, Banana, Mocha Mint, and Peaches and Cream. About Time is the cleanest protein product on the market today: No artificial flavors and no artificial sweeteners.

Not all shakes are created equal. There are hundreds of brands and flavors out there to try. So keep trying until you find one you like. I have tried a few flavors of About Time adding milk instead of water. Low carb protein shakes allow you to also add in a little fruit. 

About Time offers sample packs. You can order them online. (And if you're a local member of Miles Surgical Support Group you might just get a free sample this summer when you attend the meeting)

Protein shakes are essential for weight loss and health during the weight loss phase, but it doesn't last forever. When you're past the weight-loss phase and are able to eat more whole food protein, you can wean off protein shakes. Or if you love protein shakes, you could include one for a treat. But until then, try About Time. 

Find recipes on About Time's Facebook page at Try About Time.

If you are local to Wilmington, NC — About Time is available at GNC in Mayfaire Town Center.

Here's what's new in protein, it's all the craze. 

Quest Bar 

High in fiber and protein and low in fat, sugar, and carbs.   

Available at GNC

Protein powders and shakes are usually suggested during the weight loss phase after having weight loss surgery, even for lap-banders. So which protein shakes do you choose?

My suggestion is to try as many as you can, to find several that you like. These supplements are for your health and weight loss and the period you use them could be for quite a while. This time will depend on your weight loss and the advice of your surgeon or dietitian. 

Having several that you enjoy is the key.Having some for variety, even flavors you can mix and match according to your nutritional needs and taste.

Bariatric TV just did a great video on supplements. They had a great point also...you usually find that you are more likely to take the supplement when you like the taste. The important thing is getting in the protein. Make sure that your protein choice is high quality and good tasting.  Some companies offer samples. 

Here's a new one..."Click" Espresso Protein Drink 

Spiru-tein comes in lots of flavors and variety of options, such as wafers and powders. Unsweetened, one servings packets are also available. 

Available at Loveys Market and Tidal Creek Co-Op. 

Spiru-tein powder is not quite as high in protien as some other protein supplements, but it is low in carbs, sugar, fat and calories. 

You can still take advantage of the huge variety of flavors offered by Spiru-tein by adding additional grams of unflavored protein to Spriu-tein. 

I'm always trying new protein options.

I recently made a trip to GNC for a quick glance for anything new and I love their Oh Yeah protein bars...what I discovered is a new protein shake.

GNC Total Lean. New. 

I tried the ready to use shake 14 oz bottle , but it also comes in powders in bulk and several different flavors. (Make sure you check the label on the powder). 

I tried the Swiss Chocolate...Oh yumm! 

I think I'm addicted!  

It's lactose free.

Packs 25 grams of protein in one bottle.

170 calories, only 6 fat grams, 6 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar. 

It tastes a lot like the Oh Yeah Chocolate but with fewer calories per serving. 

Give it a try...