What's in this stuff, anyway?

Ever wonder what you're consuming? Have you tried to read the labels only to realize that you would need a B.S. in Chemistry to pronounce those things and a Ph.D. in order to have a clue what they really were?

I watch a lot of science programs (Mythbusters, How It's Made, Dr. Oz), and one particular snippet of show about jobs in science was supposed to get kids excited about working in various industries. It had the opposite of the intended effect on me. It was all about the "flavor scientists" who put together various chemicals in order to produce different flavors, that in reality had no basis of the substance they were trying to mimic in flavor. The flavor engineer showed how five different chemicals, when left on their own, did NOT smell at all appetizing, but when mixed together smelled and tasted like cherries.

A couple of thoughts occurred to me. First, if I want something cherry flavored, then I should just eat cherries! Second, if skip the cherry-flavored and go right for the cherries, there are many more benefits to me, not the least of which are proper caloric intake, fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and sugars that I need.

Let's switch gears for a moment. I watch a lot of Dr. Oz, too. It's the perfect "mom-break" for me in the mid-afternoon. He is frequently stating the importance of protein in the morning (20g for women, 25g for men). Getting that much protein, though, is no small feat. Eggs average about 4g of protein. But do you really want to eat 5 eggs for breakfast? I tried - and I can be a big eater. I felt sick just making the attempt - - and had nothing else with them.

Enter, Arbonne's protein powder. 160 Calories. 9g Sugar. 20g Protein. And what is the protein from? As with all of Arbonne's products, it is a Vegan- and Kosher-certified product. The nutrition label reads more like a recipe from your favorite cookbook: pea protein, cranberry protein, rice protein. A handful of other nutritional oils and sweeteners that - as always - never act as fillers but are actually beneficial.

It's my go-to drink. I, personally, am prone to hypoglycemia, and no matter how active I am that day, or where I'm vacationing, I have never had a blood-sugar dip when I start my day with this. Love it!