Run Jen Run: BibRave Pro Product Review: Generation UCAN Protein Drink Mix

Disclaimer: I was recently sent Generation UCAN Protein Drink Mix to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

“YOU CAN WITH UCAN”

Sometimes a product falls in your hands at just the right time. Deep into Miami Marathon training, I have been struggling with nutrition. The marathon training hunger is RAGING which doesn’t lead me to smart, healthy choices. I need carbs and I need protein—and unless I head to the Burrito place or dinner at my parent’s house, I don’t really eat protein. Not to mention that lately with Christmas cookies galore everywhere I look, I have come home and literally forgotten to eat or I am way too full to think about eating a full meal! So what have I been doing? I’ve been whipping up a quick smoothie with UCAN Protein Drink Mix and not feeling guilty about skipping a meal because I ate too many Christmas cookies.

Generation UCAN

Have you every tried Generation UCAN? I heard of their products a while back when Meb started appearing in their advertisements. If MEBCAN, UCAN—right? But until BibRave partnered up with Generation UCAN and offered it to the Pros, I had never personally tried it.

So what’s the big deal?

Generation UCAN products are powered by SuperStarch. In their words, “This natural, slow-releasing carbohydrate keeps blood sugar stable and delivers steady energy for your brain and body.”

Benefits of SuperStarch:

· Steady energy

· Burn fat for fuel

· No GI distress

· Healthy, efficient calories

· Optimize recovery

· Improve body composition

The UCAN Protein Drink Mix comes in 2 flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla Cream. The sample pack also included “The UCAN Recipe Cookbook” with lots of great ideas for pre-workout snacks, post-workout to enhance fat burn and optimize recovery, between meals to control cravings, and as a healthy addition to a meal replacement shake.

I was actually surprised at how full I felt after drinking my first UCAN smoothie. As someone that usually needs to eat every 90 minutes or so, it actually kept me satisfied for way longer.

The flavors took a little time getting used to. A problem I constantly run into is that my pup and my blender are not friends so I tend to rush the blending process. UCAN’s SuperStarch has a very distinct flavor and texture and I found that if I didn’t fully blend my drinks or use enough fruit in my smoothies, it was a lot more noticeable.

Note: 1 packet of UCAN Protein Drink Mix is equivalent to 1.5 scoops. I didn’t know this my first smoothie and put WAY too much in!

“These are a few of my favorite smoothies…”

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie

· 1.5 scoops Chocolate

· 1 cup raspberries

· 8 oz. milk

· Swirl of Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Syrup

Ok, so this was my own take on the UCAN Choc-O-Cherry Shake and inspired by my favorite “Raspberry Mocha Blast” at Marylou’s. The tart cherries would have been excellent for recovery but I didn’t have any in my freezer so I had to improvise.

Refreshing Tropical Smoothie

· 1.5 scoops Vanilla

· 1 banana

· 1-1.5 cup pineapple, peaches, mango, strawberries

· 4 oz. almond milk or water

It’s my own little creation. Both refreshing and tropical. What are your favorite fruits to blend into a smoothie?

The UCAN Latte

· 2 scoops Vanilla

· 6 oz. iced coffee

· 2 oz. almond milk

I use a little more coffee and a little less almond milk. UCAN’s recipe called for 2 packets stevia and unsweetened almond milk but my almond milk was already sweetened. Perfect for a little morning pick me up before teaching spin class!

The best part about smoothies is being creative! I love coming up with new concoctions because no two smoothies ever tastes the same. Some other ingredients to experiment with: peanut butter, chia seeds, avocado, pumpkin puree, spinach…

Other bonuses:

· Both flavors are gluten-free with no sugar added.

· 1 scoop of vanilla protein mix is 100 calories with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates while 1 scoop of chocolate protein mix is 110 calories with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates.