NorCal Organic Blog

Friend of Source, Angela, has a great recipe over on her blog that uses the only Non-GMO Project Verified whey protein on the market. Her muffins look delicious and she has a number of recipes on there that we will be trying out shortly.

Check out the post here: Whole-Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Protein 

Here are some other great recipes to try out:
Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Bread
Double Chocolate Chip Organic Protein Muffins
Flourless Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancakes

There has been a lot in the news recently about new GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and pesticide testing in Hawaii. A number of pro surfers have banded together to raise awareness about the issue including Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Sebastian Zietz, and Dustin Barca. Also, a recent documentary was produced by pro surfer and activist Kyle Thiermann that is linked to below. 

GMO crops include corn, canola, soy, sugar beets, and cotton, but more than 60 countries have banned or seriously restricted GMOs because they aren't considered to be safe. The US is not one of these countries, in fact, GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventionally processed food. Nearly 90% of corn, 94% of soy, and 90% of cottonseed grown in the U.S. are from genetically engineered seeds.

Hawaii is ground zero for new GMO and pesticide testing. The largest biotech agrichemical corporations in the world (including Syngenta, Monsanto, Pioneer, Dow Chemical, and BASF) are spraying toxic restricted use pesticides on GMO field trials near schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.

This is where we need your help.

Share the video, sign the petition to evict Monsanto from the North Shore of Oahu, put the pressure on Hawaii state politicians, blame GMO companies and spread the word.

Also, buy organic and Non-GMO Project certified foods, ask your local restaurants if they have any non-GMO menu items, and shop at your local farmers market.

Source is proud to be GMO-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.

http://www.surfingforchange.com/

That's right - this recipe is made with absolutely no grains whatsoever, and is filled with essential fatty acids and protein. You can eat this bread as a "breakfast treat" just as one would eat a pastry, croissant, or pound cake in Europe at a cafe. This can of course be a snack or light lunch too, as well a dessert (maybe with a chocolate hazelnut spread) or even almond butter as shown in the picture above. This bread is just so versatile, and a really excellent option for those avoiding grains that miss bread/cake. It is also incredibly nutritious. The basis of the "flour" in this recipe is ground flaxseed. Flaxseed is packed with fiber - I'm talking two grams per TABLESPOON, and there's an entire cup in here. This fiber is responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in general helps stabilize blood sugar, and of course helps your intestines and regularity. Flax is also rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA). This is an Omega-3 fatty acid, which plays a huge role in fighting inflammation in our bodies. Evidence shows that inflammation is one of the causes of many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. Inflammation can get worse if you don't have enough Omega-3 intake!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup ground flax
• 3/4 cup Source Organic protein powder
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (low glycemic!)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for rising)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk of your choice (I used cow's milk, you can use almond, rice, hemp, coconut, etc.)

Mix everything together either by hand or in a blender/food processor. The mixture will be very liquid like - not at all like dough! Don't worry. That's how ours came out too, because you need that much milk and liquid consistency for the moist factor. Flax meal can be very grainy; you need the moisture so your throat doesn't get dry. Grease a bread/loaf pan with coconut oil. Pour your mixture into the pan, and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. At 25 minutes, take it out and stick a fork down the very center to test if it's cooked all the way through. If there's no residue on the fork, you should be good to go, but if it still seems too "soft" bake for about 10 minutes longer.

Thanks to our friend Organic Olivia for the recipe!

Here are some other great recipes to try out:
Double Chocolate Chip Organic Protein Muffins
Flourless Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancakes
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Protein Pops
Peanut Butter Brownie Protein Fro-Yo Pops

There aren't many better ways to start or end a day than with a double chocolate chip organic protein muffin. Check out this great recipe below using our pure organic whey protein.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup Source Organic Whey Protein grass-fed and Non-GMO Project Verified protein powder
• 3/4 cup gluten free oat flour (OR if you are paleo use half almond meal flour & half coconut flour)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice (almond, cow, help, rice, etc.)
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar OR you can use any sugar of your choice (coconut sugar is low glycemic)
• 1 egg
• pinch of cinnamon
• chocolate chips

Simply blend all of the ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand!). Pour into muffin cups and bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Thanks to our friend Organic Olivia for the recipe!

Here are some other great recipes to try out:

Flourless Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancakes
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Protein Pops
Peanut Butter Brownie Protein Fro-Yo Pops

What's your workout like? Yoga? Maybe dance, or are you a runner? No matter what you love to do, pumping your heart and giving your cells oxygen is the most important part! Nourishing yourself afterwards is a close second - so why not have some fun with it? 

Protein is incredibly important when you're getting active and using your body. Without an adequate amount of protein, our muscles can't heal as quickly or efficiently as they should. Post-workout protein shakes are always a delicious way to refuel, but why not indulge and whip up an amazing dessert to switch things up! 

Bottom Layer: 

• 1 frozen banana (cut into chunks and frozen in a zip bag the night or days before) 
• splash of milk (any milk of your choosing)
• 1 ice cube
• 1 spoon of peanut butter
• 1 tsp organic coconut palm sugar or 2 drops liquid stevia (optional)
• TINY splash of vanilla extract
• 1 scoop Source Organic grass-fed protein powder

Blend everything in a blender or food processor, pour into wine glass or ice cream bowl. Top Layer:

• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tsp cacao or cocoa powder
• splash of milk
• 1 ice cube
• 1 spoon of peanut butter
• 1 tsp organic coconut palm sugar or 2 drops liquid stevia (optional)
• 1 scoop Source Organic grass-fed protein powder

Blend in your blender, and pour on top of the first layer! Garnish with coconut cubes (toast them for a marshmallow effect) and chocolate chips.

Here are some other great recipes to try out:

Flourless Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancakes
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Protein Pops
Peanut Butter Brownie Protein Fro-Yo Pops

These pancakes are a cinch!! You don't need any fancy gluten-free flours... just some good old organic whey protein powder. We always use Non-GMO Project Verified & grass-fed Source Organic Whey. It actually really tastes like vanilla pancake batter when you cook it all up!

With this recipe, you'll be getting protein from the high quality grass-fed whey that will keep you full and running throughout your morning. You'll also receive some glutathione (150mg of it per serving) which is essential for the body to perform daily detox. Glutathione is a threat against toxins of all kinds. It neutralizes free radicals, enhances immune functioning and detoxifies the liver. Mark Hyman, MD, founder of The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts discovered he lacked a gene called GSTM1, which is crucial to making and recycling glutathione. He now estimates that roughly half of Americans are missing one or more of the genes necessary to produce enough glutathione, so it's incredibly important to consume it through the diet. Avocados and grass-fed protein are both wonderful sources.

The antioxidants from the blueberries will also keep the body looking and feeling vibrant!

Ingredients:
• 2 scoops Source Organic Whey
• 1 egg
• a splash of milk (almond, cashew, cow's milk, anything)
• a pinch of baking powder
• 1 super ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp of organic coconut palm sugar or 10-12 drops liquid stevia
• handful of blueberries
• coconut oil for frying

Directions:
1. Cut the banana into chunks or slices and add it to a blender/food processor.
2. Add in the whey, egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla, and organic coconut sugar or stevia.
3. Blend everything up until smooth.
4. Get a pan hot and add some coconut oil until it's ready to fry.
5. Pour your batter into pancake shapes and sprinkle some blueberries on top before the batter cooks!
6. Add finished pancakes to a plate, and garnish with butter (always organic grass-fed), maple syrup, and blueberries. Other possible toppings include melted peanut butter, yogurt, and bananas!

Thanks to our friend Organic Olivia for the recipe!

Here are some other great recipes to try out:
Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancakes
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Protein Pops
Peanut Butter Brownie Protein Fro-Yo Pops

Check out a great Pumpkin Flax Protein Pancake recipe and a review of Source's organic whey protein over at Amee's Savory Dish!

Amee really outdid herself with this great recipe and we can't wait to try these ourselves.

Here are some other great recipes to try out:
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Protein Pops
Peanut Butter Brownie Protein Fro-Yo Pops

Your first meal can either make or break your focus and productivity for the day. In our opinion, one way to kick start this process is to get nutrients and fats directly to the mind through CLA's.

CLA = conjugated linoleic acid

- CLA is a newly discovered fat that scientists have discovered may be a potent anti-cancer agent.
- In animal studies, small amounts of CLA have blocked all three stages of cancer:

1) initiation, 2) promotion, and 3) metastasis

- Also in animal studies, CLA has slowed tumor growth in many cancerous areas of the body, including skin, breast, prostate, and colon. Source
- Women with the highest levels of CLA in their diets had a 60 percent reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Source
- CLAs help with inflammation, immune system, and insulin resistance.
- CLA LOWERS BODY FAT, especially when combined with exercise. Source Organic whey protein powder is the only grass-fed, Non-GMO Project Verified protein on the market, and it contains CLAs that can help you start your day.

Berry Vanilla Protein Smoothie Recipe
• 2 large handfuls of frozen berries (We used blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries)
• 1/2 of a frozen banana
• 12 oz raw grass-fed cow's milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1-2 scoops of organic whey protein
• 1 tbsp of organic coconut palm sugar or 5-10 drops stevia
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Thanks to our friend Organic Olivia for the recipe!

Take a look at some of our other recipes here:
Spiced Raspberry-Pear Organic Protein Smoothie
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

We always love it when our supporters send in their favorite recipes, and today we have a great recipe from our founder's dad. Al Sr. has been a guiding force and has greatly helped Source Organic Whey Protein over the past few years. Hopefully you'll enjoy his recipe for a morning smoothie that use Source's pure, grass-fed, organic whey protein. We think it's one of the best recipes we've seen yet!

AM Smoothie

Makes one 18-ounce smoothie for a filling stand-alone breakfast. Use raw, organic ingredients, where possible.

In blender, add the following:

1 cup Whole raw milk
2 scoops Source Organic Whey
1/2 tablespoon Black chia seeds
1 tablespoon Vibrant Health Green Vibrance
1/4 cup Wyman's Fresh Frozen Wild Blueberries
1 teaspoon Organic Vietnamese cinnamon
1 tablespoon Raw nut pieces: walnuts; almonds; pecans; and cashews (pick your favorites)
1.5 teaspoon Dried pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon Brown flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon Black sesame seeds
1/2 Medium banana

Blend thoroughly

Take a look at some of our other recipes here:
Spiced Raspberry-Pear Organic Protein Smoothie
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip FroYo Pops
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Source Organic Whey is one of the most pure, grass-fed, organic whey protein powders on the market. From Jersey cows on family farms in Northern California, we think it's the best whey protein out there.

With a number of organic whey protein brands on the market, it sometimes can be hard to tell which brands are best. The goal of this post is to point out these differences so you can find the organic whey protein that best fits your needs.

Here are some things to consider when choosing an organic whey protein: the type of feed the cows consume, the use of soy, the treatment of the cows, the protein's source, and whether the cows are truly "grass-fed."

One of the first things you should check is whether the organic whey protein is Non-GMO Project Verified. Almost all the organic whey proteins on the market claim that their cows are fed Non-GMO feed but only one protein, Source Organic Whey, has met the strict standards of the Non-GMO Project.

Next, check the ingredient listing on the label to see if there are any soy ingredients. Many organic whey proteins use soy lecithin while only a few do not. Source Organic Whey does not use soy in any of its products.

Third, consider the treatment of the cows. There are very few brands that even mention where their cows are located, let alone if they treat the cows well. Also, many of these products will claim the milk used to produce their whey comes from small family farms, but never mention where these farms are. Other companies do this because their milk is received from farms all across the nation. Source Organic Whey comes exclusively from Northern California farms that are certified by the American Humane Association for their animal welfare practices.

Finally, no brand will tell how long their cows are grazing in pasture each year. Grass-fed organic whey protein still qualifies as “grass-fed” even if the cows are in a heated barn being fed grass that was harvested months ago. Source Organic Whey’s cows are located in a small region of Northern California allowing for an average of 350 days of pastured grazing per year. Compare this to cows in other parts of the country that are left standing in barns, with little exercise or movement for over 3 months a year.

So when deciding which organic whey protein to choose please consider:

• Is it Non-GMO Project Verified?
• Does it contain soy?
• How are the cows are treated?
• Where does the whey come from?
• Are the cows truly “grass-fed?”

Thanks for reading,
Al, MS, RD and Steve

Source Organic Whey is one of the most pure, grass-fed, organic whey protein powders on the market. From Jersey cows on family farms in Northern California, we think it's the best whey protein out there.