Momma Told Me: Balance is key.
If you've ever heard the age old riddle of the old man, his raft, the chickens, the dogs, and the cats (trying to make it across the river in harmony), then today's life lesson is not new. The story goes; an old man was trying to cross the river with a troop of livestock, though the raft he had available could only hold 'x' number of occupants. If one group of animals outnumbered the other a fight would surely break out on either shore. He would have to find a logical way to shuttle the groups back and forth without one overtaking the other. While this symbolism is used frequently as a childhood brainteaser, and takes on several variations, the greater metaphor is one that can be applied to many aspects of our day to day lives. Much like the amount of bubble soap in the bath (and all over our condo floor, age 5), a balance must be kept in order to maintain optimal results. From the careful delegation of work vs. play to the ever so sensitive scales of nutrition. You don't have to be on a diet, or even watching your weight, to feel the impact of poor eating choices; something Protein Bakery founder, Stephen Lincoln knows all about.
If you've ever heard the age old riddle of the old man, his raft, the chickens, the dogs, and the cats (trying to make it across the river in harmony), then today's life lesson is not new. The story goes; an old man was trying to cross the river with a troop of livestock, though the raft he had available could only hold 'x' number of occupants. If one group of animals outnumbered the other a fight would surely break out on either shore. He would have to find a logical way to shuttle the groups back and forth without one overtaking the other. While this symbolism is used frequently as a childhood brainteaser, and takes on several variations, the greater metaphor is one that can be applied to many aspects of our day to day lives. Much like the amount of bubble soap in the bath (and all over our condo floor, age 5), a balance must be kept in order to maintain optimal results. From the careful delegation of work vs. play to the ever so sensitive scales of nutrition. You don't have to be on a diet, or even watching your weight, to feel the impact of poor eating choices; something Protein Bakery founder, Stephen Lincoln knows all about.
I should start by saying the clean presentation, and polished marketing behind The Protein Bakery has long made me a curious, yet hesitant, consumer. I have to say the cookie cutter image of a generic 'heartthrob in suit' that the site portrays as Mr Lincoln, with over '20 years of first-hand experience' is concerning to the discerning shopper in me. None the less, the origin story goes to tell that passionate baker and tenacious fitness businessman, Stephen, found himself feeling out of shape and overwhelmed upon the launch of his educational fitness program in the early 90s. It's always intriguing when a founder shares the tale of an 82lb loss and personal health triumph. Thankfully, the brand doesn't try to attribute this impressive life change to their product; but it does serve as the backdrop of inspiration for it's founding.
After shedding the weight, and making a move to NYC in 1997, Mr. Lincoln, continued his pursuit of health and happiness through the direction of a collection of group fitness programs. Their mission statement goes on to contrast the initial praise of exceptional 'balance' to a core brand focus of doing it 'better', through 'food, fitness, and life'. What does it all, really, boil down to? Well, as the name suggests, the brand is essentially about a collection of 20 core and seasonal confections (baked goods) that rely heavily on nutritional protein packed recipes. It's certainly not a new concept among those label obsessed, or health centered. Whether you're looking to stave off cravings for something high in calories, or simply trying to replenish and build muscle mass after an intense workout, protein is often turned to for vital balance. Protein Bakery, however, takes the knowledge of weights and measures and incorporates some of the most delicious brownie, cookie, and blondie recipes into trans fat, preservative, and wheat-flour free treats a multitude of consumers can enjoy.
Adding to the quality, and temptation, is the Protein Bakery's commitment to small batch preparation that ensures only the finest natural ingredients and chocolates reach their open-to-the-public bakery LOFT. In addition, the individually sealed baked goods are sold online 24/7 and shipped as fresh as possible. Due to the lack of preservatives, the brand urges swift consumption or freezing to extend product life (though, after having sampled some of those products, I doubt they'd last long on any cupboard shelf). With many accolades from personalities such as Rachael Ray and Oprah Winfrey, the Protein Bakery tempts taste buds with sun-sweetened coconut, rich peanut butter, tangy cranberries and more through selections like the Wicked Mint Brownie and new Ginger Oatmeal Raisin (seasonal) Cookies. Also brand new for the line are their individual portion, Brownie and Blondie Minis, which feature perfect little low calorie squares of baked goodness, ready to take on the go.
I received a Brownie/Blondie and Cookie Sampler from none other than the mysterious founder himself, Stephen (It turns out he IS real!) I am always quite tickled when I discover a small roots company that has genuine origins and a real face behind the logo, and was quickly intrigued by the prospect of what promised to be health conscious and taste bud tantalizing baked goods. My selection arrived in a presentation ready box with storage information, nutritional guide, and clearly printed labels. Each cookie, brownie, or treat was individually sealed (cookies in 2 Packs) with ingredients and calorie counts on back. Here's what arrived; Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Wicked Mint Brownie, Ginger Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (seasonal), Chocolate White Chocolate Chip Cookies, and an assortment of full size and Mini Brownie and Blondies. I could hardly contain myself simply peering through the clear wrappers at the soft and moist Blondies (I had rarely seen commercially sold since childhood), let alone with a peanut butter twist.
It's going to sound cliche, but it's hard to believe something so high in protein, and so ingredient conscious, could be packed with so much flavor. Protein Bakery definitely won the title of crave-worthy in our home, and earned extra points for convenience. Perhaps the only thing I'd grumble about is the shipping rates for preservative free goods, which I can hardly complain about when considering the reasonable product rates. I wish the brand would expand to open a few more national based LOFTs, and look forward to the introduction of additional seasonal flavors. In all, these individually wrapped baked goods have been a lifesaver while cutting sugar from my diet (yes, they're low sugar), and fighting the 2 o'clock post lunch cravings.
What Daughter Says: Enjoy the balance of sweet flavors and muscle building protein, with selections from Protein Bakery!
One lucky Momma Told Me reader will win a Protein Bakery Sampler consisting of an assortment of 10 mini brownie/blondies, and 2 Ginger Cookie (2 Packs), a $45 Value.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'd like to try the Chocolate Chip Brownie Mini.
ReplyDeleteThe peanut butter brownie mini looks so yummy!
ReplyDeleteThe peanut butter brownie mini looks so yummy!
ReplyDeleteYum! This is something worth trying, I need to cut out sugar. I'd like to try the pb brownies.
ReplyDeletePeanut Butter Mini :)
ReplyDeletepowersoccer13@gmail.com
Peanut butter mini!
ReplyDeleteThe Black and White Blondie Protein Mini are the ones that look the most irresistible to me! :p
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could choose just one at the moment as it ALL looks good.
ReplyDeleteChocolate Chip Brownie.
ReplyDeleteI think the peanut butter blondie mini would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI like the black and white blondie. Looks delish!
ReplyDeleteI had those - so delicious
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the Black and White Blondie Minis! :-)
ReplyDeletekhmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
BLACK AND WHITE BLONDIE PROTEIN MINI
ReplyDeleteI would like to have Protein Mini Assorted Medium Twelve-Pack Gift Bag then I would not have to make a choice as they all sound great, but I guess if it comes right down to it I would like the Black and White Blondie Bars, send them right over today as I am hungry...LOL
ReplyDeletePeanut butter blondie ones look irresistible!
ReplyDeleteBlack & white blondies YUM
ReplyDeletethe peanut butter ones look awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe BLACK AND WHITE BLONDIE PROTEIN MINI sound sound good!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBlack and White Blondie
ReplyDeletePeanut butter blondie looks the best!
ReplyDeleteThe Black and White Blondie Protein Mini Gift Tin Box look delicious
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the Peanut Butter Blondie.
ReplyDeletejtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
The Black and White Blondie Protein Mini's look great!
ReplyDeletePB BLONDIE!!! :)
ReplyDeleteBlack and White Blondie
ReplyDeleteOatmeal Ginger Cookie for me! Peanut Butter Blondie also looks great!
ReplyDeleteI reeeeally would like a Coconut Walnut Dark Chocolate Chip Blondie right now :D
ReplyDeleteThe black and white blondies look AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteThe Peanut Butter Brownie looks great
ReplyDeletealsmalu at Hotmail.com
Mmmm....the Chocolate Chip Brownie Protein Mini Large Eighteen-Pack Gift Bag looks yummy!
ReplyDeletehttp://proteinbakery.com/collections/minis/products/chocolate-chip-brownie-protein-mini-large-eighteen-pack-gift-bag
The Black & White Blondie minis look delicious.
ReplyDeleteThe PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE PROTEIN MINI SMALL SIX-PACK GIFT BAG looks wonderful to try to me.
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net
They all look so good!
ReplyDeletethe chocolate chip brownie looks amazing! wish I had some of those right now!
ReplyDeleteAll of them - but especially the chocolate chip brownie minis!
ReplyDeleteLle Schreiber on Rafflecopter
The Peanut Butter Blondies
ReplyDeletelanalbradstream(at)yahoo(dot)com
THE Peanut Butter Brownie Protein MINIS LOOK GOOD. Cheryl Abdelnour cjabdelnour@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Peanut Butter Blondie..yum!!
ReplyDeleteThe black and white blondies sound great!
ReplyDeletethe peanut butter brownie looks yum!
ReplyDeleteBlack and White Blondies
ReplyDeleteThe Black and White Blondie sound yummy
ReplyDeletethe walnut brownies!
ReplyDeleteBLACK AND WHITE BLONDIE PROTEIN MINI
ReplyDeleteI like the Chocolate Chip Brownie Protein Mini.
ReplyDelete