I drink a lot of protein shakes, but I've always wondered which type of protein powder is best; they mainly all taste the same, after all. I have several different protein shakes that I like to drink and each one contains a different type of powdered protein in them. From pea protein to whey protein, hemp protein, and soy protein, I've done my research to give you a quick summary of what each one is and its benefits. I've also included a list of brands to try - this list is simply based off of the brands I have personally used and liked. Pea protein: Out of all the types of protein powders I've tried, I'd have to say that most have pea protein as their main ingredient. Since it's not a complete protein, you'll often see it listed with other types of proteins (rice, hemp and various super seed proteins) that complement it. This type of protein helps preserve muscle, which is important if you are trying to lose weight. It's also good for the kidneys. Brands to try: Vega, Welleco, Kashi GoLean, PlantFusion Whey Protein: This type of protein is sourced from cow's milk and it is considered a complete protein. It's best for those trying to build and preserve muscle, and is often the choice of body builders or those trying to lose weight. It helps to boost metabolism and helps you stay fuller, longer, which of course aids in weight loss. Brands to try: Isopure, Ascent Hemp protein: This is a high fiber protein that's easily digested and has protection-like properties of the kidneys. It's also known to boost your immune system. I often see hemp listed in my pea protein powders. This is a great all-around protein powder that is beneficial whether or not you are trying to lose weight or build muscle. Brands to try: Vega, Nutiva, Manitoba, Kashi GoLean Soy protein: This type of protein shake is best to drink 30 minutes before working out to help build lean muscle and give a boost to your energy level. It also has benefits for brain and digestive health. It's not widely popular due to fears around the intake of too many isoflavones; which is believed to have estrogen-like effects on the body. Women who have had breast cancer are often told to avoid soy. I personally have not noticed any negative side effects to drinking it. Brands to try: Bob's Red Mill, Soylent (I personally have not tried Soylent, but I have a friend who absolutely loves it) Rice protein: Rice powder lacks fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium. It's also the most suitable type of protein for practically anyone because it is hypoallergenic. You'll often find it among other proteins in your powder, like pea or super seed proteins. This type of protein helps with recovery when you drink it post-workout and it is known to help build strength. Brands to try: Welleco, Naked Rice Technically, you can't go wrong with any of these protein powders. If I had to pick a brand or two that I like best from the ones mentioned above, it would be Vega and PlantFusion. Both are really smooth and delicious tasting. Do you have a favorite protein powder and brand not listed? Or do you see a favorite on my list? I'd love to hear about it - leave a comment! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. Opinions are my own.

September is National Yoga Month. Whether you already get your om on, are interested in learning more about how yoga has physical and mental health benefits or are just inspired to start a healthy lifestyle, we've rounded up some products to help you on your journey. The beauty of yoga is that you can do it anywhere. It can be done synchronistically with others at your favorite yoga center, privately in your own home, down the beach, or... lakeside. Wherever you find beauty and inspiration, set down your mat. Longtime readers know I live in the Pocono Mountains, so nature and the beauty of this area inspires me. This particular spot on the lake in front of my house is beyond beautiful year-round (wait until I start posting pictures of the fall landscape!) It's easy to close your eyes and just breathe here. From the water lapping on the shore, to the rocking of the dock, to the sounds of the frogs hiding around the rocks, to the ducks, birds, and gentle breeze... there is no better place to re-focus. You need to fuel your body while gaining strength through each yoga session. Ascent Protein has what you need to deliver native whey protein into your diet. This isn't for weight loss, but is meant as a food supplement. You simply add one scoop to your beverage of choice. I add it to my homemade smoothies that I make for lunch everyday (Greek yogurt, frozen berries and spinach.) I've tried Lemon Sorbet, Vanilla Bean and Chocolate. As a chocolate addict, it's my favorite, but their other flavors are just as delicious. One scoop of Ascent Protein is equivalent to 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup of almonds or 3 full cups of whole milk. Adding this to your post-yoga smoothie is definitely the way to go. This month you can get 10% off your Ascent Protein order buy using the promo code YOGA at check out. Love Warrior, an Oprah's Book Club selection, is a great read when you want to put aside some time for mindfulness. Glennon Doyle's bold honesty, rawness and most of all, realness, will make you reflect on your own life and relationships. It'll break you down and build you up. It'll make you view strength and bravery from a new perspective. Make time to get inspired - read this book. I'm a big proponent of probiotics for digestive health but I'll be honest, I had never tried kombucha until I received KeVita Master Brew Kombucha. The reason why is because I had heard many people describe the flavor of kombucha as "an acquired taste." That was enough to keep me away thinking I wouldn't like it. How wrong was I? (Sidenote: My 2 year old had no hesitation unlike his mom. My boy drank both along with me saying "Mmm" the whole time.) KeVita is fermented with a kombucha tea culture, has live probiotics, organic acids, organic caffeine, and is Verified Non-Alcoholic. I had the opportunity to try the Blueberry Basil and Ginger. Blueberry Basil is refreshing - the flavor that came through first was the effervescence of the sparkling water, next you taste the basil and the blueberry comes through last. It's interesting because I would've never thought to pair basil and blueberry together since I use basil for cooking savory items, but it offset's the blueberry's tartness. The Ginger kombucha tastes a bit spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. I deal with acid reflux a few times a week and typically only take a probiotic tablet to quell it. Drinking the Ginger kombucha helped with this as well. Another item to help make healthier choices is, Organic Stevia in the Raw. I don't know about you, but I LOVE all things sweet. Of course, that comes with a ton of downsides. Switching to an artificial sweetner has never been an option for me because the taste is not true to real sugar. Not to mention, when I'm drinking my iced coffee, I like the crunchiness of the sugar granules. (It's a texture thing.) Organic Stevia in the Raw gives me the best of both worlds without the cons. It's a blend of organic stevia extra and organic cane sugar, so there's the crunchiness of the granules, sweetness that doesn't taste artificial in any way, but it's also a natural sweetner and non-GMO. But the best part? It's lower in calories compared to regular sugar - 3 calories vs 32. (Trust me, it all adds up.) With yoga or any workout, there's sweat and odors to contend with. So when you're packing your facial cloths in your bag to refresh after a session, Summer's Eve makes portable Cleansing Cloths to help with personal care for your business down there. While they help to maintain a healthy pH so that there's no embarassing odors, they're also free from harsh chemicals and infused with botanical extracts. The Mandarin Blossom literally smells like a very light, sweet mandarin orange. Don't worry, you won't be walking around smelling like fruit, the scent stays on the cloths while freshening you up. I am a HUGE snacker, so reaching for something healthy and satisfying is key. These raw, paleo bars from B.O.S.S. Bar are packed with superfoods, and although tiny, they are mighty in taste. I honestly can't pick a favorite flavor, because they all tasted so good. I love that absolutely every ingredient benefits your health in some way. As I mentioned, they are small (about the size of my palm) but they are packed with so many fruits, nuts and seeds that you will feel surprisingly full. Right now they are offering free shipping on any 5-pack and/or case of 12 on BOSSFoodCo.com through October 15, 2017 with code BABBLEBOSS. Otherwise, if you are an Amazon Prime shopper like I am, they are available on Amazon, too. I'd love to hear from you if any of the items mentioned are something you are a fan of. Leave a comment! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!