One question that I frequently receive is about whether or not I use protein powder and what brand I recommend. I’ll answer the first part of the question first. I don’t regularly use protein powder because I focus on getting my protein from natural food sources. I’ve cut back on my use of protein powder even more since I have reintroduced more meat into my diet. Another reason I don’t use protein powder is because I’ve yet to find one that I really love that’s not full of ingredients that I’d rather not put into my body. I cannot stand how so many protein powders are full of artificial sweeteners. When I do use protein powder it’s usually to add to smoothies that I make for breakfast or for a pre- or post-workout snack.

I have been craving smoothies and juice lately, even though it’s the middle of winter and temperatures have been cold. My strategy has been to either drink smoothies under blankets while double fisting with coffee or to drink them on the way to the gym with heat on full blast.

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from the co-owner of Raw Organic Whey with an offer to sample their protein. I accepted because it is 100% whey protein with no sweeteners, preservatives or fillers.

This is an ingredient list I can get on board with.

I can honestly say that this is the best protein I have ever tried. The texture and taste are perfect. It’s light and fluffy and blends into my smoothies seamlessly. I really like that this protein doesn’t change the flavor of my  smoothies and has no aftertaste. I would 100% buy this protein again with my own money.

In addition to being a quality product, I can also get behind their business model. The whey protein that Raw Organic uses comes from small dairy farms in the U.S. and supports sustainable, family farms in the Midwest. The whey is minimally processed and from pasture raised cows so it has a naturally creamy texture.

Want to try this Raw Organic Whey for yourself? They have graciously agreed to give a bag away to a PBR reader. If you don’t win, they are currently running a promotion on their website where you can buy a 12 oz bag for $26.99 (normally $34.95). They are also giving away a free bag for every 100 facebook likes they receive.

Here’s hot to enter: visit the Raw Organic Whey website and tell me which of their whey protein recipes you’d like to try if you win the protein. You can receive an extra entry if you like them on facebook (and that gives you another chance to win from them!). Just leave me a second comment that you liked on facebook.

U.S. residents only, giveaway ends Monday, February 4 at midnight EST.