A new healthy alternative to fast food opens today next to Union Station: The Protein Bar. This business began in Chicago and has now stretched to Washington DC and Colorado (Boulder and Denver). The Protein Bar provides a healthy on the go choice for the busy yet determined healthy eaters.
Lately, my boyfriend and I have been watching what we eat so I was very excited to get a sneak preview of the new “bar” in town. I typically eat fairly well but during school, when the stress is high and the work load is even higher, quality of food is the first thing to go. I enjoy cooking but coming home late from class and starting cooking at 8 or later can be tiring without a set plan. Luckily, the Protein Bar can satisfy your on the go healthy needs!
The Protein Bar has plenty of options from smoothies and juices to burritos, salads and quinoa bowls. Each item is packed with protein and comes with a outline of the number of calories, fat, carbs, and fiber.
Drinks
Mile High Perk– a delicious espresso and chocolate protein shake. It tasted similar to a Starbucks Frappuccino but of course is much lower in calories, packed with protein, and no added sugar. Now, I think Frappuccions are delicious but not so healthy.
Aspen Acai’d– a very yummy smoothie with Acai puree, banana, vanilla protein, and yogurt.
Beetbox– a beautiful combination of apple, cucumber, beet, carrot and ginger.
Hi-5– a combination of kale, spinach, cilantro, pineapple and crushed ice.
Smoothies are something I make often for breakfast but when you’re in a hurry or need that afternoon hold-me-over until dinner, these are a great option. I need to get back in to try their other drink options!
Bowls
Spinach and Pesto Bowl– Organic quinoa, all-natural chicken, spinach, basil pesto, and parmesan.
Buffalo Bowl– Organic quinoa, all-natural chicken, house-made vegan Buffalo sauce, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and blue cheese.
Both quinoa bowls were lightly flavored, filling and good. I typically dress my bowls up with lots of garlic and flavor but I liked how these were not too seasoned since you will probably be eating on the go. Garlic breath at your afternoon meetings might make people unhappy 🙂
I definitely want to get in to try some of their bar-rito options. Those look really good! They also have breakfast bar-ritos and bowls (like pancake in a bowl- clever!).
The Protein Bar opens TODAY at 11 am and the first 100 customers get $100 gift card! I heard there will be a DJ and other fun prize giveaways so check it out 🙂
Music For Your Ears:
~No Diggity by Chet Faker (cover)
More To Love:
OMG you’re going to love having Protein Bar in CO! There used to be one in our office building. Love the Southwest Salad, Hi-5 and the chili. Cheers!
I heard the Southwest Salad is REALLY good! I need to try it! I am very excited to have them in the area 🙂
Love the concept of Protein Bar, thank you so much for this review 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
It is very cool 🙂 Though, your sweet treats always seem more appetizing!! (I have totally been craving sweets since I am not eating them right now!!)
Sounds like a great place to eat, always hard to get something healthful on the go. They have to open one in NYC.
I agree! Even if you go to a restaurant, the food is less healthy than if it was a home cooked meal. I feel they would do very well in NYC- hopefully they come there next! 🙂
YUM! Those bowls sound delicious – love making something similar at home 🙂
Ya, quinoa is a great base to delicious meals!
and here I thought I’d click over to a recipe for a beer protein bar, haha. Looks like a great spot. Love the direction “fast food” is moving. Maybe quinoa will make its way onto McD’s menu eventually?
Well, a beer protein bar sounds some what contradictory but delicious as well!! 🙂 I don’t know that McD’s can really make that jump nor will a place like this really ever put them out of business but maybe 😉
Wow, how cool is this place?! Ah, hopefully they’ll move over to Aus eventually. In the mean time, I’ll just live vicariously through you! Secondly: Chet. Totally in love with his new album, saxophone solo included! x
The Protein Bar is on my list of places to visit at Union Station. Today’s the official opening for RTD there!
Yes, it was!! Did you go?
I didn’t, but I’m hoping to get over there in the next week or two check out the renovations. Train stations are one of my favorite architectural features in cities. 🙂
Ya, they are very cool!! And union station looks like it’s going to be pretty slick.