When I grow up I want to be a Protein Agent. Doesn’t that sound like a good title for me? I could even carry a badge!

Speaking of protein agents, yesterday I casually mentioned that I add guar gum to my protein shakes to create crazy thick shakes you can eat with a spoon! There were a few questions about this magic ingredient so I thought we could talk about guar gum and another thickening agent called xanthan gum today.

I think adding these two ingredients to a protein shake is one of the best things that’s happened to me in quite awhile.

First things first. Let’s see how iHerb.com defines these two products:

• Guar Gum is a thickening agent derived from guar beans that has enjoyed much use in various baking applications. It is primarily used in hypoallergenic recipes that use different types of whole grain flours. Because the consistency of these flours allows the escape of gas released by leavening, guar gum is needed to improve the thickness of these flours, allowing them to rise as normal flour would.

• Xanthan Gum is a soluble fiber produced from the pure culture fermentation of the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris. It is used in the food processing industry as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier for a number of different foods.

A few things you should know:

• Guar gum is a relatively new product for me, thanks to Allie! So please chime in here and let us know your experiences with this stuff.
• Many protein powders already contain xanthan gum, but I’ve been adding a little extra in my shakes for years now. One bag of this powder lasts forever and ever.
• Using too much of either ingredient can ruin a perfectly good protein shake. Things can get gummy in a hurry so go easy on this stuff.
• The good news is that both products can help fill you up, the bad news is that if you use too much it could upset your stomach.
• You really need to play with these ingredients to find the consistency that’s just right for you, Goldilocks. But since you asked, here’s my blend: 1 scoop protein powder, 1 cup ice, 1 cup water, 1/2 t Guar Gum, 1/4 t Xanthan Gum.
• In some cases you can find both of these products at your local health food store and in some cases you can’t. Shop online at places like www.iherb.com to find these ingredients. Just a reminder, first time iHerb shoppers get $5 off their order when entering SUT360 at checkout.

Have I made anything else with either of these ingredients? No, I’m a Protein Agent, remember?

Now I really must go hit the gym and then take my two clients out for some mixed drinks!