Pre-tox the Holidays with the Power of Plant-Based Protein

As the holiday season looms ever near and we get closer and closer to the season of pies, cookies, and second helpings, what better time than now for a holiday pre-tox? Juice cleanses can be tricky – often times packed with sugar and very little protein, causing a spike, a crash, and a loss of lean, healthy muscle weight instead of fat. But thanks to a new beverage which features a 100 percent soluble vegetable protein, you can get a healthy pre-holiday pre-tox and feel good about indulging in that piece of pumpkin pie!

BOTAN, a play on “botanical,” uses pea-based protein to serve up a healthy non-GMO, vegan, organic, gluten-free, and antioxidant-rich beverage that works to curb cravings, as an energy boost pre or post workout, or even as a healthy 1-3 day cleanse. With 12g of soluble plant protein in each bottle, BOTAN provides 25 percent of your recommended daily protein intake while only containing 110 calories. Pea protein contains BCAA, branch chained amino acids, which help to delay fatigue, boost immunity, and promote healthy bones. In addition to all of this goodness, BOTAN is blended with vitamins B-6, B-12, and C, containing 100% Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin C and 50% RDA of vitamins B-6 and B-12. What’s more? The glass bottle is recyclable, reusable, and renewable, and won’t contaminate the nutrients or flavor of the drink inside.

The beverage was created by health-enthusiast and avid surfer Edward Cannan after being inspired by his own story. Edward suffered a heavy knee injury while playing soccer, “I completely tore my ACL and sprained my PCL and MCL. I also damaged my meniscus,” he shared. While on the mend and unable to walk for three months, Edward lost lots of weight and lots of muscle mass causing the doctors to advise him to up his protein intake and causing him to get sick from eating too much animal protein. “I nearly got gout and obtained an unusually high Uric Acid level – which left me with no choice, but to change my eating habits and switch to a plant diet.” He discovered that a diet rich in fruit, legumes, and plant protein brought him back to peak physical condition and set off to share this knowledge with the world.

I personally love how convenient it is to have something healthy while I’m on-the-go. Often times we skip breakfast or even lunch, when we’re in a hurry, working on deadlines, or stuck in meetings, with BOTAN  I don’t have to worry about not having enough time to sit down for a meal. As well, it’s great if you’re an early morning or late-night gym-goer and don’t want to put something heavy in your stomach but still want to get in nutrients and protein. Don’t be mistaken by the fruity color of the drinks, it doesn’t taste like a liquid Starburst. In order to maintain a level of integrity and health, there are no added sugars or artificial flavors, so BOTAN tastes more like a vegetable than a fruit. However, as someone who maintains a healthy diet I wasn’t put off by the healthy flavor and quite enjoy it – especially since it truly helps me beat that 3pm slump when I’m always craving something to tide me over until dinner and want to make a good decision.

Don’t just take my word for it, supermodels Irina Shayk, Joan Smalls, and Erin Heatherton are all fans as well as other A-listers such Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, Mark Cuban and NBA superstar John Sally. Currently available in three flavors – Strawberry Cucumber, Mini Tomato and Pineapple Coconut – with two new flavors coming out next year (we got a sneak peek and they were delish!). BOTAN is available nationwide at drinkbotan.com and in select GNC and Whole Foods locations.