This post is sponsored by Clean Simple Eats, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"If I see one more cottage cheese pancake on my feed, I might scream. Or cry. Or both. I gave it a fair shot—I blended it, whipped it, and folded it into everything from scrambled eggs to “ice cream” (that was a dark time). But no matter how many TikTok wellness gals try to convince me otherwise, it still tastes like… cottage cheese. Don’t get me wrong: I’m here for the high-protein lifestyle. Protein has become the moment—the Beyoncé of macronutrients, if you will—and I get it. It helps keep you full, fuels your workouts, balances your blood sugar, and all that kind of good stuff. But despite all the benefits, it’s surprisingly hard to keep things interesting without resorting to yet another egg bite or tuna bowl.
Against all odds, the TikTok wellness gals were on to one thing: Clean Simple Eats. Historically, I’ve hated protein powders in every way, shape, and form. So I was resistant at first. But after one too many surprisingly delicious-sounding flavors popped up on my FYP, I gave in. Turns out, the hype was real. Here’s how it became my go-to for sneaking in extra protein without having to pretend cottage cheese tastes like dessert.
Clean Simple Eats
15+ flavors available. Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order!
Why I wanted to prioritize protein in the first place
Before I started taking my protein intake seriously, I felt like I was running on a hamster wheel, going full steam ahead without anything to show for it. I’d work out quite often, probably four to five times a week, but no matter how committed I was to my self-care efforts, I always felt sluggish, hungry, and like I was making no progress on my gym goals. My meals definitely skewed carb-heavy (a girl loves bread and pasta, what can I say?), and after doing some research, all signs pointed to one thing: needing more protein.
That’s when I fell into the “fitness food” rabbit hole. If you’ve ever tried to navigate that world, you know it’s a slippery slope into sad turkey roll-ups and protein bars that taste like drywall. I wanted to feel good and enjoy my meals and not have to pretend these bland platefuls were getting the job done for me. Instead of a total fridge overhaul, I decided to start small with one simple addition to the lineup: Clean Simple Eats.
How Clean Simple Eats helped me hit my protein goals
What drew me in initially was the hype—seeing people rave about how good the taste and texture of this protein powder is (and not in an “if you plug your nose, it’s fine” kind of way). I did a little digging and loved that the ingredients were super clean (100% grass-fed whey, third-party tested, non-GMO, no artificial anything—all that good stuff), the flavors sounded tasty (we’ll get into that), and the reviews weren’t just influencers being dramatic. People were genuinely obsessed.
I started with a flavor that felt safe: Simply Vanilla. It was instantly a win. No weird aftertaste, no gritty texture, no “you’ll get used to it” caveat. From there, I branched out—Chocolate Brownie Batter, Mint Chocolate Cookie (life-changing in iced coffee, just saying). Unreal. I was genuinely excited to make my post-workout smoothies, which is not something I ever thought I’d say without lying a little bit. Bonus: the built-in digestive enzymes meant I wasn’t dealing with the usual bloat or stomach issues I’d get from other powders, which made it way easier to stick with.
What I eat in a day with Clean Simple Eats
Most mornings, I blend up a smoothie with frozen berries, Greek yogurt, spinach, and a scoop of Clean Simple Eats—and honestly, it’s the only thing getting me out of bed. After workouts, I’ll shake up the Chocolate Brownie Batter flavor with almond milk, or if I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll toss it into the blender with ice and a shot of espresso for the best protein-packed mocha you’ve ever had. Later in the day, if I need a quick snack or I’m just craving something sweet, I’ve been known to keep a stash of cookie dough protein bites on me at all times. I’m not overthinking it or forcing anything—just working in a scoop here and there when it makes sense, and somehow, I’m hitting my goals without feeling like I’m on a fitness meal plan from 2012.
I keep it pretty simple when it comes to incorporating protein powder into my meals and snacks, but I have been intrigued by some recipes I’ve seen on TikTok that amp things up a bit. Here are a few I’ve saved that I will maybe, possibly, allegedly try one day, although you definitely should:
- Single Serve Brownie Bowl: Clean Simple Eats Brownie Batter Protein Powder + Baking Powder Chocolate Chips + Milk
- Pineapple Mango Yogurt Bowl: Greek Yogurt + Mango Coconut Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder + Fresh Fruit
- Cake Batter Protein Balls: Cake Batter Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder + Peanut Butter + Oats + Sprinkles
Clean Simple Eats
Clean Simple Eats
Clean Simple Eats
Why I recommend Clean Simple Eats to anyone who will listen
What keeps me coming back? First, the taste. It’s actually good. None of that artificial sweetener weirdness or sad “close enough” flavors. Then there are the clean ingredients—I love that I don’t have to second-guess what I’m putting in my body. Plus, it’s so easy to work into a routine that doesn’t revolve around hours of meal prep or chewing the same sad grilled chicken breast for five days straight.
There are also so many flavors to rotate through (I’m eyeing the seasonal options coming up, personally), and they’ve got other supplements, too, if you’re looking to really round out your wellness gal starter pack. Cost-wise, it’s super reasonable considering how long one of their giant bags lasts. Since starting, I’ve noticed more stable energy, better post-workout recovery, and, honestly, just way less mental effort around food. I’m not constantly trying to MacGyver protein into meals—it’s just… happening. And that’s the dream, right?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna assists the sales team with the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, pitching and contributing stories of her own, and more. Some of her favorite topics to write about are entertainment, culture, and lifestyle
This post is sponsored by Clean Simple Eats, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.