As anyone who has been following my Instagram feed this summer knows, I have been spending a lot of time in the backcountry when not working on obstacle racing for Mud Run Guide or recording the next podcast. It’s been great to spend so much time outside with friends and my husband.

However, when out on the trail all day, sometimes up to 12-hours, I burn a lot of energy and need to refuel or prefuel. Ascent Protein recently sent me a gift package a few weeks ago and I have been fueling my adventures every since then with Ascent.

Ascent Native Whey Protein

From the company: 

Ascent Native Fuel™ Whey Protein is the new benchmark in protein purity. Native Fuel™ Whey ” Protein is unique in that it is derived directly from milk, and is the cleanest option for all-in athletes looking to recover and build muscle efficiently. Ascent’s Native Fuel™ Whey Protein blend is built with zero artificial ingredients, 25g of protein per serving and comes in a variety of flavor profiles.

• 25g of protein per serving
• Zero artificial ingredients
• 5.7g of BCAA
• 2.7g of leucine
• Made in the USA
• Available Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Lemon Sorbet, Cappuccino
• Retails for $41.99 on Amazon

My Experience:

The company makes a pre-workout but I prefer to have their Native Fuel Whey before a long trek into the wilderness. The Native Fuel Whey comes in a variety of flavors although I recommend the cappuccino or lemon sorbet as my top choices followed closely by chocolate. Each serving of their Whey contains 25 grams of protein and only 3 grams of carbs. A good slow-burning source of energy for a day on the trails.

While many (probably most) use Whey as a post-workout recovery I have found the Whey has helped me sustain my energy on the trails for the long treks we have made into the backcountry and has helped keep me fueled for hours at a time.

The best part is it really does taste great. There are so many proteins out there that leave you with a weird aftertaste, Ascent is made of natural ingredients so there is no chemically taste at the end. Which as someone who has tested a lot of proteins I really enjoy.

The way I have been using the Native Fuel Whey Protein is I mix up the protein with half nut milk – hazelnut milk has been delicious and what I used in the video and the other half water. This creates a creamy but not too creamy protein drink.

I normally make it when we head out the door and then drink it when we are about 20 minutes from the trailhead. This normally sustains me for a couple hours to most of the day. With the nut milk, it’s about a 250 calorie drink to keep me fueled. Couple that with my morning bulletproof style coffee and I have about 500 calories in me to tackle the high peaks of the Uinta Mountains where we spend most of the day at or above 10,000 feet.

Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein

From the Company:

Ascent Native Fuel™ Micellar Casein is a slow digesting protein blend that aids in sleep recovery. Micellar Casein protein helps promote speedy recovery by providing a slow and sustained release of amino acids over a longer period of time. Ascent Native Fuel™ Micellar Casein is made with the least processed whey protein on the market and contains 25g of protein and 11 essential amino acids needed to rebuild muscles efficiently.

• Zero artificial ingredients
• Certified gluten-free
• 25g of protein
• 5g BCAA
• 11 essential amino acids
• Vanilla Bean and Chocolate
• Retails for $41.99 on Amazon

The Micellar Casein is a great after adventure, get home, snack to help rebuild the body after miles on the trail. While I don’t recommend making it into a shake instead because it is thicker the best bet is to make it with nut milk then refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to create a protein pudding. It’s great for the late night sweet cravings, it not only hits the spot but helps your body to recover after backpacking, hiking, fishing, or a good gym workout. It is also a good snack in a pinch when you are looking to curb some midday cravings.

I have to admit I have been sucked into more of the sugar train this summer and looking forward to using the micellar casein to help me get back on track this fall with my diet and kick the sugar habit (again). Luckily Ascent makes products that can help me in that department.

For a limited time, they are also offering a cappuccino flavor. This flavor was originally introduced last year in the Native Whey Protein collection, but this is the first release of a new flavor to the Micellar Casein family and will be a great addition for coffee-loving athletes.

My Experience: 

Well, I normally beat to my own drum and don’t always follow directions well. So one night I mixed up the Micellar Casein that Ascent provided and didn’t take the advice of those around me and made it into a shake, big mistake. Well maybe not so big but I would have definitely enjoyed it more in a pudding. Which is what I plan to do in the future and talking with others is what they recommend as well.

I look forward to adding it as an option as I mentioned above in helping me kick the sugar habit (again) and have a healthy alternative that not only tastes great but nourishes my body at the same time.

Full Video Review: 

Overall: 

Overall, these days I normally opt for whole food when I have the option, however, being introduced to Ascent Protein products I think I will keep a bag or two or three around the house to help supplement my day, my adventures, and give me an option when I need a bunch of protein and need to get and stay fueled throughout my day.

I am looking forward to bringing some on the road with me soon on my upcoming solo Pacific Northwest road trip. But more on that next week on the next episode (124) of the podcast.

This product was sent to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The reviews are my own and were not influenced by Ascent Nutrition or it’s affiliated companies.