2016’s Best Pre-Workout

You might remember 2015’s Best Protein Powder and 2015’s Best Dog Food. Reviews.com has published a new study where they tested 309 different pre-workout supplements to find the best product on the market. We’ll give you the very abridged version and let you read the article here for yourself. Essentially, they used a filtration system to narrow down the big number through process of elimination. They would remove anything with banned/potentially harmful substances, then proprietary blends, then a certain amount of caffeine, then any artificial flavors/colors to figure out the cleanest product.

Jul012016

My Soylent Experiment

Well, this might be considered a failed experiment. Don’t take that the wrong way. I did this back in Q1 and now we’re in Q3. We made this into a YouTube review and I wanted to not make this too scientific for the general population, but this was released far later than expected. (Through this post on the blog…obviously, since you’re reading it.) Therefore, I want to keep this as simple and straightforward as possible. I’m going to give you the same feedback that I gave to the number of people who messaged me about this, while I was doing it and posting about it on social media.

Jun292016

Lead the Whey

Your trainer told you to take protein because it’s going to help you grow big and strong, right? They told you it will help your muscles grow and repair after the tough workouts that they drag you through a few times a week, right? While I’m not telling you to (or to not) listen to your ‘trainer,’ it’s almost inevitable that you’re going to try to find a way to add more protein to your diet. As Instagram and social media gets more popular, the fitness (and supplement) industries grow at a rapid rate. For many, this change in lifestyle can be challenging and for others, the maintenance of this way of living can be equally or more challenging.

Jun272016

Optimum Nutrition Protein Water

Back in January, we (probably) introduced you to Trusource and had some happy giveaway winners. [Do you want more giveaways?!] If you remember, we were blown away by their protein water product. Fast forward a few months and we find out that Optimum Nutrition (arguably our favorite supplement company) has their own protein water. What do we have to do? Obviously, we had to try it and let me just say that we were NOT disappointed. In fact, we even fought over it!

Jun212016

Remixed PowerBar: Energy for Athletes

We bring you exciting news of a new PowerBar product for athletes! Especially during these hot-as-dog summer months, athletes need fuel for endurance. For persevering through the heat and exhaustion to keep on keepin’ on. We, alongside PowerBar, present to you, New Simple Fruit Energy Food. Instead of its normal bar products, this “food” is a blend that’s more like a liquid than a solid (think of a gel). The smallness of the packet makes it easy to pour down the gullet while you’re on a run or biking away. It’s an extraordinarily convenient product for busy, hardworking athletes.

Jun152016

Healthy Energy to Power You Through the Summer

If the name, Kaeng Raeng, sounds familiar, it’s because we did an awesome cleanse with them (plus a giveaway) back in 2014. This was a hit with us and with you guys! We’re here to tell you about another great product coming from this great company. What I love the most about Kaeng Raeng is that they’re all about the natural. Natural ingredients, natural lifestyle, natural health. They don’t give you a magic pill to lose all your fat. These are healthy ingredients to spur a healthy lifestyle–it’s as simple as that. Now, let’s get to the new product–the Daily Green Energy.

Jan092016

The Best Protein of 2016 [GIVEAWAY]

Is it really possible that I can make such a bold claim one week into the year? I haven’t even attended the Fit Expo, IDEA, IHRSA, or any of my other fitness conventions and I’m already sold on a new product? So, you’re probably wondering… what is it? Get to the point, right? Well, before I even get to that, I’m going to hype this up a little bit more and say that I think this will definitely be a contender for the best new supplement brand of 2016.

Jul272015

Why I DO NOT Review Pre-Workout Supplements

In 2007, I started taking supplements (pre/intra/post workout) in order to increase my performance as a Division I athlete (that I was grossly unprepared for that level of competition). Although I was practically raised in fitness facilities, working out with my mother at home, playing competitive sports all day every day, I never had a real strength and conditioning or sports performance coach until college. In high school varsity sports, we hit the weight room together but there were no programs for exercise or nutrition. My sport-specific skills were top notch but I didn’t have a body that could use those skills.

Sep172014

What’s Different? NEW FORMULA BSN N.O.-XPLODE

For hardcore lifters, skip this first paragraph to find what you need. As for everyone else, when I first started lifting weights in the gym and having these focused hour-long or so strength training sessions, I saw all these crazy colored drinks that all the bigger guys had. Most of those were NOXPLODE by BSN, one of the most prominent supplement companies and a pioneer in the industry. More and more supplement companies have been popping up what seems like every single week, creating an endless supplies of pre, intra, and post workout drinks. Still, BSN maintains its place as arguably the biggest there is. They’ve always said FINISH FIRST, and NOXPLODE is certainly one of those products that can help you do just that.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT: The old formula tasted good, this tastes better. The old formula mixed well, this mixes better. The old formula came in a medium-sized tub, this comes in a much more compact one. As for the effect, as we all know, pre-workout supplements can affect individuals differently. It depends on if your stomach is empty or full, what your tolerance to the ingredients in the blend is, how long and often you’ve been taking similar substances, and if you’re on board or not. The placebo effect of supplements is real, in my opinion, and you must have that mind-muscle connection to push yourself as far as possible. But as for the ingredients, it has nearly everything necessary to promote optimal blood and oxygen flow to allow you to push yourself to the limit.

THE BOTTOM LINE: What I’m saying is that I don’t personally think the new formula is more effective than the old one, in terms of what you feel (tingling, shaking, etc.) BUT it gives you that same amazing result in a better tasting, smoother mixing, and more compact form. That’s a pretty good deal. It’s not like 1MR Vortex, which in my opinion was a FAR INFERIOR product to its predecessor, 1MR.

Seriously, this is one of the ONLY FRUIT PUNCH pre-workouts that I can tolerate, let alone enjoy. And the container is so cool. Plus, it’s got a great economical value. It’s not as cheap as White Flood or expensive as NO Shotgun, but it gives you a high-end product at a medium price point. That’s a good deal. Look out for deals at Tigerfitness.com and Bodybuilding.com They usually run specials. Plus you can throw a BSN Syntha-6 on there (one of the most delicious proteins on the market, period.)

Oh, and for anyone that isn’t familiar with it, (which I’m sure most of you are) pre-workout supplements like NOXPLODE help provide amplified levels of energy and endurance to help you maximize your performance and make the most out of your training sessions. It can work for bodybuilders, CrossFitters, strongmen/women, athletes, etc. Just make sure you read everything on the label and listen to all that fine print. Do not mix this in a shaker, it will become all fizz and no liquid. You have been warned. And as always, stay hungry and fit!

Jul162014

3 Foods to Supplement Your Supplements

If you’re a weird one like me, I don’t take many supplements. Sure, I take multivitamins and sometimes a Cytosport electrolyte drinks and also some protein powder. However, it’s not an everyday thing. Hungry, on the other hand, lives in the world of supplements. Everyone has their own way of doing things. This specifically addresses pre-workouts. I have a sensitive body to things like caffeine and other stimulants. I have not found a pre-workout that doesn’t send my body through the ringer. This is why I present to you a list of foods that often serve me well as pre-workouts.

1. Kombucha with chia seeds. I know, I know–“so Boulder.” But really, this stuff gets my energy up and my muscles ready to pump! My favorite is the Raspberry one, enough sour to sweet ratio. There are tons of Omega-3s, Probiotics, and antioxidants. You also have a few grams of carbohydrates, to give you some energy. Those chia seeds just get me going without making me full.

2. Grapefruit. Pure and simple–a wonderful easy snack to get ready for your workout. Lately, I like to put cinnamon on top as well. With an entire grapefruit boasting about 100 calories with 26g of carbohydrates, this tasty yet tart fruit will be sure to get your energy going. It’s the perfect amount of food to keep you from being hungry during your workout, but won’t weigh you down.

3. Peanut butter and jelly on matzo. Don’t look at me like that! Seriously, this is an amazing combination. We always have matzo in the house. By using matzo instead of traditional bread for this “sandwich,” you are taking out some of the filler that could make you feel heavy and full during your workout. This cracker-like substance is the perfect medium for peanut butter and jelly to do their thing. Now, this is a light layer of both peanut butter and jelly (or jam, as we use). I promise you this one-of-a-kind snack will not dissapoint. The matzo and jelly give you some carbs for energy while the peanut butter will give more sustained energy for long-term and keep you from feeling hungry.

Those are my top 3 for pre-workouts. Try them out and let me know what you think! I have no hate towards supplements, but sometimes it’s fun to try regular old food products. Try these “pre-workouts” to stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What’s your favorite “pre-workout”–supplement or not?