Just what we need… another pre-workout, right? Pre-Instagram, there were only a handful of options for pre-workouts, but ever since social media fitness has blown up, there are countless brands that I don’t even know. Anyone can find the individual components for most pre-workouts online and then blend them together, so why bother paying a premium for someone else’s? Well, why don’t you try making your own and then give Blackwolf a shot, and let me know what you think.
If you are thinking of launching a sports nutrition business, it’s crucial that you build a company that attracts the audience you want. As you build professional and personal relationships with consumers, they will place their trust and confidence in you which can help you grow your brand.
With many sports nutrition companies already in operation, it’s vital that you do what you can to set yourself apart from competitors. Whether you’re about to launch your business, or you have noticed a lack of interest in your brand, here are some effective strategies that sports nutrition businesses can use to attract more customers.
For many of you, New Year’s Resolutions are constructed during the beginning of January. You’re wrapping up the calendar year, unwrapping the last of your holiday presents and thinking about ways to improve your life. New year, new you… right?
For some of us, however, the concept of a year is much different. When we leave high school, or college, our live change dramatically. Growing up, before we ever come near the strenuous weight of adulthood, the year is based on school. Most schools run from August/September until May/June. The summer is that vacation which we all yearn for throughout the nonstop hustle and bustle of the year. As a former physical education teacher at Los Angeles Unified School District, I know that feeling all too well.
There are so many products that are available in just about every market imaginable. It takes days, weeks and sometimes even months of research before you decide which TV or car to buy. In Los Angeles, there are thousands of fitness facilities, which means there are so many hairs to split when figuring out which one is the best for you. You can just look at price or location, or take other factors into consideration as well. With the increase of visibility from social media, especially Facebook, you’re being bombarded with targeted ads and marketing every moment that you’re awake.
Almost everyone, especially here in Los Angeles, has to work two or three jobs to pay rent. Unless you inherited money or are supported by your parents (or the few true success stories) you rarely have enough time to take care of yourself. You might eat poorly or skip workouts because you’re so broke or exhausted from having to work so much, that you’re always looking for shortcuts to help. Whether that means holistic medicine to avoid expensive doctor trips (read about my $6,000 an hour ER visit at Cedars) or magical pills that burn fat off your body while you’re sleeping, there are many temptations available just one click away, thanks to Amazon.
The question is: are they worth it?
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.
Well, I’ll tell you one thing, they won’t do anything if you don’t! Performance enhancing drugs enhance… performance but they don’t magically give people biceps bursting out their sleeves and eight packs. Now, it’s up to you if you want to spend a part of your hard-earned paycheck on some powders with artificial flavors and food dye to make them actually look like “fruit punch.” Obviously, just like any other consumer good, there are better and worse products based on the principles and practices of the companies that create them. Without naming any names, I’ll say that companies that constantly talk about the science behind their products and are more transparent are safer bets. If a company relies on using sex, popular people, flashy labels, and other marketing tricks to sell their sub-par products, save your money. And, if you have any specific questions, feel free to send me an email!
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!
