When it comes to using any type of supplement, I always try to use the most natural product I can find.
There are so many different types of pre and post workout drinks out there, but so many of them are filled with junk and artificial sweeteners. My husband and I have done a lot of research to find what we have been able to find as some of the best more natural products.
Quick question for you.. would you even know what an artificial sweetener was if you saw it? Most people think HFCS/ high fructose corn syrup is all there is. But I am here to tell you that there are some that you wouldn’t even think of if you did see them!
Check out this list:
Yup, I bet there are lot more than you thought! Good to know huh?
So with that being said, the first option that is as close to being natural would be real food smoothies!! I mean, we were all meant to eat REAL food, right?? Here are some smoothie options that are great for pre and post workout and other things when it comes to your fitness routine.
Why would that not be your first choice? Well, I get it. I too prefer to sometimes have an easy powder I can put in my water right before or after my workout. Especially when I have been at work or have things to do after my workout and don’t have access to making a fresh smoothie.
Sometimes I will bring my Shakeology– put half a packet in with some almond milk and ice and use that in a pinch or if I feel I need a few more calories before or after my workout. Just enough to get me through until I can get a meal.
So here are our top 3 favorite supplements. We like to look for no junk, good quality and affordable and we like to order our products from Amazon or Bodybuilding.com, but we have seen most of them at local health foods stores and sometimes even at the local grocery stores.
PRE-WORKOUT
Assists the Body to Recover Quicker and Reduces Muscle Soreness & Promotes Increased Speed, Strength, and Lean Muscle Growth & Maximize Oxygen Delivery and Aerobic Energy & Boost’s Nitric Oxide production for improved blood flow.
POST-WORKOUT
Accelerates muscle recovery and stops catabolic muscle damage to maintain lean body mass. It tops off amino acid pools and accelerates muscle recovery, prior to and immediately following intense training and exercise. Maximizing your body’s amino acid reserves prevent deterioration of hard-earned muscle mass, reducing muscle fatigue, and extending energy/endurance levels.
All Natural Protein
Made in GMP compliant company owned and operated facilities in the USA, gold standard 100 percent whey uses pure whey protein isolates as the primary ingredient. Combined with ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate, each serving provides 24 grams of all-whey protein and 5.5 grams of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) which are prized by athletes for their muscle building qualities.
*Make sure it says NATURAL on the bottle and check the ingredients for stevia!
These are just some suggestions, you can do your own research, but the main thing is to be aware of all the artificial sweeteners in any product you pick up!
If you have any questions about these or any others you might have come across, please ask!