Active Nutrition Support

When looking specifically at support focused around an event or workout my goal is to get the most out of the time I'm investing. My cardio workouts are typically done on the bike and can last anywhere from one to four hours. My intensity level is typically anywhere from "aerobic" (Zone 2 Heart Rate) to the occasional sprint into "anaerobic capacity" (Zone 5c Heart Rate). At these levels of intensity a person needs to hydrate and replace their glycogen stores at a regular rate (see my article on hydration for more on this). Partly because I don't trust the hype surrounding most hydration drinks on the market and partly because I work with a company that has impeccable integrity I choose a hydration drink that has the science and results to back up its claims of effectiveness.

When my workouts stretch out to longer than a couple of hours I take in some solids to keep my tummy happy and to provide some extra carbohydrate. The energy bar I use has the right balance of carbohydrate and protein to give me the extra energy I need for endurance training. This one comes in two flavors, cocoa and peanut butter. I've tried both and I really prefer the peanut butter.

After the workout it is essential to get proper recovery, once again to maximize the benefits of the workout (see my article on recovery for more on this). In addition to stretching, I use a muscle recovery drink that has the right blend of carbohydrate and the specific amino acids required for optimal muscle recovery. This powder (which comes in banana flavor and can mix with either water or milk of your choice) also contains chromium nicotinate (as opposed to the less effective chromium picolinate found in most other recovery drinks) which helps your cells use insulin more effectively. Insulin helps make your cells (in this case muscle) more receptive to the amino acids delivered and so helps in muscle recovery and rebuilding. The end result is that you are less sore following a workout (whether it's strength training or a high intensity cardio workout) and the muscles come back stronger and able to respond to the demands of the next workout session.

On most mornings my breakfast consists of a meal replacement drink and my regimen of supplements. On event days I will add a protein bar to this to top off my reserves and to make sure that, regardless of whatever else happens, I'm not going to fall short for lack of staying power. I also occasionally use them when I can't get to a decent meal.

The specific products I have chosen to use have made a real difference in my performance and my overall health. I know that they are safe, effective, taste good (always important), and have the backing of some of the world's top athletes. Another nice thing about this company and these products is that you don't have to just take my work for it. Their active nutrition site has even more on the background of the products, the company, and those that have reached the highest levels of human physical achievement with the help of sound nutritional support.

Product Label - Hydration (PDF)
Product Label - Muscle Recovery (PDF)
Product Info - Energy (Protein) Snack Bar (PDF)
Product Info - Energy (carbohydrate) Snack Bar (PDF)
Purchase Info

All products have a 100% guarantee on purity, potency, and effectiveness. It's an "empty bottle" guarantee, which means that you can use all of the contents of anything you try and still get your money back if you are not happy with the results.