I’m not gonna lie……I have always wondered why people take pre and post workout drinks. I also wondered if they really worked or served a “real” purpose. I wondered if people used it in place of a meal or even possibly used because their friends were using….or it was a “trendy” thing to do. I know, I know…..it sounds pretty naive but that’s pretty much how I felt.
That being said, I fuel myself pretty good throughout my day. I prep ahead so after a workout, I’m able to get dinner on the table relatively quickly. Would I be a good candidate for such products? I mean, is it necessary to use a pre or post workout drink if I’m fueled properly with food fuel?? I am a runner and do CrossFit so eating real food is very important to me as I need this food to fuel my activities. I definitely don’t want to run out of gas during a WOD (workout of the day) but was adding in pre and workout drinks just adding in unnecessary calories? Or would it really serve a purpose?
Enters Rootz Nutrition! I was approached by them to try their product — let’s be honest here, I’ve been approached by quite a few. Some of which I’ve tried and not liked… or after being approached, I read up on them and found that the ingredients weren’t a part of my lifestyle – so my post about Rootz is because I am a huge fan of their product! As with the other products, I checked out their ingredients and loved what I saw. Here’s what you get with the Paleo Protein Superfood Post Workout:
Protein Blend
Egg White Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, Hemp Protein
Electrolyte Blend
Coconut, Banana
Superfood Blend
Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Maca Root, Bee Pollen, Acai, Goji Berries, Blueberries, Royal Jelly
Green Detox Blend
Spirulina, Chlorella, Kale, Spinach, Broccoli
Other Ingredients
Natural Chocolate Extract, Natural Vanilla Extract, Stevia Leaf, Cinnamon, Natural Sea Salt
So, what’s not to like? There are soooo many health benefits and nutrients in this drink! I decided to give it a try, as well as their Paleo Energizing Superfood Pre Workout. In a word — love!
I now understand why people use pre and post workout drinks. I personally use the post workout much more but I think that’s because I workout at 4pm and I’m pretty fueled so I don’t feel I need the pre as much. I do however, use it on my Saturday morning WOD’s and find that it really helps me with energy and sustain a workout. My hubby swears by the pre workout drink! He says it really gives him a boost of energy that he otherwise hasn’t felt with other drinks! As for the post WOD drink, I have found it to be the most beneficial. I have been amazed at the recovery time since using this product. Not only do I feel like I can do another workout after drinking it, I’m not nearly as sore or achy as I had been. Am I hyping this product up?? Yep 🙂 Because I’m pretty amazed at the feeling I’ve gotten AND I LOVE the nutrients this products gives me!
I also found that getting proteins in IMMEDIATELY after a workout (and then eating within 2 hours afterward) was critical. We break down our muscles and there are even small muscle tears after we put it through a rigorous workout…and though I’m no expert, it makes sense that we need to put proper nutrients back into our system immediately. It will help with repairing these muscles AND getting in proper vitamins when our bodies are the most accepting as they would be after a WOD. If we repair these muscles with adequate nutrition, we will likely recovery more quickly. So I soon became a fan of using Rootz immediately following a workout & the benefits have proven themselves – even though I was somewhat of a ‘doubter’ a few months back.
Harrison (the creator of this product) cross-trains daily. He didn’t find supplements out there that he liked, worked or was approving of his paleo lifestyle so he was on a mission to make a great blend of ingredients that were paleo friendly, offered nutrients while steering clear of chemicals and toxins. He also wanted to make sure that it actually made a difference in his own workouts – so this is what he created and uses! I will admit, this was the first product that I actually let out a little, “Woo-hoo” when I saw the ingredients!
Whether or not you workout, this post workout drink is a great way to up nutrients in your daily diet! I’ve found myself mixing the drink up with a frozen banana, adding in additional coconut milk and unsweetened cocoa powder for a little pick me up or an early morning “shake” before work. It would seem to be a perfect addition to any smoothie you’re already accustomed to making because it’s just adding additional vitamins and nutrients! I’m a coffee lover and I have added it to my coffee, using an immersion blender to whip it up with full fat coconut milk. As I said, it’s a great post workout source but it really can be a good addition to anyone’s diet!
If you’re on the fence about using either pre or post workout drinks, I highly suggest you try Rootz! And if you already have a fav and don’t really want to switch it up, I get it – but as I pointed out in this post, you could add this to any smoothie & get great health benefits – workout or not. It’s like getting the benefits of juicing, in a chocolate banana drink! Add ice and coffee….blend it up and make your own healthy frap! I found this product really working for me and I’m so glad I gave it a-go! I’m now a believer in pre and post workout drinks …..and I love their concept!
Be good to your body. Get back to your rootz.
