To the untrained couch potato, getting fit can be daunting, yet exciting. Retail therapy is achieved with a plethora of colourful containers – each promising you rock hard abs and buns of steel, with maximum gains.
Standing in the isle, scrutinising the kilojoule count of each brand – looking for added ingredients just to give you that UMPH! It has fat burning properties? Great! Oh but, this one comes in chocolate and strawberry flavours! Oh, how ever will you choose?
Sometimes we are not getting the right answer, since we are not asking the right question. There is no “best product” that is one-sip-suits-all. It is more of a goal orientated thing.
Are you looking to build muscle mass? Or are you looking to lose weight? What is your overall diet like? Are you sensitive to anything? Do you favour animal or plant proteins?
Once this goal is identified, choosing the correct shake can be a lot easier – and with way better end-results!
Our very own Sports Nutrition Executive, Hennie Kriek, had the following recommendations:
Muscle gains
Weight training can be brutal. These enthusiasts can dramatically improve their strength, resistance and stamina over time. Their bodies are often transformed, a force to be reckoned with. It is always amazing to see the progress of someone starting on a low weight, steadily adding and adding. The muscles take a proper beating each time and they need to get the correct nourishment in order to recover, rebuild, and gain.
Hennie recommends: ANIMAL M-Stak
It is a natural, non-hormonal, anabolic with an anti-catabolic blend to aid in building muscle mass and get the best out of your workouts. The idea behind this product is to get the best muscle gains by getting the correct nutrients to feed into your workout, without too much added sugar and fat that will just hide all your hard work underneath a layer of bodyfat.
- Recommended to be used in conjunction of a clean diet and efficient cardio-vascular and weight resistance work-out program.
Endurance
We live to see these people push their bodies to extremes for extended periods of time. They go on when others would have stopped for rest, they continue steady when others would stumble, and they soldier on where everyone else would have probably just given up. Some are wicked fast, others not so much, but the distances they cover are still a mystery to the rest of mankind. Born with it, or not, training is required. Lots of it. Hours and hours. Their protein shake will be different.
Hennie recommends: 32Gi Protein Recover
The 3:1 carbohydrate for blood sugar stabilization to fast digesting protein ratio assists in delaying the onset of muscle fatigue during high intensity or longer-endurance exercise.
The product is Gluten, soy, egg, GMO and lactose free, as it contains pea proteins, with friendly digestion and added vitamin C.
- Kosher / Halaal Certified
You can use this product before or after your work out or long-distance event.
Additionally, PowerBar 5Electrolytes effervescent tablets
Each tablet can be dissolved into 500 – 750ml of water, according to taste, for a flavoursome, refreshing sports drink. The beauty of it is, it does not add empty kilojoules to your diet, and no sugar spikes. It only provides the sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium that your body is losing as you work out. It replenishes these electrolytes, to keep your legs from cramping up later.
Weight-loss
Most who do the endurance marathons have lower body fat contents already. But not everyone is looking to quickly have a jog from Nelspruit to Barberton every morning. Here, a fat burning ingredient is beneficial. Everyone wants quick results – and yes, it is possible, but not in the concept of time that you would imagine.
Ultimately, weight-loss is only possible if you burn more than you consume. The harder your workout, the more you burn. If you can go hard, for longer, even better. We are aware however that most people that are not running for two hours or more at a time, probably have to do a lot, in less time, to get the same result in weight loss – in comparison with an endurance trainer.
As for days weeks and months to pass before weight-loss is remarkable, that we can never be sure of. We can however recommend a product that will help to optimise the process as much as possible.
Hennie recommends: NPL Diet Pro
This all in one weight management shake offers a high protein, low GI carbs and fats with added fibre and vitamins meal replacement. The Green Tea Extract, Garcinia Cambogia and L-Carnitine offers assistance in breaking down fat with a formula that is designed to keep you fuller for longer.
This is a great addition to your weight-loss regimen for those on the go meals and protein supplement after a workout.
Additionally, NPL Night Time Burn Caps
Formulated to help you have deeper, more restful sleep whilst boosting your metabolism, therefore aiding your weight-loss, in your sleep! The stress relieving ingredients will aid in cortisol and adrenal management to help you ‘switch off’ properly.
Contains Valerian, Passionflower and Ashwagandha
- Not suitable for pregnant / lactating women
Weight-gain
Relax, we have no intention of fattening anyone up or clogging their veins with cholesterol. We do however realise that some people are suffering or recovering from an illness, and may need help to increase their weight to a healthy point, for additional energy needed to get through the day.
It is fairly common for those suffering irritable bowel syndrome, gluten sensitivities or allergies, to make use of protein shakes as a meal replacement or add-on, as their diets are often limited.
This is however a sensitive issue, and may need to be discussed with your doctor or our knowledgeable sales team, in order to choose the correct shake for your needs and lifestyle.
Vegan / special dietary needs
Animal products are not for everyone. Whether it be for ethical or dietary requirements, choosing a product that is plant based it not in any way going to put you at a disadvantage.
If you want animal protein but you are lactose intolerant, you may want to look into a whey protein shake that is lactose free.
Hennie recommends: Nutritech 100% Vegan Protein
This product offers an easy to digest plant-based protein without bloating. It is a single source free pea protein isolate mix. It is formulated to aid in lean muscle growth.
- Gluten / Lactose / Soy / Cholesterol / Sugar / GMO / Dairy Free!
When to take your sport’s nutrition supplements
In a previous article, Van Zyl Wait, Biokineticist from Virgin Active said,
“If you have no health issues, there is no problem if you do not eat before you exercise. Many people follow an intermitted fasting where the body is forced to tap into fat stores for energy during a workout which results in better weight-loss. It is however recommended that you consume a combination of carbs and protein as soon as possible after your workout. Many experts recommend eating within 45 minutes of your workout.”
Marcelle Le Grange, Livewell Dietician noted that some products contain caffeine and should be used in the morning or early afternoons as to not keep you awake at night. If you want to work out in the evenings, it will be best to opt for caffeine free products. Electrolytes can be replenished throughout the day.
It is also important to look at other facets of your nutrition, as protein shakes may not contain much fibre. If you eat lots of fruits and vegetables, it should not cause any problems. If you are experiencing bloating, adding a fibre supplement may bring relief to keep everything moving.
Questions?
Our knowledgeable sales teams know our sport’s nutrition section like the back of their work out routines. If you need help choosing a brand or type that will work for you, or you have concerns, comments or queries, ask. As mentioned before, it’s about asking the right questions. Tell us what your goals are, and we will help you get what you need.
If you need help and can’t come into the store, connect with us via the Mopani Lifestyle series Facebook page, or contact us!
PS
We can deliver your medication, sport’s nutrition and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide! Contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703
