Now I’m back on the straight and narrow – running into work, spinning, two to three weights sessions a week and not forgetting a lazy rest day – and managing my little ailments, I’m back to protein shakes, pre workout powders and getting back on track.
After all, I’ve got a half marathon to run in eight weeks!
Superdrug have recently improved their ranges online and in store. Protein wise, I was really pleased to see that they’re working with brands such as USN – who do a great range of both packs, powders and ready to drink.
The Fuel 25 are probably my favourites – particularly the strawberry flavour. A good hefty 25g of protein, low in carbohydrate (less than 4g per 100g, so below the usual 6/7g to be considered low/no carb) and in fat, you’re getting limited calories, but a good protein hit for recovery.
Both the flavours – the chocolate and the strawberry – have a thick rick texture, the former reminding me of chocolate pudding that I used to eat as a child – and after I’ve been punished by my PT in the gym, it topped my system back up enough ahead of 5 mile run home.
The Diet Fuel again is another good protein hit and too comes in at under 4g of carbohydrate per 100g, but is definitely a little heavier on the sweeteners – probably because of the lower level of fat contained within.
The Protein Deelite bars are another good snacking option, and are definitely one of the better bars on the market. And believe me I’ve tried a lot of them. Sweet, stodgy, chocolatey protein filled, they are much higher in carbohydrate, so less useful in a low carb diet, but great for a refuel after a long run or cardio workout.
All are good for using as a snack or as a recovery, though I’d be much less inclined to use them as a meal replacement. At under 200 calories, there’s not enough here for a full breakfast or lunch. You could easily pair them together in a staggered breakfast for example – I had a bar immediately post workout and an hour or so later, a shake as the second part of that breakfast. But if you are looking to stop hunger cravings, their heavy protein levels mean that a one mid morning will keep you going well beyond 12pm.
Superdrug are also stocking Absorb supplements – as well as a selection of whey proteins, powders, creatine and greens powder, they also do a great pre-workout in their Ignition powder. Some mornings, especially as a lady, it can be hard to get going. A cup of coffee can be a relatively simple kickstarter for your system, but this is a little more heavy duty.
Ignition is designed to slow your fatigue, increase the speed of recovery, help you focus, and keep you going for longer – the idea being that your train harder, for longer, and recover faster. Sounds good to me.
It certainly wakes you up. I’d recommend a small dosage (around half the 6g dose) at first, simply because some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Even though I’m much less sensitive, it powered through faster than a mug of coffee would, and I certainly worked harder, sweated harder and felt like I’d worked harder. My biceps certainly agreed that I had for three days afterwards.
Flavour wise, it’s quite sour, and sweet and intense – but you’re only making up a small amount of this to drink 10-15 minutes before your workout, so it’s swiftly into your system. After this, it’s water all the way.
Another one that’s perhaps not for everyone, are the Nutrition Target fat burners. Fat burners work by increasing your body temperature, and your energy levels – caffeine (green tea) and guarana provide your energy boost, cayenne pepper and piperine provide the temperature boost. The idea is that you boost these two elements, and you’ll boost your productivity, and so your metabolism.
Fat burners are another ‘marmite’ supplement. Some believe they work, some don’t. I certainly can agree that they raise my temperature (useful as I tend to be cold a lot of the time), and I think the psychosomatic reaction can be underrated. If you think they’re helping you work harder, you might just work harder.
Green tea has been proven to help with weight loss, but generally in much higher concentrations than in these capsules (around 24 times as much, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend taking more than three of these a day. Maximum).
Overall, nice work Superdrug – your range has expanded, and you’ve some very useful products on your shelves. I’m convinced by the strawberry flavour USN and that’s going to be useful on days when I don’t want to chance carrying around a little tub of protein powder, or am running late.
I also really like the pre-workout. I do feel like I can work harder for longer, and have started to work it into my routine ahead of classes – particularly Body Pump. I will break that 20kg back track barrier.
I will.
With thanks to Superdrug for letting me sample the above products. As ever, an item received free of charge, doesn’t guarantee a positive review, and I don’t think everything is for me, but I am impressed with the increase in range and brands.