Featured Q&A - Can I Make My Own Pre-workout?

Question:

I recently started a new exercise plan and find I need a little boost to get me going before my workout. I went to my local vitamin store and almost all of the pre-workout powders had artificial ingredients like colours, flavours, and artificial sweeteners, as well as having really high amounts of caffeine and other synthetic ingredients I do not want to consume. 

Is there anything I can put together myself that will provide sustained energy during my workout?

Answer:

You are making a great decision by avoiding the pre-workouts with synthetic ingredients and artificial sweeteners and colours. 

It is quite simple to put together your own mix of ingredients to help power you through your workout and even provide extra benefits for recovery.

For Energy:

Choose high quality matcha green tea powder or brewed black tea

For Electrolytes:

Choose coconut water or coconut water powder, fresh lemon or lime juice

For Adrenal Support and Energy:

Choose maca or ginseng (powders or liquid extract)

For Flavour and Fuel:

Choose yacon syrup or maple syrup (or green stevia powder for low intensity workouts)

For Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Choose turmeric powder or ginger, beet juice is also great to include because it helps improve circulation via NO precursors. 

As you can see, you can easily select a number of ingredient combinations to shake with water and enjoy before your workout.  For extra flavour you can squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice, or add a few drops of Simply Organic Natural Liquid Extracts (peppermint, lemon, orange, etc).

Green smoothies and green juices also make excellent pre-workout drinks. You can also incorporate any of these ingredients into a smoothie or juice. 

The possible combinations are endless! Play around and experiment with different combinations to find out what flavours you enjoy and how your body responds to the different ingredients.

For more information regarding Sports Nutrition stay tuned for my online Sports Nutrition Course available this Summer.

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