Sip protein drinks post-exercise

So I was sent this package from Vega ages ago–and I put it away, but never touched it. It was one of those things I thought I should at least try because it’s probably good for me…but imagined it’d taste so gnarly I wouldn’t be able to stomach it (as is the case with coconut water, which I finally tried, and blech).

Then my sister raved about how the protein shakes she’s started having in the mornings are helping control her appetite, which convinced me to finally give these smoothies a whirl and surprise, surprise:

It’s actually pretty decent tasting.

OK, fine, that’s not exactly a glowing review. Would I rather be sipping a mojito? Yes! But this protein shake is about a thousand times better than other shakes I’ve tried, it almost completely dissolves (that sludgey residue is one of my peeves with other products) and tastes like a watery chocolate milk.

And with this study’s new findings, I’ll be sipping these shakes regularly after exercising: what you drink after working out can help maximize the effects of your exercise. A protein drink after cardio boosts the training effect it has on your muscles after a period of six weeks, more so than a carbohydrate bevvie.

2 Comments May 26, 2011

What to eat before you exercise

If you’re looking for more healthy tidbits from Health & Swellness, just thought I’d let you know I’ve started a weekly column on thatsfit.ca. Find out what you should snack on before working out here.

Leave a Comment April 11, 2011

Pre-race carbo-loading

The night before a half-marathon or marathon, carbo-loading on a big ol’ bowl of relatively plain pasta (you don’t want anything fancy or creamy to be messing with your stomach after all) can get tedious. Partner up with “Al,” though (full name Al Dente Singing Pasta Timer) and your spaghetti will not only be perfectly cooked but your pre-race experience will have an air of refinement with the beautiful opera that will be playing in your kitchen.

How he works: You place Al (he’s made of a food-safe plastic) into the pot of boiling water along with your pasta. After seven minutes, Al plays “Triumphal March” by Aida, at nine minutes, he plays “Chorus of Hebrew Slaves” by Nabucco,  and at 11 minutes, enjoy the sound of La Donna Mobile” by Rigoletto — so you know exactly how  long your noodles have been cooking.

Only problem? Finding an Al to join your race team — solutions.com is sold out and I’ve yet to find another retailer who carries him.

Leave a Comment March 16, 2010