Being Healthier

Review: Vega Chocolate Sport Performance Protein

but thankfully…

It really does taste like chocolate!!! When Vega approached me about reviewing their line of Performance Protein smoothies, I was excited for the opportunity! Vega’s line of  “Performance Optimizer” supplements are superior.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the Performance Optimizer for stamina, energy and performance as a pre-run boost for a few years now and can report significant improvements in time, cramp reduction, muscle “energy” and overall endurance.

You probably saw some of my Thrive in 30 posts,  a series of video recaps from Brendan Brazier, formulator of Vega. In many of these recaps, Brendan “pushes” his line of smoothies. I can’t really blame him for wanting to push his products though. First, everyone has to make money somehow, right?! … Second and more importantly, I know that he really believes in the products that he sells. The plant-based performance line is well-developed and researched. The ingredients are nutritious. Unfortunately, not everything that is good for us always tastes fantastic. The best part was that this new flavor of Vega Performance Protein in Chocolate- really tastes awesome!! It is not as sweet and creamy as chocolate milk but it is darn near close AND it is a nutrient powerhouse!

Being Healthier
A serving of these smoothies provides 20g of complete plant-based protein, plant-based meaning that it comes from (sprouted) whole grain brown rice, green pea, hemp, alfalfa and spirulina. It also has branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), digestive enzymes, and glutamine.  You can bet that is is alkaline-forming too.

According to Vega, the benefits of these smoothies are as follows:

• Improves exercise performance
• Maintains strength during workouts
• Increases muscle protein synthesis
• Develops and maintains bone strength
• Assists in muscle cell repair after exercise
• Reduces inflammation, soreness and fatigue
• Reduces length of recovery between training
• Provides immune support following exercise

The last few weeks I have consumed these smoothies, I have also done Working Out Wednesday recaps. I  found many of these benefits true enough to analyze each claim below….

• Improves exercise performance – My 8k time has decreased by 6 minutes, My 10 mile time was 66 minutes ( fastest that I’ve ever run) since I began consuming this line of protein. You have to actually put in the work though in order to improve performance, but Vega Peformance Protein could assist in this claim!

 

• Maintains strength during workouts – I have felt better during each run and workout the past few weeks!

 

• Increases muscle protein synthesis – muscle tissue does use protein (amino acids) in repair. BCAA’s actually are metabolized in the muscle tissue as opposed to inside the liver (as most other nutrients). This could allow faster synthesis and quicker recovery however consuming any high biological value protein is going to aid in cell synthesis – it’s the function of protein.

Check out this post for more than you ever needed to know about Protein…

• Develops and maintains bone strength – Hmm. Not sure how to approach this one. With increased lean muscle tissue and proper nutrient balance, your bone density is in an optimal state. For the first 22 years of life, our bones are reaching their maximum density. Building and maintaining bone density is important for the health of everyone at any age but after age 30, our bones naturally begin to breakdown more than they increase in density. I’m not sure how accurate this claim can be at developing bone strength.

Check out this post for more than you needed to know about Calcium and Osteoporosis!

• Assists in muscle cell repair after exercise- Consuming protein is necessary for this natural process to occur anyway, but the amino acid profile of these smoothies is ideal for cell repair. BCAA are metabolized in the muscle cell so that would assist in repair for sure. Vega S.P Protein contains essential and nonessential amino acids- your body doesn’t have to synthesize any to compliment.Our liver needs amino acids too though!

 

• Reduces inflammation, soreness and fatigue – I can say that I’ve been sore after my workouts but I am also training pretty tough. I think in general, I don’t feel nearly as sore or inflammed as I used to in the past races I have done! I have yet to need an ice bath!

 

• Reduces length of recovery between training — I had a rule of thumb to NOT run back to back days because I was concerned about the impact on my knees, muscles and other joints. I ran back to back last weekend and had no issues!

 

• Provides immune support following exercise – A healthy gastrointestinal tract is imperative in keeping your immune system up and running. In general, you are in a state of “recovery” after exercise so consuming the proper nutrients post-exercise would be ideal in maintaining your immune system. I’m not too sure about this claim being “measurable” but I don’t doubt it could help.

More information on each ingredient is available on the Vega Website for Performance Protein and you can order some of your own there as well!  Another great product line Sequel Naturals offers is Whole Food Health Optimizer, which also comes in chocolate. Look for those reviews in the near future for my Vega Breakfast Challenge!

 

I almost forgot… It is Wednesday!!!

This week workout highlights:
Thursday:  Strength ( Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Abs, Hamstrings) and Elliptical (45 minutes)
Friday: Rest!
Saturday:  Rest!
Sunday:  Rest!
Monday: New Hot Yoga Studio! I got an amazing deal 20 classes for $10! 60 minutes of sweaty goodness.
Tuesday: Kickball. I joined a Thursday run club so that I could join a Kickball league. We won.
Wednesday: Rest! Childhood Obesity is the lecture topic, I’ve planned article discussion, debates, oh my!
…Thursday: Rest & Pack
…Friday:  Long Run (12 miles). Fingers crossed that rest this week leads to a phenomenal run.
…Saturday…and beyond: Not entirely sure- should be fun!

What was your favorite workout this week?

I enjoyed the new yoga studio, what a great deal!