To Supplement or Not to Supplement?
This is the question we will analyze today with the hope of providing some clarity around the subject to help you make your own decision.
The short answer to the above question might shock you since we do run a business and sell this stuff.
We don’t NEED supplements!!!
However, read on because there are benefits to some of these wildly pushed products.
The problem is that while we don't NEED them, most of us are busy and don’t have the time or energy to meal plan and eat all the nutrition needed to hit our goals.
Supplements therefore, as the name implies, should be used to help you quickly and effectively hit your daily macros more easily.
The Supplements We Stock and Why We Chose Them
Many of you have been asking, “what is all of this stuff in your lobby, why is it here, and why would I use it?”
We spent a good portion of last summer trying to find some of the best products to offer to our patrons (you all!).
That said, there is alot to digest (pun intented) so let's dive in a little deeper on each of the products, their benefit, why we chose them and when and where to use them.
Bar9 Protein Bars
Oh, the beloved protein bars that you have all grown to love at first bite!
These are made by Kristina, a local mother of NINE children (yep! 9 and hence the name).
She was sick and tired of feeding her kids junk and wanted to make something her kids would love to eat that were both nutritious and organic.
These little vegan bars are packed with all natural, organic ingredients and make the perfect breakfast, snack, or work-out companion.
Whirlybird Granola
Another local favorite!
Christy, a former “westsider” and Seton grad, started this company out of her kitchen! Much like us, she quit her job to follow her dream and we are loving what she has made!
Whirlybird Granola is an all-natural, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan granola made by hand in small batches.
Each batch is sweetened with a native Ohio maple syrup and organic agave nectar. What we love most is that they don’t use any canola oil like you’ll see in most granola. Instead, Whirlybird uses an extra virgin olive oil so that you receive all the nutrients without the GMO’s.
Pamcakes Pancakes
Who doesn’t like pancakes?!?!
Especially locally made HEALTHY pancakes!
Pam, a local physical therapist decided to start her business because she wanted to offer a healthy breakfast option to her family!
These protein-packed pancakes are designed to better help you meet your healthful goals, whatever they may be.
You don’t have to be a cook to make these easy pancakes any time of day – just add water to the mix and pour into a pan.
These pancakes are high in protein and low in fat and carbs.
We often make a whole batch on Sundays and then toast them throughout the week for an easy grab and go breakfast!
Brain Booster MCT Oil
This is yet another local product created at home in a test kitchen!
Bryan, a husband and father of three kids, was looking for ways to focus, maintain energy (to keep up with the children) and curb his appetite.
As an avid KETO fan, Bryan began using MCT oil and noticed drastic changes from a high grade MCT oil that he wanted to share with everyone else.
He began researching how to source and package the oil for quick ready to go servings that could be added to his coffee or breakfast drink.
MCT oil is scientifically proven to promote weight loss, is an instant source of natural energy, and reduces lactate build up. Give these oils a try on your salads, in your coffee, or in your favorite meals.
Ascent Protein Powder
We have been using protein powder to help gain and repair our muscle for years!
The problem?
Most have lots of unnatural additives and are clumpy messes to mix in a drink.
While it would itsbe a stretch to say we have “tried them all,” when it comes to protein powder we certainly have sampled dozens of brands.
When we planned to open the gym last spring, we began researching a better protein powder and stumbled upon a small company based out of Pittsburg that sparked our interest.
We could not be happier that we did!
Trust us when we say this, you will not find a better tasting, more natural, and easy mixing whey on the market.
A single scoop of Ascent whey delivers 25 grams of clean, fast-digesting protein to help your muscles recover from intense workouts.
Ascent Native Fuel is made with native whey, the least processed whey protein available today.
Our favorite recipe is to blend a frozen banana, almond milk, ice, natural peanut butter, and a scoop of chocolate powder.
Generally speaking, those of us strength training and aiming to lose weight need a high protein diet. Most nutritional fitness experts recommend around 1 gram of protein per 1lb of body weight a day. This can be hard to achieve thru your regular diet, thus the popularity of protein supplements in the fitness world.
If you are struggling to hit 1 gram per 1lb thru your regular diet trying adding a shake or two a day to help you get there.
Ascent Pre-Workout Powder
Need a little pep in your step to start your day?
If you are a caffeine lover and have never used a pre workout powder you should test it out!
Pre-workout drinks have been helping me to maximize my workouts and daily chores for years.
Ascent’s Pre-Workout is sourced from only the highest quality ingredients and they purposely cut a lot of the unnatural components that tend to make people jittery or flush.
Ascent’s pre-workout delivers on theirwho promise of helping to improve athletic performance without artificial ingredients.
Try it for a clean way to boost energy and hydration levels in order to maximize your workout and day!
Ascent Protein Water
Just like the rest of the Ascent line, we are over the top excited about this drink because it is made with clean ingredients and tastes better than most protein waters on the market.
Ascent’s Recovery Water is a revolutionary new water-based beverage that offers both high-quality protein (for muscle recovery) and electrolytes (for hydration) to help you recover after an intense workout.
This protein water is a great solution to grab for the go after your class and is jam packed with the recommended 20 grams of protein suggested immediately following a hard workout.
Sun Warrior Plant Based Protein
We picked Sun Warrior Plant Based Protein powder for those who ,are vegan or dairy intolerant.
This is a great plant-based option for those looking to increase their protein intake while staying vegan or dairy free.
Synergy is the secret!
Four powerful ingredients combine to make Warrior Blend superior to any single ingredient alone.
Want a complete, balanced amino acid profile full of BCAAs to help you build lean muscle? Want natural antioxidants and electrolytes to enhance your workouts? Want the energy, endurance and recovery found in MCTs to push you further and harder than ever? Try Sun Warrior!
Now, Let’s Sum This Puppy Up!
Do you need to supplement? No. Should you? Maybe.
If you are lacking energy, protein intake, and healthy on the go options to hit your goals then supplements are a good “cheat.” Rest assured we have done our homework and offer good healthy supplements to fill your need. In addition, we worked hard to negotiate wholesale contracts that bring these products to you cheaper than you can find them online or in store.
So, if you looking to supplement, give these products a try. We promise to always offer the best at the lowest cost possible and always try to support our local businesses at the same time.
If you have any questions or want to sample something just ask us next time you're in.
Happy supplementing!