Post- Workout Food: Fighter's Food

It is no secret that how you recover post work-out will set the stage for your next workout. What so many people refer to as the "Window of Recovery" or Anabolic Window (muscle building/recovery), is the one time that supplements may truly benefit you and offer the most benefit. A lot of people refer to this as a 1 hour window, when in fact studies show that taking a post workout recovery product within 15-30 min following your workout really maximizes your results. Think of yourself as a sponge, your glycogen is depleted post workout, muscle fibers torn up, and your body is ready to soak up anything you put in it like a dry sponge to aid recovery. So this is the time that really matters (a worthwhile read on recovery and Nutrient Timing is "Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition). The aim of "recovery" is to Replenish, Rebuild, and Rehydrate.

What you ingest will go towards repairing your muscle tissue, helping rebuild the fibers you have broken up; replenishing your glycogen stores, so you have adequate energy for the next workout, as well as having energy throughout the day; replenishing your electrolytes, so that the water balance in your cells stays balanced, and you do not get dehydrated and weak. Potassium is essential for this, and for keeping your heart healthy. In essence, post workout fuel, determines your next workout as well as your results.

I know many people who are doing the P90X or Insanity (or similar workouts), and I have to say that I find the Beach Body products shameful, insulting to the customers who pay for these products, and pathetic due to the content and quality. I deal with so many people on a weekly basis, looking for a similar product to their "recovery" drink. For anyone not familiar with it, it contains all of 10 grams of protein. I know that the 4:1 ratio is popular, but the quality of product is lacking: at a whopping 36 grams of sugar per serving, it seems sugar trumps all- keep in mind only 10g protein (the first 2 ingredients are glucose and fructose) . People either do not want to spend money ordering it, or once they read the ingredients, are desperate for a replacement that is all-in-one (especially newbies to exercise, who aren't experienced and don't want the complications of making your own mix). Although there is no "one size fits all" product out there, as we all have different needs, workouts etc, I have come across a wonderful recovery product that I feel comfortable suggesting to clients and customers; one that I stand behind.

I have reviewed Nutrabolics Vitabolic in the past (Multi-Vitamin/mineral/greens/antioxidant), and had great results with it. Besides having a full Sports Nutrition Line, they also make some fantastic Recovery formulas not over flowing with sugar. Namely, Anabolic Window, and the one that I want to review today:
Fighter's Food.


What led me to like this formula, is the formula itself! While not perfect, I have found it gives consistently great results, tastes pleasant, and covers a wide spectrum to help your body recover in multiple ways. It is comprised of all the components one would need in a post-workout optimizing product, in a readily absorbed and digested form.

Fighter's Food is described as a "High performance Protein and Micro-nutrient Complex" and comes in 2 flavors: Acai Berry and Chocolate. Surprisingly the Acai Berry seems to be the most popular. I will post the label and ingredients first, and then do a complete run down following their own description:

Fighter's Food Integrals: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Fruit And Vegetable Extracts.


Here is a brief run down of the different complexes as described by the company:

Precision Engineered High Performance Protein Complex: Fast acting, easily assimilated, and anabolically active multi-spectrum protein matrix stacked with essential amino acids, BCAA's, and growth factors.


•Cross-Flow Micro-Filtered Whey Protein Isolate supplies the highest levels of di-, tri-, and oligo-whey peptides, including over 10% immunoglobulins (vital antibodies support a balanced, healthy immune response).

•Whey Protein Hydrolysate is Whey Protein Isolate that has been pre-digested through an enzymatic process and is assimilated into the body quickly. This process breaks the protein down into its smaller amino acids and reduces the amount of time that the protein stays in the stomach, thus making the protein more available for the muscles to begin using rapidly without further degradation by digestion. This makes Whey Protein Hydrolysate well-suited for use post- workout and exercise because of the increased bioavailability of the predigested protein.

Freeze Dried Extracts From Berries And Vegetables: Freeze drying removes water from fruits and vegetables while preserving 100% of the biologically active antioxidants and phytonutrients. In terms of biological activity, FIGHTER'S FOOD possesses powerful enzymatic activity and a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

High Tech Fiber Blend: For over-all health your nutritional strategy must include high fiber foods. FIGHTER'S FOOD is a powerful weapon in every athlete's diet and is a convenient way to supplement quality fiber into your nutrition plan.

Size Inducing Carb Formula with Waxy Maize Starch: Waxy maise starch is a unique complex carbohydrate capable of being absorbed quickly by bypassing digestion in the stomach. Unlike glucose, waxy maize actually pulls water and nutrients from the stomach and into the blood. Expect fully engorged muscles, increased vascularity, and greater recovery.

You Get:

•Quality Nutrition

•Faster Recovery

•More Energy

•Advanced Multi-spectrum Protein


As I mentioned, it isn't perfect, namely the lack of BCAA's or Branched Chain Amino Acids (which are in their Anabolic Window formula).

Starting with their Protein Complex, the first thing I generally look for is the type of protein used. I was thrilled to see Hydrolysates, and Cross Flow Microfiltered Whey Isolate on the label! Both of these deliver almost immediate absorption of Amino Acids to the muscles, which the body desperately needs post workout. Hydrolyzed Proteins (Smallest particles, enzymatically broken down into di-tri peptides and have the fastest absorbency),  literally is Pre-Digested and offer great benefits to those looking to maximize their nutrient timing and recovery.



I really love the ratios in this product, as well as the freeze dried component; added antioxidants to negate free radical damage caused by exercise is always welcome! I especially love the Land and Sea Vegetable Complex, which among other things contains: Spirulina, Green Algae, Chlorella, Kelp and Dulse! Granted, it is a proprietary blend of products, so you don't know the standardization and amounts (most likely they are there just as a 'garnish), but the fact that they took the time to research, and put these in here is a nice touch, and a very appreciated component!

The same applies to the Herbal Complex, which includes Milk Thistle, Astragalus and Ginseng. I would have loved to see Rhodiola, and Maca in here as well.

Their Freeze Dried Veggie Complex boasts vegetables such as Kale, Broccoli, Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, Spinach, Shittake, and Cabbage. Vegetables and greens specifically are needed for maintaining a more Alkaline PH balance, and are full of phytochemicals, vitamins and nutrients.

The Freeze Dried Fruit Complex contains Acai Berry, Gogi Berry, Blueberry, RESVERATROL (I LOVE Resveratrol, and highly recommend it!), Coffee Berry, which is a potent antioxidant; Elderberry, which boosts immune health and helps combat the flu and viruses; Billberry, which is great for eye health, and Grape Seed Extract. As you can see, the fruits that they picked are among the highest ORAC containing fruits, that pack a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory punch.


Additionally, it contains no added sugars, which generally is a deal breaker for me. It would be nice if they came out in more flavors besides just chocolate and Acai Berry. Overall, this is a fantastic product. I recommend giving it a try, and seeing how you feel after using it!

*As with all of my reviews, I have not been paid for them at all. These are my own opinions and thoughts. Additionally, I have never been contacted by Nutrabolics.

Review Nutrabolic's VITABOLIC

REVIEW:

NUTRABOLIC'S VITABOLIC FULL SPECTRUM VITAMIN AND MULTI NUTRIENT COMPLEX

I've made it no secret that I strongly believe in taking a daily Multi-Vitamin/Mineral (at least a twice a day). Unfortunately, too many people reach for cheap inadequate products, that offer them no benefits.

While I do believe that we should get most of our nutrients from food, keep in mind our sources are depleted and not what they used to be. Since 1933, the government has been putting minerals (INORGANIC) back into our soil. Irridation, pesticides, chemicals etc have eroded the value and depleted out soil of the nutrients it once contained and passed on to our food sources.

Chemicals, pollution, toxins in our environment, disease and stress have all made us leech nutrients from our body tissue and cells at an alarmingly fast rate- leaving us depleted and subsisting and sub-prime levels.  Think of a proper multi as insurance- or bridging the gap, so we can function at peak and efficient levels. Using a proper multi during the day, allows our bodies to preserve their own nutrients, and tops us up. I like the use the analogy of a dried up sponge . The multi tops us up, and then anything additional coffers THERAPEUTIC benefits (not just systemic). Using them during the day, allows us to "run" off of them, and not leach the nutrients from our cells, tissue, muscle etc.

Our bodies are in disequilibrium- just to maintain homeostasis (state of being in balance- kidney function, blinking, breathing) we are using processes and drawing from already scarce reservoirs in our bodies. We are using Metabolic Enzymes as Digestive Enzymes etc. Using a proper multi just gives us additional support and gives us the proper nutrients on a cellular level to take the stress and burden off of our bodies.

One product I really do like is Nutrabolics Vitabolic Full Spectrum Vitamin and Multi-Nutrient Complex.
I have recommended it to many clients with great success. While it does lack Iron, I still do recommend it to females of all age groups. I prefer taking a separate iron pill, so I can regulate the amount and the TYPE of iron. This multi is great for any active or stressed individual, or someone looking for great antioxidant support. It contains Bio active and high amounts of all the B-Vitamins, Vitamin D3, CoEnzyme Q10 (our spark plug nutrient), properly chelated minerals, and a cornucopia of freeze dried antioxidants in the form of berries, greens, vegetables (including Shiitake mushrooms, aloe Vera, Brussel Sprouts, Lycopene, Lutein, Resveratrol) etc. While these dosages are smaller (think of them as a garnish) they are still a nice afterthought.

Most impressively, is that they actually include the PROPER form of B-12 (the METHYL group- methylcobalamin), which is the bioactive, beneficial form of B12. People keep raving about B12, and buying supplements, but they don't realize that most contain the cheap Cyanacobalamin form. The benefits of Vitamin B12 are well documented. This very important nutrient helps support higher energy levels, emotional stability, mental clarity and more. Vitamin B12 has also been associated with lower homocysteine levels which helps lessen the risk of heart disease.

You probably understand the importance of supplementing B12.

Why "Methyl" Vitamin B12 is more effective.

There are primarily two different ingredients being used in sublingual b12 supplements. They are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. The cheapest and most common option for use in supplements is cyanocobalamin. The reason for this is that the liver must convert cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin before the body can utilize it.

Methyl B12 supplements contain the most bioavailable and active form of B-12. Since it requires no conversion by the liver, it is in a form ready to be used by the body (and lessens the burden on our already overtaxed liver).

Here is the info from the Company:
VITABOLIC™ THE END OF BORING VITAMINS




Establishing the foundation for strength and performance



VitaBolic STRATEGY: Insist on uncompromising nutrient quality



Traditionally, the trouble with most multivitamin/multimineral formulations is that they have seriously lacked absorbability. But because we insist on the utmost quality and potency, our scientists ensured that our formulation would contain only Bisglycinate Chelated minerals, which are by far the most absorbable form, yielding the most potent effects. The result is VitaBolic, a highly concentrated and biochemically active supernutrient complex that kicks the crap out of all those generic, boring, and impotent multivitamins out there. It’s because YOU insist on results that WE insist on quality!

VitaBolic TACTICS: There’s more to muscle than proteins, carbs, and fats

While most athletes understand the importance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, many fail to realize the true value and utter necessity of micronutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals; all of which play a crucial role in developing greater health, performance, and muscle. Much like our high octane whole food supplement Fighter’s Food, VitaBolic addresses the need for athletes to consume nutrient dense foods and supplements daily in order to realize the long-term goal of increased strength, size, and performance. This is why our scientists formulated the most nutrient dense and biologically active food supplement in the industry. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity!

VitaBolic INTEGRALS: Freeze-dried fruit and vegetable extracts and precision

Engineered Phytonutrient Complex: VitaBolic delivers high potency ingredients for nourishing the body and fighting the deadly effects of oxidative stress. Boasting a blend of the most potent phytonutrients, indoles, and biochemicals, Vitabolic is scientifically formulated to offer a systemic (whole body) nutritional solution to the problem of cellular decay. Each serving of Vitabolic contains the nutritional equivalent of EIGHT servings of both fruits and vegetables combined. Ridiculously powerful!

Freeze Dried Extracts from Berries and Vegetables: Premium freeze-dried extracts of greens and berries are the only researched forms that are proven to prevent cancer, create optimum health, and fight free radical oxidation. Freeze drying removes water from fruits and vegetables while preserving 100% of the biologically active antioxidants and phytonutrients. In terms of biological activity, VitaBolic possesses powerful enzymatic activity and full spectrum micronutrients and antioxidants.ii.


Bisglycinate Chelate Minerals: The most readily absorbed form of minerals possible. Uniquely formulated to replenish vital nutrients no longer found in our mineral-depleted soils.iii


Advanced Carotenoid Complex: Carotenoids are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants and algae. In humans, Carotenoids play a critical role in protecting our cells against the damage caused by free radicals. In fact, the most notable of the carotenoids supplied in VitaBolic is the patented BioAstin, an ultra- powerful antioxidant derived from deep ocean microalgae. Clinical trials have shown BioAstin to possess 550 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E and 10 times that of beta-carotene. Better still, BioAstin has also been used to alleviate knee pain and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. With a resume like that, it is clear why carotenoids are some of the most potent antioxidants known to man. And that’s also why we’ve included a heavy dose of them in our VitaBolic formula. iv.
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iCasagrande SS, Wang Y, Anderson C, Gary TL. Have Americans increased their fruit and vegetable intake? The trends between 1988 and 2002. Am J Prev Med. 2007 Apr;32(4):257-63.



iiPatterson BH, Block G, Rosenberger WF, Pee D, Kahle LL. Fruit and vegetables in the American diet: data from the NHANES II survey. Am J Public Health. 1990 Dec;80(12):1443-9



iiiBucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):624S-36S



ivBagchi D. Oxygen Free Radical Scavenging Abilities of Vitamin C, E, Beta Carotene, Pycnogenol, Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract, Astaxanthin and BioAstin in Vitro. Final Report to Cyanotech Corporation, Creighton University School of Health Sciences, Omaha, Nebraska. 2001


1) Broad spectrum vitamins and minerals
2) Free radical absorbing antioxidants

3) Immuno-protective herbal extracts,
4) Cell boosting essential fatty acids

5) Estrogen blunting polyphenols

6) Cancer fighting phytonutrients

SUGGESTED USE



Suggested Facts: As a dietary supplement for athletes and bodybuilders, take 1 tablet 30 minutes after morning meal and 1 tablet after afternoon meal.


I highly recommend trying this product! I have added it to MY STORE or you can CLICK HERE