There are a handful of questions I receive as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. One of the most common one’s is ‘What should I eat post workout?’, which is a GREAT question!
Overall, I’m not too keen on meal timing. I believe the less ‘rules’ surrounding eating, the better. Do what makes you feel good, eat a balanced and nutritious meal when you feel hungry, stay hydrated throughout the day and try not to continue eating when you feel full. However, if you want to feel great and get great results from your workouts, what you put in your body post workout is VERY important.
There are two things that happen to your body when you strength train; 1. You are breaking down muscle/tearing apart muscle fibers. 2. You are depleting your glycogen.
First, I want to point out some of the unfortunately common misconceptions about post workout.
1.You need to eat a big meal to replenish your calories. Yes, you do need calories post workout but where they come from matters… a lot.
2. You need to drink a whey protein shake post workout if you want your muscles to grow. Again, true to an extent but there is definitely a missing component (carbs) AND a more specific component when it comes to protein.
3. A peanut butter sandwich is perfect post workout because it gives you carbs and protein. Carbs, yes. Protein, uh not really. I’m not sure why people think peanut butter is a protein source ( I do know why and it’s because of the internet ). With 16-17g of fat and 6-7g of protein per serving, I’d say peanut butter is a fat source. This is why it’s important to pay attention to misleading claims. Many people also believe beans are high in protein/ a protein source. Sure there is protein IN them (about 6g) but beans are mostly comprised of carbohydrates.
What to Look for in Your Post Workout Meal
In normal human speak, a very fast digesting protein and carb source. That is exactly what Phormula 1 and Ignition is, Phormula 1 being the fast digesting protein and Ignition being the fast digesting carb. Now, I want to explain each in further detail because protein you could easily buy whey protein in bulk from Costco and a Pop Tart is a fast digesting and carb right? Or turkey breast and a piece of fruit? Kind of but here is why Phormula 1 and Ignition will be the best thing you can do for your internal and external results.
What is Phormula 1?
Phormula 1 is a low temperature processed, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. I don’t expect many of you to know what that means but I am here to share that with you. Low temperature processed means that literally, it’s cooked at a low temperature. This is VERY important because when protein is processed at high temps (it’s cheaper to manufacture this way, which is why many supplement companies go that route unfortunately), it denatures the protein, making it less bioavailable (usable) by the body. This, along with fillers, is why you may have tried proteins in the past that cause bloating, indigestion, upset stomach etc. Think of a low temperature processed protein as chicken cooked low and slow in the crock pot and protein processed at a high temperature as a chicken breast on a grill that is way too hot. Which chicken breast would you prefer to eat, the one thats charred to a crisp or the tender, juicy, fall apart chicken cooked in a crockpot? Now, onto hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Hydrolyzed means that the protein itself is broken down into smaller fractions so your body can use in a much faster manner. Isolate just means it is isolated from carbs and fats, so it’s protein in it’s purest form, again so your body can ingest it rapidly.
What is Ignition?
Ignition is a pure dexanhydrous glucose crystal with an added multi vitamin. Now I definitely don’t expect you to know what this means. Maybe the multi vitamin part. In simpler terms, it’s a monosaccharide carb with a multivitamin. Monosaccharide means single cell, which your body breaks down much faster than a polysaccharide (multiple cell) carbohydrate. Now, usually you would want to avoid monosaccharides because they are so fast acting and they will NOT help keep you full. However, in a post workout setting, you shouldn’t be trying to get satiated. The purpose of a GOOD post workout ‘meal’ is to replenish glycogen stores (fuel that was lost) during exercise, restore micronutrients that we’re also lost and repair micro tears of the muscles. So not only does the ignition refill glycogen stores, it spikes insulin, which is the most anabolic (muscle building) hormone. Spiking insulin post workout is ideal because it literally shuttles the protein (Phormula 1) into your muscles to begin the repair and recovery process. Some of you that have a little bit of knowledge about the different types of carbohydrates may wonder, why not just have sugar, or something high in sugar like candy or pop-tarts? GREAT question and the simplest answer is that Ignition (dexanhydrous glucose) actually digests even faster than table sugar/candy/white bread etc. The way these sugars are processed in the body is the biggest difference here. Other sugars must go through the liver first to be processed and then distributed throughout the body from there, which can sometimes take several hours. Ignition bypasses the liver entirely in order to deliver to your muscles immediately.
Does Phormula 1 and Ignition Work?
Now that you know what the purpose of Phormula 1 and Ignition is and how it operates, does it actually work? I suppose the purpose of this whole ‘review’ is to actually review Phormula 1 and Ignition right? Right. I’ve been using Phormula 1 and Igniton for about 1 year and a half now. I actually began JUST using the Phormula 1 about 2 years ago simply because it was a whey protein isolate and it tasted good, until I was properly educated about why adding ignition is just as important. After adding the Ignition to my regimen, yes, it absolutely does what it claims to do.
Results from Phormula 1 and Ignition
As far as results go, I couldn’t imagine taking anything else post workout after I have experienced what Phormula 1 & Ignition does for my body and how it makes me feel. The benefit I noticed right away was reduced muscle soreness and fatique. Now, I love being sore, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. This doesn’t take that away completely, it just allows you to feel up to par the rest of the day and the days following. This allows me to give every single workout the highest intensity I can.
Long term, Phormula 1 and Ignition has helped me literally get the most of my workouts and supported whichever goals I am trying to obtain. In the past year and a half, I’ve gone through phases of both trying to gain muscle without gaining much fat and and lose fat without losing muscle. Having Phormula 1 and Ignition has allowed me to do JUST that, either way. How is this possible? Let’s recap.
Phormula 1 and Ignition is designed to replenish your glycogen stores and repair your muscles. This is where the rest of your days meals matter. If you are trying to lose fat you will need to be in a caloric deficit (not taking in as many calories as you are expending throughout the day – remember this isn’t just calories burned working out, your body also burns calories at rest). If you want to gain muscle, you need to be taking in more calories than you expend in a day. Muscle needs fuel in order to grow. Going too far either way will NOT produce great results, this is why it’s important to receive help from someone who knows how to manipulate these numbers at an individual level. Needless to say, if you want to build lean muscle, Phormula 1 and Ignition will give you the perfect platform to do that. If you want to lose fat without losing muscle, Phormula 1 and Ignition will help you hold on to your hard earned gains.
Lastly, you know when you don’t want to work out but you do it anyway and then you are SO glad you did? Well, Phormula 1 and Ignition amplifies this tenfold. On days like this, not only do I feel great that I got a workout in but I feel even better that I gave my body what it needed afterwards to set myself up for a more energetic day and recovery. My body literally craves it now, I can FEEL when it needs that replenishment and recovery after my workout. When I fulfill that need, I feel incredible.
After using these products product for one and half years, I have learned that doing post workout properly is one of the best things you can do for your body. I am very glad I came across a supplement company to teach me that it’s a two part process.
Gaining muscle without gaining much fat ^ *No other supplements were used aside from Full Mega (high quality fish oil) and M Factor Goddess (high quality multi vitamin) and of course, Phormula 1 and Ignition.
Losing fat without losing muscle ^ *No other supplements were used aside from Full Mega (high quality fish oil) and M Factor Goddess (high quality multi vitamin)and of course, Phormula 1 and Ignition.
Phormula 1 Flavors:
There are many flavor options for the Phormula 1. Ignition is flavorless because it is meant to be mixed with the Phormula 1, just adds a little sweetness if anything.
My all time favorite is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Phormula 1 (tastes just like the milk from the cereal), followed by the Chocolate Milk Shake and Vanilla Milk Shake. I have also tried the Loop D Fruit, Cherry Lime, Juicy Watermelon, Chocolate Mint and Root beer Float.
Loop D Fruit Phormula 1: Tastes exactly like the milk from Fruit Loops. I do not like Fruit Loops, therefore I was not a fan of this flavor. If you DO like Fruit Loops, you will love it. My brother and many of my clients, mark this as their favorite.
Cherry Lime Phormula 1 & Juicy Watermelon Phormula 1: This one is perfect for people who prefer more of a refreshing sports drink (think gatorade) post workout. They taste great but I prefer the more ‘desserty’ flavors. These two are my Dad’s favorite (Hi Tab!).
Root Beer Float Phormula 1: I was skeptical of this one. Mainly because when I think of Root Beer I think fizzy, so I was worried it was going to taste like flat Root Beer. I would consider this one more of a vanilla protein with root beer flavor. I enjoyed it a lot actually but it isn’t one I would have all the time, just here and there.
Chocolate Mint Phormula 1: I can only laugh here because I hate, I mean HATE chocolate mint. To me chocolate mint anything reminds me of toothpaste mixed with chocolate, or mouthwash, whatever. I understand most people love this flavor combination but I think it’s wrong. After reluctantly trying this flavor while in St. Louis, I can genuinely say I don’t hate it. It was very chocolately, with a slight hint of mint. Would I buy it? No but i’d definitely recommend it to any weirdos who think mint chocolate actually tastes good. My mother, who has NEVER enjoyed any protein I’ve ever had her try, likes this one (note: she loves mint chocolate).
Where to Buy Phormula 1 and Ignition
Whether your goals are to gain lean muscle or lose fat, this combination of Phormula 1 and Ignition will %110 help you. To see more about the products click here. If you decide you want to give your body exactly what it needs post workout to reach your goals, this link will also give you free 2-3 day shipping.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have about supplementation, nutrition, training or just reaching your goals in general. My mission is ALWAYS to provide help when needed. amykfit@gmail.com
All my best,
Amy