SOS | Electrolyte Hydration Powder

SOS is an electrolyte hydration powder that has been designed to help us all get more out of water thanks to the ‘correct amount and balance of electrolytes’. The SOS mix has been formulated to prevent mild to moderate dehydration in active lifestyles.

Did you know (according to the SOS site):

During a normal day we lose about two liters of water just through breathing, sweat, urine and bowel movements. When we exercise we can lose up to two liters per hour depending on the type of physical activity. Also, while sweating, we lose two main electrolytes: sodium (range 10-70 mEq/L) and chloride (range 5-60 mEq/L).

Finding something to help me keep hydrated is something that I am in desperate need of- as I am super active, and always struggling to drink enough. Sound like you?

Check out this video to find out more:

SOS effectively combats the tiredness, fatigue and dehydration caused by travel, work, play and exercise that fuels todays modern active lifestyle.

Hydration is important to everyone, check out this video to find out how SOS can help everyone to beat dehydration:

But hydration is especially important for sportspeople because just a 2% loss in body weight due to dehydration can reduce athletic performance by 20%! Why? Well when we loose water we will suffer a loss of energy and focus- not ideal if you are running a hard race, or trying to score a goal in a football game! Thankfully, proper hydration with a electrolyte hydration powder such as SOS can prevent this.

Another great benefit of SOS powder is that it not only tastes great, but it also contains less carbohydrates than other sports drinks which will help to ensure that you take in the water that you are drinking- thanks to the right balance of electorlytes and glucose.

What are you waiting for? Go and check out SOS for yourself! Head to their website now to find the perfect hydration powder for you: https://sosrehydrate.com/

Aduna

Aduna is an Africa-inspired health food brand and social business. Their mission is to bring you the natural vitality of Africa’s ancient ingredients, while creating sustainable livelihoods for small-scale producers.

Aduna has a range of products that are packed full of African ‘super-ingredients’ include the extraordinary Baobab fruit, Moringa leaf and Super-Cacao. These awesome ingredients can be found and bought as pure powders, which would be ideal for boosting smoothies, food and drinks.

If you check out the Aduna website you will be able to find a host of recipes using the super-ingredients, like this banana bread with chocolate-peanut butter swirl:

You can also enjoy the super-ingredients as raw energy bars, made entirely from cold-pressed fruit and nuts- brilliant as a mid morning or afternoon snack. The packaging for the bars is almost as awesome as the bar inside- super smart, clear to read and even has a gold sticker! Check out the range of bars:

After trying the bars myself, although I loved the variety available, and the unusual superfood ingredients, I did find them a little dense- which is fine if you are really hungry and looking for something to fill a gap, but as I often munch on a bar quickly post training, I found them a little too heavy. However, that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying the bars, and it seems to be a quality of the bars that loads of people really love.

Head to the Aduna website, or one of the Aduna stockists, to buy your own!

I have enjoyed the bars in a different way. For example, instead of having them as a quick bite after training, I have found that a great way to enjoy the bars is chopped up and added to cereal, or smoothie bowls. Their superfood ingredients add an awesome boost to breakfast! You could chop up a bar, and add it to this incredible purple smoothie bowl (recipe available on the Aduna website):

If the taste, and superfood elements of the Aduna products aren’t enough to get you to try them, then the social impact that Aduna has is incredible, and surely will. Check out this video to learn about how boabab production can change and impact a rural community in Africa:

For more information shoot us a message, head to Instagram (@trainandchew or @glb_racewalk) or head to the Aduna website where you can buy their products or find out more!

Enertor

Enertor provides world-class orthotic insoles for elite athletes (like Usain Bolt), Premier League footballers, the Sky Cycle Team and even The British Military, enabling them to perform to the highest standards.

Check out this video to hear about the history of this awesome company:

To find out more, and to buy your own Enertor insoles head to: https://www.enertor.com 

Use code: GLB10 to get a discount at the checkout! 

Yes, even Usain Bolt trusts and uses Enertor insoles to ensure that he can continue training hard so that he can achieve on the track. wears Check out this super motivating video of Bolt’s running story:

But Enertor are not only making insoles for the professionals, they are adamant that everyone can benefit from their expertise and technology!

For example, if you struggle to exercise because your feet hurt, or you are looking to improve your parkrun PB, but worried that increasing your training might increase injury risk, then why not consider getting some Enertor insoles to reduce impact, reduce pain and help increase your performance!

ENERTOR HAVE BEEN HELPING PEOPLE STAY INJURY FREE SINCE 1998 WITH THEIR INSOLES AND WORLD-LEADING FOOT CLINIC.

 

I have been wearing Enertor insoles in my running and casual trainers for almost a month. Although at first I felt like they made my trainers a little heavy, and I had to get used to feeling a little higher up, after a couple of days I got used to them and now love how stable and supported I feel when wearing them. I have also noticed that my feet haven’t been hurting as much after work, and so I am able to train harder and recover quicker.

Check out @glb_racewalk on Instagram for images, action shots and more information!

But it is not just me that thinks this! There are loads of great product reviews on the Enertor site, here are a couple:

• AMAZING FOR THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SETTLE
• ALLOWED ME TO START RUNNING PAIN FREE
• I NOTICED THAT I FELT LESS FATIGUE AT THE END OF THE DAY

To find out more, and to buy your own Enertor insoles head to: https://www.enertor.com 

Use code: GLB10 to get a discount at the checkout! 

 

Purition

What is Purition?

‘Well it has a lot less sugar than a smoothie. It’s way more filling than any of those meal replacement thingies and unlike protein shakes – it’s packed with real food. Quite simply it’s a glass full of healthy to build your day on.’ – Purition website

I came across Purition when I was searching for filling, nutritious and quick breakfast and post training options. Unlike many other protein supplements, Purition is made from real food- I can actually recognize every ingredient! Literally, the powder contains no gums, unrecognizable fillers, thickeners, artificial flavourings or preservatives. Just simple wholesome food ingredients. I loved this, and it ticked a box for me 🙂

Another awesome bonus of Purition is that there are loads of interesting flavours to try… whether you enjoy classics such as strawberry or chocolate, or are keen to try something a little different like pistachio or coconut. Most of thier products contain whey, but they also have a range of vegan shakes which are boosted with hemp. Have a look at their range:

Purition comes in large bags with scoops- as you may get with other protein supplements, or you can get individual sachets. As I wanted to try all of the range, or at least as many as possible, I ordered a sample selection. I also like how the sachets are pre-portioned and easy to carry- brilliant for after training or to take with me when I go away.

Purition suggest enjoying their powder as a shake. Simply combining the powder with a milk of your choice…. as suggested below:

Making a shake is easy, convenient and tasty. It also ensures that you get everything you need in one glass! I am not sure about it keeping you full for 4 hours on its own, but if you combine it with some fruit, veggies and milk in a smoothie it should do.

For breakfast yesterday, I enjoyed the macadamia and vanilla shake blended with almond milk, soya yogurt, and a banana, some spinach, avocado, and a handful of berries. It was delicious as a smoothie bowl topped off with some Pip and Nut peanut butter, a sprinkle of Rolla Granola and some extra berries- but any of your favorite toppings would work really well.

But why stop at smoothies? 

One of my go to snacks is a plant based chocolate mouse, combining banana, avocado and cocoa, but I thought I would try mixing Purition in instead of cocoa. I used the coconut flavoured powder in my mix, and it was awesome! I know the mush is green, but it tasted so great.

Also, because Purition is full of real food goodness- high in protein, healthy fats and just enough carbohydrates- the mix was ideal for a treat after training. I served my delicious mixture with lots more coconut, including COYO yogurt, Meridian coconut and peanut butter, and a sprinkling of desiccated coconut. However you could combine any of the Purition flavours that you like (I would recommend chocolate or macadamia and vanilla) with avocado and banana, and top your mousse off with whatever you love and it would be awesome!

The opportunities for getting creative with Purition are almost limitless- overnight oats, cake, bread, ice cream! Check out the Purition website for more ideas. It would be great to hear what you make using Purition- just post a comment!

If you want to learn more about Purition, or want to buy some for yourself, then head to the Purition website here: https://www.purition.co.uk/

Or, follow Purition on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.

You could also follow us on social media: Train and Chew (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), or glb_racewalk (Instagram) for more recipe and fitness ideas- to keep you feeling great! You can also comment on this post, or send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

Performance Ground

Performance Ground was founded in order to empower athletes of all levels to unlock their body’s best performance.

I really loved this mission and so didn’t think twice about working with the team in order to develop my strength, work on my weaknesses and become the best athlete that I can. 

Performance Ground is based in Holborn which is right in the heart of London: 

Although I don’t live in London, I am still able to work with Performance Ground online. You can start to work with them too, simply check out their online forums! But, when I can get to London I always make sure to pop in to the awesome gym and catch up with the team because that is how I know that I am on track, and also ensure that I am doing everything properly.

Also, the gym really is one of the coolest, and best equipped gyms that I have seen in London. So I wouldn’t want to miss out! I mean just check out these images of the facility that I found on the Performance Gym website (and I guarantee the facility does look like that as I have been there!):

According to Performance Ground, ‘the facility that is revolutionizing Central London’s fitness industry’.

Not only is the gym awesome, always super tidy and full of top end equipment, what they believe in is great too:

1. Being the best: We are committed to being the best in sports performance.
2. Accessibility: Science driven performance coaching has been accessible to elite athletes only. We make it accessible to athletes of all levels and individuals of all backgrounds.
3. Camaraderie: We believe in creating a community of like minded people.

I really enjoy working with Performance Ground to improve myself, and boost my strength.

I personally work with Tristan who is the Performance Director. He has years’ of experience in coaching strength and conditioning to amateur and elite athletes across a number of different sports- I think I am his first race walker! He, like the other members of the Performance Ground team, know what they are talking about and have worked with me as an individual.

Here are a couple of pictures of me working hard on my stability, control and strength.

Want to find out more? 

For more information on Performance Ground, to see what other services they offer, or to see how you can get involved check out their website here: https://trainwithpg.com/  or send them an email: info@trainwithpg.com

Don’t miss the Performance Ground blog

Also, makes sure to check out their blog because it is full of interesting content that will help you to be the best you can be, whether you are a rugby player, runner or want to build strength for day to day activities. The blog is available on the Performance Ground website, you can find it here: https://trainwithpg.com/blog/

PinnerTest

PinnerTest is a New Generation food intolerance lab test. All that the test requires is a couple of drops of blood. The sample is then analysed in order to detect food intolerance’s.

According to the manufacturer’s, the PinnerTest is the most accurate Food Intolerance test in the world.

What are food intolerance’s? 

Food intolerance’s occur when individuals are unable to fully digest certain types of food. The lack of complete digestion results in foreign particles circulating in the blood stream. The immune system tries to fight against the foreign particles and this can result in inflammation. Inflammation can result in discomfort, and disease if left.

Food intolerance’s are not the same as food allergies. Food allergies are rare, affecting only 2% of the population. Food allergies vary in severity, but in the most extreme cases, when a certain food is eaten, the food allergy can cause an immune response in the whole body which is potentially fatal. In food intolerance’s, eating a certain food will not kill you, but symptoms can be lifelong and uncomfortable.

Why get a PinnerTest? 

If left, food intolerance’s can cause people to get ill and gain weight. A lack of serotonin has been suggested to be the causal factor in food intolerance. Check out this post for more information about the link between food, depression and weight gain: https://allergyanddepression.com/2013/01/23/its-all-about-the-serotonin/

Food intolerance symptoms can be easily prevented by avoiding or reducing certain foods. By taking the test you will be able to find out which foods you should avoid, and therefore will hopefully have the knowledge to help yourself feel better.

Ordering a PinnerTest: 

Ordering the PinnerTest is simple and can be done online: https://pinnertest.com/.

Once you have ordered your test it will arrive in less than a week. In fact, my package that was delivered internationally arrived in less than 2 days! Once the pack arrives, you will find a small package, with an information booklet and an instructions sheet.

Once you have read the information, the test process is simple.

Test process

In the PinnerTest box you will receive an instruction sheet, which looks something like this:

The procedure is really straightforward, and for me the test took less than 5 minutes. All that was required was a tiny prick at the tip of my finger, which I did with this lancet:

Then, I dabbed a couple of drops of blood onto the sample sheet. That was all that was required for the test.

The test came in a sterilized package- so no worries there either!

Before sending off the sample I completed the consent form that came with the test and packaged everything into a neat envelope ready for postage- super easy via UPS: https://www.ups.com/gb/en/Home.page.

I am now looking forward to receiving the easy to understand report!  The report will clearly show which foods I should avoid and which are ok.

The foods in the red column represent of the report are the foods that the test taker can’t digest, and those are the PinnerTest Food Intolerances. Here is an example of the report:

Here are some FAQ’s that I thought were really helpful in deciding whether or not to go ahead with the PinnerTest:

• Is going to a lab necessary to perform the Pinnertest?
  • No, it is an at home finger prick test. Really simple, pain free and required only a tiny plaster afterwards. No bruising and the bleeding stopped really quickly. 
• How do I prick my finger?
  • The company provide you with 2 lancets in the kit. This is the lancet:

• How much blood is necessary?
  • 3-4 drops of blood is placed on the collection pad that is included in the kit. I was worried that I would not be able to get that much blood out of my fingers, but it was easy using the Lancet. If you have trouble, then you can prick two fingers- using separate Lancets.
• Does the test look for a permanent or temporary food intolerance?
  • PinnerTest is a test for permanent food intolerance.
• Does the test look for allergies?
  • No, PinnerTest do not test for allergies, only food intolerance’s.
• How many foods are tested for?
  • PinnerTest is a test that compares a blood sample against 200 different foods.
• Will any medication show up in the result?
  • No, PinnerTest only test for food intolerance.
• Does the test diagnose anything?
  • No, PinnerTest only provide the list of foods that test takers are permanently intolerant to.
• How long does it take to receive results?
  • Results are emailed 7-10 days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the sample has been received. I haven’t yet had my results- but I am very interested to see what is found.
• Do the company pay for shipping?
  • Yes,  as part of the fee for the test, shipping both ways is covered (with a tracking number). Although international orders do not receive a shipping tag, the company do cover the cost of shipments- as long as they are under $20, and not express.
• Does PinnerTest ship internationally?
  • Yes, as mentioned above they also pay for shipping both ways (with tracking number)
• How old should a person be to take the test?
  • 18 months and older.

If you would like to find out more about Pinnertest, then be sure to check out social media:

Instagram – @pinnertestusa with #pinnertest

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ThePinnertestUSA/ with #pinnertest

Twitter – @Pinnertest_USA #pinnertest 

STRIPPD

STRIPPD is a new brand that sells supplements and protein powders that have been specifically designed for women.

We recently tried out STRIPPD protein powders and wanted to tell you more because we loved them!

When making STRIPPD, the creators started from scratch, and aimed to find exactly what women wanted and needed from protein powder. They discovered that women wanted a simple product that tasted great, was affordable and would do them good. As a result, STRIPPD was born.

STRIPPD has a range of whey and plant based protein powders which are great tasting. The powders have also been stripped right back (pardon the pun) and so are free of nasty chemicals, and additives. Instead, STRIPPD protein powders contain just the right amount of easily digestible protein with some seriously tasty extra ingredients like Yerba Mate to boost our health even more, so that we can recover faster and enjoy being healthy!

STRIPPD is super versatile. It tastes great on its own, or you can mix it into smoothies as I have done here (this was the vegan berry blend), or even into your morning bowl of oats. 

To try STRIPPD for yourself head to their site now! 

We tried STRIPPD’s vegan protein powder, which is a blend of protein powders from whole pea and hemp sources with some added beneficial ingredients such as the afore mentioned Yerba Mate which can boost the immune system. This plant based powder would be ideal for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant because the powder tastes great, and still contains all of the essential amino acids for maintaining lean muscles and healthy skin, hair and nails. STRIPPD vegan powder is available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Berry flavour. All of which are delicious!

We also tried STRIPPD’s whey protein powder which is a source of complete protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids for building lean muscles and maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Just like the vegan blend, the whey powder contains the metabolism-boosting Yerba Mate plant extract. This powder is also available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Berry flavour.

If you are really keen to try STRIPPD products then head to their site now! 

Let us know what you think of STRIPPD- and show us what delicious treats you create by sharing them with us here or on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Aubergine and Chickpea Curry

If you fancy a heart warming and seriously healthy curry this summer, then look no further. This delicious curry is easy to make and really tasty! The curry is the ideal meal option if you have vegetarians, or vegans coming for dinner. However, it is also sure to go down really well with carnivores too! If you would like to add meat or fish to the curry then by all means go ahead! It would would well with diced chicken or lamb, or fresh prawns.

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines, cut into wedges
• 2 red peppers, wedged
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp black mustard seeds
• 10 curry leaves
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red chili, chopped
• 4 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 400ml can coconut milk
• 6 fresh tomatoes, quartered
• 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Method

1.  Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large pan, and brown the aubergines for 2-3 mins until soft, golden brown and crispy.
2. Scoop out and put onto a plate and a piece of kitchen paper to drain off any excess liquid.
3. Heat another ½ tbsp oil in the pan, and cook the peppers. Once soft, scoop out and put aside with the aubergine.
4. Add the remaining oil to the pan and heat. Add the mustard seeds and curry leaves and fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell the yummy fragrances.
5. Stir in the onions and cook until soft and golden.
6. Add the  chillies and the rest of the spices and stir.
7. Then, add a dollop of the thick coconut milk from the top of the can and fry for 1 minute.
8. Add the rest of the can of coconut milk, the tomatoes and add another half a can of water.
9. Simmer the mix for about 25 mins until thick, saucy and delicious!
10. Once ready, stir in the chickpeas and add the aubergines and peppers back into the pan.
11. Simmer the curry for another 5 mins until everything is hot.
12. Serve the curry with rice, a warm naan bread and some fresh avocado.
13. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of coriander (if you like), and enjoy!

Easiest Ever Chia Pudding

As much as we all seem to love Chia pudding, if eaten on its own it often fails to satisfy, and personally, I find it feels a little like eating frogspawn. However, I have been experimenting with this supposed superfood pud and I think I have come up trumps 🙂

Which is great because chia seeds are amazing as they are packed with fibre, health omega fatty acids, potassium, and magnesium. What is more, chia seeds are great for boosting energy and endurance, and can help to regulate digestion and metabolism.

To make my chia pudding, I combine chia seeds with oats which not only stops my chia pudding from being quite so reminiscent of frogspawn, but also amps it up in terms of how filling it is, and in terms of how much energy it provides- really important if you are active and are looking for a breakfast (or snack) to fuel you for the day ahead.

To really make my chia and oat pudding taste amazing I love to mix in some frozen berries, and top it off with coconut yogurt, nuts and raisins, seeds and an obligatory dollop of nut butter.

To make the above chia and oat pudding you will need:

• 1/2 old fashioned cup oats
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant based both work well)
• 1/4 cup frozen berries
• Toppings of your choice- here I used coconut yogurt, nuts, seeds, granola and nut butter

Combine all of the ingredients (bar the toppings) and leave for at least a couple of hours, or overnight in the fridge. When you are ready for your breakfast, or for your snack then remove the pudding from the fridge, top with your favorite things and enjoy!

Let us know if you have any great chia pudding recipe ideas as we would love to hear them!

Morning Motivation

With the summer supposedly now in full swing, getting fit is high up on the agenda of many people’s to do lists. However, getting fit can be challenging, not only physically but also mentally, with a lack of motivation being one of the main reasons why people fall off of the fitness train.

So, to help you to stay on track, and achieve your goals, we wanted to give  you some morning motivation!

This quote here is one of my favorites:

I love it because it reminds me that getting fit is all about progress rather than perfection.

I wanted to use this quote for today’s morning motivation because I think it is important to remember that getting fitter is a journey and on that journey we shouldn’t try and beat anyone else. Achieving fitness is our own race and we have our own goals, because at the end of the day it is our own life.

We must all remember that reaching our fitness goals is about consistency and maintenance. Find a path and a pace that is right for you and then keep focused and work hard toward achieving your ultimate goals, and do not get side tracked by the goals of others.