Inside: If you need lunch packing inspiration, here are 10 healthy, affordable ALDI lunch box ideas that kids will love.
Has lunch box boredom set in?
Telltale signs include kids who dramatically announce “There’s nothing to paaaack!” (when there are definitely things to pack) and half-eaten (or worse, uneaten) lunches coming home from school..
If you need some inspiration and want to save a bunch of money by getting everything at ALDI, here are 10 ideas to get you started. A few things to keep in mind:
I bought these ingredients at ALDI, but you can obviously buy them at other stores as well (see My Favorite Things to Buy at ALDI)
These are merely ideas to get you started. Pack the foods and portions that are best for your kid.
If you want details on the lunch boxes and gear shown here, I provide lunch box and gear details below..
10 ALDI Lunch Box Ideas
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Crescent Rolls
Deli ham lunch meat & Swiss cheese
Snap peas
Blueberries
Hummus Box
Hummus
Pita crackers
Cucumber
Carrots
Grapes
Chocolate chips in the middle for dessert
Meatballs
Frozen meatballs with toothpicks (vegetarian or otherwise; add a leakproof container of BBQ sauce or other favorite dip)
Bread (spread with butter, nut or seed butter, or cream cheese)
Cucumber
Pineapple & strawberries
Yogurt With Toppings
Vanilla yogurt (Greek yogurt has more protein than regular)
Granola
Strawberries
Hard-boiled egg
Protein Waffle
PBJ “Sushi”
Cut crusts off a slice of bread. Roll it flat with a rolling pin. Spread with peanut butter and jelly. Roll up, then cut into pieces.
Bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly or jam
Mini bell peppers
Freeze dried apples
Snacky Lunch
Woven Whole Wheat Crackers
Deli meat
Spreadable cheese wedges
Broccoli (pack dip in a leakproof container)
Clementines
Brioche Sandwich
Oatmeal With Toppings
Quick oats (pack in a thermos)
Walnuts
Strawberries & blueberries
Hard-boiled egg
Homemade Pizza Rolls
I used my Pepperoni Rolls recipe and swapped in refrigerated pizza dough, dividing it into 8 equal pieces.
Refrigerated pizza dough
Pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese slices
Pizza sauce for dipping
Snap peas & carrots
Strawberries
Pesto Tortellini
Tortellini
Jarred pesto sauce
Baby carrots (with dip)
Apple
Lunch Boxes & Packing Gear
EasyLunchboxes Bento Box
Our favorite everyday lunch box. Comes in a set of four with colorful lids.
EasyLunchboxes Snack Box
Great for packing smaller portions. Comes in a set of four.
LunchBots Trio
Stainless steel, simple, and durable. Available in different sizes.
PlanetBox Rover
A splurge lunchbox. Comes with two leakproof containers.
PlanetBox Shuttle
Great for snacks or smaller lunches. Comes with one leakproof container.
Silicone Baking Cups
Perfect for divided lunchboxes and bento boxes.
Thermos Brand Thermos
Holds 10 ounces of food and keeps it hot for five hours.
Questions About ALDI Lunch Box Ideas
What if this isn’t enough food for my kid?
By all means, pack the portions that are right for your kid. These photos are just for ideas and inspiration, not portion guidelines. Every kid is different, and you know your kid best.
What if I don’t have an ALDI?
You can find similar items at other grocery stores too.
How can I get my kids to pack their own lunch?
I’ve got a free email series that helps you do that! It’s a 5-day plan to teach kids to be independent packers and give YOU some free time! Tap here to get the free email series: How to Teach Your Kids to Pack Their Own Lunches.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Fractional plates, or micro plates, enable lifters to make small, precise weight increments, crucial for progressing in strength training. They are typically used in conjunction with calibrated plates to ensure accuracy on the barbell.
Related Reading: What Is A Calibrated Plate
Making small weight increments is called micro loading which can result in the difference between winning and losing a powerlifting competition or achieving a new personal record.
What Are Fractional Plates – Introduction
Fractional weights, also called micro plates or change plates, are small weight plates ranging from 0.25kg to 1kg. They enable lifters to make micro adjustments to their barbell weight and are commonly used in powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting to gain a competitive edge.
Recommended Reading: Powerlifting VS Olympic Lifting
What Increments Are Fractional Plates
Typically sold in sets of eight, fractional plates come in pairs of 0.25kg, 0.5kg, 0.75kg, and 1kg. Some manufacturers offer plates as small as 0.125kg.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Fractional Plates
Whether you are new to weightlifting or an advanced powerlifter, fractional plates can offer a number of benefits making them a worthwhile investment.
For Beginners:
New lifters can quickly reach a plateau. However, micro plates allow for small, manageable weight increases, helping to break through these plateaus safely and gradually.
If you’ve reached the limit of what you can lift, even adding an additional 2.5kg to each side of a barbell may not be possible. This is where fractional plates come in. By making small weight increments you can push through that plateau and attain a new personal best.
It may seem a slow way of making progress but it’s important to remember that when you start lifting heavier weights, your progress is likely to slow down.
Fractional discs allow for progressive overload in a safe and manageable way.
For Experienced Lifters:
As we mentioned above, those who have a lot of experience lifting weights will eventually notice a slowing down of their progress.
This is perfectly as all human beings are going to reach their genetic potential with how much weight they can lift. This means that as your body gets used to lifting those heavy weights, eventually this is going to result in diminishing returns.
In other words, despite lifting a lot of weight you’re not seeing any progress – this is your plateau.
If you’re squatting 300kg and struggle to proceed beyond this weight, adding on a fractional weight of 0.25kg can still be achievable and is far safer to progress this way than adding on, for example, a 5kg plate either side of your barbell.
How To Use Fractional Plates For Micro Loading
Micro loading with change plates allows for consistent progress without drastic changes. For instance, instead of adding 2.5kg to each side of a barbell, adding 0.5kg plates results in a manageable 1kg total increase, facilitating steady improvement.
Let’s assume you are someone who can squat 200kg (440lbs) and this happens to be your personal best. Even with downtime to rest and recover, when you next visit the gym you add a 2.5kg calibrated plate either side of your barbell. Yet, the bar doesn’t move – this is more common that you may think.
Let’s consider the percentages.
You’ve added 5kg total from your previous maximum lift which equates to a 2.5% increase. This means you need to have become 2.5% stronger since your previous lift. That’s a pretty big jump!
By making use of fractional plates the jump would be far smaller and more achievable. So, instead of adding a 2.5kg plate either side of your bar, you opt for a 0.5kg instead, making the total you’ve added just 1kg. That’s an increase of just 0.5%.
If you’ve given yourself sufficient rest and recovery time from your previous lift you’re much more likely to succeed.
Fractional Plates VS Change Plates
Change plates are larger denominations of weight compared to fractional plates. Both are used on Olympic barbells and typically made of steel for accuracy. Fractional weights are better suited for competitive lifters needing precise weight adjustments, while regular gym-goers may find change plates sufficient for their needs.
Change plates are supplied in pairs usually in the following weight increments. These weight increments may vary depending on the manufacturer.
1.25 kg
2.75 lbs
1.5 kg
3.3 lbs
2 kg
4.4 lbs
Fractional plates comes in lower denominations of weight. They are a fraction of the larger weight standard weights, hence their name. As above, they may vary depending on the manufacturer.
0.25 Kg
0.55 lbs.
0.5 Kg
1.1 lbs.
0.75 Kg
1.65 lbs.
1.00 Kg
2.2 lbs.
Both types of plates are unlikely to be of much use while you are progressing quickly as it’s usually much easier to make larger jumps when you’re lifting lighter weights.
However, as you become stronger and start lifting heavier weights you’ll find them invaluable to allow you to continue to make progress with your strength training.
Most regular gym-goers will likely find that change plates will suffice, as while the jump is more than if you were to add a fractional plate, it’s usually achievable. A regular gym user tends not to be lifting the excessive weights compared to that of a competitive lifter.
Fractional weights can be much more useful to competitive powerlifters as these very small increases in weight can alter the results of a competition and enable a powerlifter to achieve a new personal best.
Before You Go…
Now that you have a better understanding of fractional discs, you’ll know they form the many types of accessories that a powerlifter might need for a competition. Why not read more about the different types of powerlifting accessories.
So what are the best testosterone boosters 2021? I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you. That there are hundreds & probably thousands of testosterone boosters on the market. Sadly most of them are low quality & in a lot of cases “snake oils”. Find out my best brands for 2021. So you know which ones to consider.
I appreciate it’s early in 2021. I am regularly reviewing the best & new testosterone supplements coming on the market. So if any new brands come on the market that are high quality. I’ll be adding them to this article. So you can consider them as well!
Two things I would like to clarify. Supplements are one of the last things you look at when it comes to optimizing testosterone production. You should first be focusing on.
Fat loss (getting to 10% – 15% body fat)
Optimizing sleep
Diet
Resistance training
If You Want Help Naturally Optimizing Your Testosterone Levels You Can Check Out My Coaching
The second thing that I would like to clarify is that these are all nutritional supplements. So you use them to supplement what you aren’t getting in your diet. This also means that the best supplement for me.
May not necessarily be the best supplement for you. It depends on your personal dietary intake. Taking in to account the ingredients, the concentration of ingredients & how effective these supplements have been for myself & other clients.
The Best Testosterone Boosters 2021
These are the supplements that I believe to be the best testosterone boosters on the market. These supplements in no particular order are.
Military Muscle
Testogen
Aggressive Strength
So you can check out these brands & find out why they have made my list of the best testosterone boosters below.
Best Testosterone Boosters 2021: Military Muscle
Military muscle is the brand I personally use. The main reason for this is it contains a huge 11 ingredients. All clinically proven to increase testosterone production. This is far more than any other brands. I’ve come across on the market. The other thing that makes them stand apart in the market is the concentration of the ingredients. All ingredients in concentrations which are clinically proven to positively impact T.
Other brands may contain some of the same ingredients. However, the concentrations are usually too low to actually impact your testosterone production. Having all those ingredients in concentrations clinically proven to boost testosterone. Truly sets Military muscle apart from other testosterone boosters on the market. To give you an overview of the ingredients. They are as follows.
D3 99.96mcg
Vitamin A 257mcg
K2 45mcg
Iron 12mg
Zinc 20mg
Urtica Diocia 360mg
Boron 10mg
Mucuna Pruriens 56mg
Ashwagandha root 600mg
D-aspartic acid 2300mg
Fenugreek 500mg
So the main things that set Military muscle apart & why it made my list of the best testosterone boosters 2021 are.
11 ingredients
All clinically proven to boost testosterone
Each ingredient in high enough concentration to boost T
You can access their products from pretty much any country. This includes global shipping.
You Can Check Out & Buy The Military Muscle Testosterone Booster Here!
Best Testosterone Boosters 2021: Testogen
Testogen contains 10 ingredients. All clinically proven to boost testosterone production. The concentration isn’t as high as the ingredients in Military muscle. It does however contain bioperine piperine.
This means that the different nutrients are more easily absorbed. Testogen is also the lowest cost on the best testosterone boosters 2021 list. They also offer especially good multi order deals. This coupled with multiple discount codes. Makes Testogen very competitive from a price perspective.
The main ingredients in the Testogen testosterone booster are as follows.
Magnesium 200 mg
Bioperine 5mg
Fenugreek 40mg
D-aspartic acid 2352mg
Zinc 10mg
Boron 8mg
Vitamin D3 50mcg
Nettle leaf/ Urtica Diocia 40mg
The other area Testogen set themselves apart is they offer supplements & drops. The drops are designed to be absorbed more quickly than standard supplements. Their drops also contain some more unique ingredients. Designed to increase testosterone, physical performance & energy levels. You can access their products from pretty much any country. This includes global shipping.
You Can Check Out & Buy The Testogen Testosterone Booster Here
Best Testosterone Boosters 2021:Aggressive Strength
Aggressive Strength is the range of products from Mike Mahler. Mike has an excellent name in the fitness industry. He is known for producing great supplements. The testosterone booster meets this standard.
The key thing that sets the Aggressive Strength testosterone booster apart. Is that it contains Bulbine Natalensis. If you aren’t familiar with Bulbine Natalensis. It’s a fairly new herb being lauded for its testosterone boosting capabilities.
The key reason it’s being looked upon so favorably. Is due to a rat study where it’s been shown to increase testosterone by up to 347%. While lowering estrogen by up to 35%. There have also been plenty of examples, where human men have reported that it’s been very effective at increasing testosterone production as well.
On top of this. The aggressive strength testosterone booster contains three other ingredients. All of which are clinically proven to boost testosterone production. They also offer a number of complementary products. Including estrogen control, & hormonal balance bundles. Designed to improve your wider hormonal health. The four key ingredients in the Aggressive Strength testosterone booster are as follows.
Stinging nettle/ Urtica Diocia 225mg
Bulbine Natalensis 215mg
Mucuna Pruriens 175mg
Ashwagandha Extract 95mg
They also offer free worldwide shipping. You can check out the Aggressive strength testosterone booster for yourself below.
You Can Check Out And Buy The Aggressive Strength Testosterone Booster Here
Final Thoughts On The Best Testosterone Boosters 2021
I hope you have found this article useful. It’s clear why the brands I outlined have made The Best Testosterone Boosters 2021 list. If you have any questions in regard to any of these testosterone boosters. Just drop me a comment and I’ll get back to you.
Please feel free to share with anyone you think may find it useful as well. You can also follow me on my social media sites. Where I share plenty of tips on ways to optimize testosterone production. As well as updating any additions to the best testosterone boosters 2021 list.
Do women have more body fat than men? As a matter of fact, yes, they do. It all comes down to hormones and our biological make-up. The connection is drawn between one vital hormone – estrogen.
Body fat is stored in the form of triglycerides in fat cells called adipocytes. Triglycerides can also be stored as droplets within skeletal muscle cells. A healthy body fat range for women, is between 20-25%, while a healthy body fat for men, is 10-15%.
On average women have 6-11% more body fat than men. Women naturally have higher oestrogen levels, to aid in the childbearing process. Oestrogen reduces and slow a woman’s metabolism and energy expenditure, attributing to more total body fat. Time of increased oestrogen could be seen as states of efficient fat storage in preparation for fertility, fetal development, and lactation.
However, from an energy point of view, women should not hold more body fat and weight than men, particularly since men have a greater average caloric intake than women. Women tend to burn more calories than men when they exercise, yet don’t lose as much body fat, suggesting that they are far more efficient at storing body fat.
Women store more body fat than men, in their hips and thighs. This pattern known as the traditional ‘female’ fat distribution, independent of total body fat, confers protection against metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis [R].
There are significant differences between men and women, and how their fat is distributed. Males see a larger influx of lean muscle mass during puberty, while females, will see an increase in fat mass. Menopause is yet another time where fat is redistributed. Visceral fat rises in women during the peri-menopausal transition, presumably due to the fall in estrogen levels [R]. In men as testosterone declines visceral adiposity also increases in men [R].
RELATED ARTICLE9 Ways To Naturally Increase Testosterone
Studies show that premenopausal women, compared to age-matched men, have better lipid profiles: higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels and lower low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol and total triglyceride levels [R].
On average women do carry 6-11% more body fat than men, due to the biological differences. Women are more efficient at storing body fat, yet burn more body fat when exercising. Estrogen and testosterone both, have a large impact on the ability to burn and redistribute body fat. Thus, in addition to a healthy nutrition plan and training program, optimizing hormonal levels especially as you age, is significantly important to overall body composition.
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We believe that everyone can optimize not only their athletic performance but their human potential. The way we believe we can optimize performance is through transparency, clinically effective doses, and clinically proven ingredients with evidence-based outcomes. We provide the nutrients you need to power your active lifestyle.
One of the advantages of organizing anatomy and physiology concepts into short, modular chapters is that it gives us more flexibility in teaching. It also permits us to focus on important topics that are often buried within a large chapter that covers many subtopics. Taking this advantage, Anatomy & Physiology puts the clinically important concepts of stress into a single, independent chapter.
The concepts of stress interconnect with concepts of neuroscience, endocrinology, immunology, and many others—covered in diverse chapters of a textbook and diverse modules of an A&P course. Putting the core concepts of stress into its own independent chapter means that the instructor has more flexibility in where they place in their own course structure—into their own unique telling of the story of the human body.
Our book was the first A&P textbook to have an independent stress chapter. Since its introduction, we’ve been keeping the content up to date and relevant to student learning—and to the clinical applications of stress they’ll be making in their professional courses and careers.
More recently, we enlisted the advice of the late Dr. Bruce McEwen, an icon of the modern concepts of human stress and it’s real-life implications. Contributing author Dr. Peggie Williamson and I used Bruce’s advice and his generous stack of resources to give our stress chapter a major refresh and update. You will find that the engaging story-of-stress approach remains, but with the more recent parts of that story reflected with greater clarity and relevance.
We need not let the concepts of stress be stressors themselves in our teaching and learning. Using the stress chapter in Anatomy & Physiology—a reader favorite—can help us all better understand the pivotal role stress can have in wellness and disease.
We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.
Transparent Labs is renowned for its commitment to high-quality products, avoiding questionable ingredients like dyes, artificial sweeteners, and harmful additives. Grass-fed whey protein powders, creatine monohydrate powders, and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements are among their most popular products. This article zeroes in on their best-selling BCAA Glutamine product, specially formulated for muscle repair and recovery.
The well-documented benefits of BCAAs make them invaluable to minimize delayed-onset muscle soreness. By incorporating l-glutamine, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine adds an extra layer to this product’s potential success.
In this Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine review, our team of personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, weightlifting competitors, and registered dietitians breaks down the ingredients, taste, solubility, and effectiveness to assist you in determining the product’s true worth.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
Every serving contains five active ingredients formulated to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, alleviate muscle fatigue, reduce post-workout soreness, boost post-workout muscle growth, and enhance performance.
Contains zero colored dyes, unnecessary fillers, artificial sweeteners, or harmful additives.
Suitable for vegan (made with fermented vegan BCAAs) and gluten-free diets.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
4.3
Number of servings: 30
Price per serving: $1.33
Amount of BCAAs per serving: Eight grams
Calories per serving: Less than 40
Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch
All active ingredients are included in clinically effective doses, maximizing your chances of reaping their benefits.
As the name suggests, this BCAA supplement has a transparent ingredient list. It is also third-party lab tested, ensuring you receive a safe product containing exactly what is stated on the label.
The four unique flavor options can help keep your taste buds refreshed and prevent monotony.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Cons
It is pricier compared to alternative BCAA products, making it potentially unsustainable for some budgets.
The flavors come off as too sour for some customers. If you don’t like tart beverages, you may want to try another BCAA supplement with sweeter or milder flavors.
It includes stevia, a natural sweetener that may lead to digestive discomfort in some people.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Specs
Price per serving
$1.33
Flavors
Blue Raspberry, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch
The Breaking Muscle staff has researched over 50 BCAA products and tested more than a dozen. We’ve acquired a reliable understanding of their comparative strengths and weaknesses by analyzing their taste, the cost per serving, the amount of BCAAs offered per serving, and whether or not they’re third-party tested.
Here’s how we rated Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine:
Factor
Rating (out of 5)
Price per serving
4
Formulation
4
Available flavors
3
Taste
3
Solubility
5
Side effects
5
Third-party testing
5
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Review
Breaking Muscle team member showcases a container of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
With numbers like those you’re probably wondering why this product rates so highly in several key areas. Without further ado, let’s delve into the details to answer all your burning questions.
Price Per Serving
Each 1.28-pound tub of Transparent Labs BCAAs costs around $39.99 when making a one-time purchase. With 30 scoops per tub, each serving costs $1.33. The company website offers a monthly subscription that gives you a 10 percent discount on the total price, plus free shipping. If you subscribe, the product cost comes to around $35.99, and each serving is $1.20.
In comparison, XWERKS Motions BCAAs are priced at $1.63 per serving, while Jacked Factory BCAA Powder is available at $0.67 per serving at the time of this writing. Since Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine falls in the middle of other BCAA supplements we’ve tried, we gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Formulation
Transparent Labs uses clean, simple, effective ingredients in this product, earning it a solid 4 out of 5 rating for formulation. Active ingredients include a BCAA 2:1:1 ratio of leucine (four grams), isoleucine (two grams), and valine (two grams). These are complemented by five grams of glutamine and one gram of coconut water powder, supplying electrolytes.
BCAAs are essential amino acids (EAAs) that you must consume through food since the body doesn’t make them. Of the three BCAAs, leucine is most notably a key regulator of muscle protein synthesis, needed to build muscle. (1) The suggested “threshold” for leucine intake is often cited as two to three grams daily to maximize muscle building. (1) However, individual dietary needs may vary, and it’s advisable to consider overall protein intake and dietary sources.
Valine and isoleucine aren’t as involved in muscle protein synthesis, but take on other roles. Valine helps stimulate muscle regeneration and is involved in energy production. Isoleucine supports glucose (sugar) uptake by muscle cells to be used for energy. This could help improve muscular stamina and improve endurance during a workout.
Glutamine is an addition unique to this product. As the most concentrated amino acid in the human body, it’s crucial for cell function and growth. (2) By enhancing protein synthesis and muscle tissue development, glutamine aids in muscle building and recovery. (2)
Supplement fact label listing the ingredients in Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
One gram of coconut water provides electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Since you sweat and lose electrolytes during prolonged exercise, electrolytes are important for maintaining proper hydration for optimal physical performance.
Additional ingredients consist of citric acid for preservation and flavor, natural flavors, stevia for sweetness, tartaric acid for flavor and sourness, and calcium silicate along with silicon dioxide to prevent caking and clumping.
Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener commonly used in food, drinks, and supplements that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Certain components of stevia that are not fully absorbed in the upper digestive tract reach the colon, where they then undergo fermentation, potentially leading to mild gas and bloating.
Available Flavors
The Transparent Labs website offers a selection of four flavors: Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blue Raspberry. This variety allows you to rotate between flavors, so you don’t get bored. However, we’ve tried other BCAA supplements that offer an even larger range of flavors. For example, Xtend Original BCAA Powder is available in 18 flavors on Amazon, and Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy comes in 10 flavors.
Since the number of flavors available in Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is relatively small compared to the competition, we rated it 3 out of 5 stars here.
Taste
Our expert tester wasn’t thrilled with the Strawberry Lemonade flavor of this BCAA supplement, rating this category a 3 out of 5. She described it as bitter with an unfortunate aftertaste, so diluting it with additional water could help reduce the bitterness. Again, we only tested the Strawberry Lemonade, so your experience may vary depending on the flavor you choose.
It’s important to note that customer reviews on the company website are mixed regarding taste. Like our product tester, some aren’t blown away, but others seem to like it. One customer who approves of the taste says, “Tried a few times, the taste of strawberry lemonade is refreshing and it does boost my energy during the workout!” As taste is subjective, determining your preference for this product may require a personal trial.
Solubility
Breaking Muscle team member pours a scoop of BCAA Glutamine powder into a water bottle
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine shines in the area of solubility, earning it a high rating of 5 out of 5. When mixed with liquid, our Breaking Muscle tester noted it dissolved well and didn’t leave behind any clumps or floaties. This is where the non-caking agents included in this product come into effect, delivering a smooth, well-dissolved amino acid supplement.
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
BCAAs may offer an extended sense of energy and increased time to muscle fatigue, meaning you can train harder for longer. Additionally, BCAAs may reduce muscle damage, inflammation, and DOMS after a workout, so you can get back to training faster. Finally, BCAAs may support the preservation of lean mass during times of fat loss, indirectly supporting weight loss.
The benefits of BCAA supplements are highly dependent on your diet. If you eat enough protein through food or a quality protein powder, your health benefits from additional BCAAs may be limited. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, therefore a high-protein diet delivers adequate amounts of BCAAs.
Our product tester didn’t experience any negative side effects while using this product. When taken in appropriate doses, BCAAs are generally safe. Following the recommended dosage instructions on the product label is advised for safety and effectiveness.
That said, it’s always important to talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescribed medications.
Third-Party Testing
All Transparent Labs products are third-party tested, and we gave their BCAA product a perfect 5 out of 5 here. Third-party testing is crucial for athletes who value product quality, safety, and transparency. On the Transparent Labs website, customers can conveniently access certificates of composition and certificates of analysis. These documents provide detailed information about the quantities of active ingredients in each product, along with the results of testing for harmful microbes and heavy metals.
Customers who purchase Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine can rest easy knowing the product includes what’s on the label and doesn’t contain potentially harmful amounts of heavy metals or contaminants.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine vs. XWERKS Motion
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine and XWERKS Motion may both be BCAA supplements, but they have many differences. Unlike BCAA Glutamine, which only includes two grams of carbs, Motion contains 25 grams of cluster dextrin carbohydrates, which are rapidly absorbed and may enhance physical performance and endurance. Customers using XWERKS Motion may feel more energized due to its carb content.
On the other hand, BCAA Glutamine contains eight grams of BCAAs, while Motion only includes three grams. Unfortunately, XWERKS uses a blend of BCAAs, so it’s unclear how much of each BCAA you are getting per serving. However, with only three grams total, it’s unlikely each scoop contains the two to three grams of daily leucine known to maximize its muscle-building benefits. They both have a BCAA ratio of 2:1:1, which research suggests is ideal for exercise performance. (3)
Furthermore, XWERKS Motion is only available in one flavor (raspberry lemonade), compared to the four flavors available for Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine. All Transparent Labs products are third-party tested, but there is no mention of third-party testing on the XWERKS Motion product page. Finally, Motion is more expensive, costing around $1.63 per serving, compared to BCAA Glutamine, which costs $1.33 per serving at the time of writing.
XWERKS Motion
3.6
Number of servings: 30
Price per serving: $1.96
Amount of BCAAs per serving: Three grams
Calories per serving: 110
Flavors: Raspberry Lemonade
Third-party tested: Not at the time of this writing
Check Price
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Customer Reviews
The product currently isn’t available on Amazon, however, customer reviews on the Transparent Labs website are positive, with a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
One satisfied customer writes, “I’m so excited and happy with my BCAAs. The flavor is amazing! And it’s working wonders on my sore body.” Another customer noticed improvements in muscle recovery and said, “It gives me adequate energy to push myself even further. I have no recovery pain at all, my muscles are at ease & I can go day after day.”
Customers who were less satisfied with the product generally disliked the taste. One verified customer says, “I’ll likely try a different flavor than blue raspberry, as I can’t say it tastes excellent.” Another writes, “I like the fruit punch as the strawberry lemonade was way too sour.” While the flavor was unfavorable for some, most didn’t mind the sour taste and some even described it as refreshing.
Final Verdict: Is Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Worth It?
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine has a lot to offer, with eight grams of BCAAs, five grams of glutamine, and a dose of electrolytes. Depending on your overall diet and training regimen, this product could help you reduce muscle fatigue, improve endurance, and build lean muscle mass. At $1.33 per serving, it’s not the most affordable workout supplement, but the third-party testing and clinically effective doses might make it worth the investment.
FAQs
What are the ingredients in Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine?
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine includes four grams of leucine, two grams of valine, and two grams of isoleucine. In addition to BCAAs, it contains five grams of glutamine and one gram of coconut water for added electrolytes. The product is sweetened with stevia, a natural sweetener, and also contains citric acid.
What is Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine good for?
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is formulated to support endurance and recovery. The BCAAs may improve endurance, increase time to muscle fatigue, and support muscle building. The glutamine supports muscle cell growth and repair. The coconut water is good for replenishing electrolytes, which supports hydration.
How do you take Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine?
To take Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine, mix one level scoop with 10-12 ounces of cold water or your preferred beverage of choice 30-45 minutes pre-workout, during, or immediately after exercise. Per the label, consume at least two servings daily for optimal results. To avoid potential side effects, do not exceed four servings per day.
What is the recommended dosage for Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine?
Transparent Labs recommends taking one scoop at least twice a day to gain the most benefits. Each scoop can be taken 30-45 minutes before, during, or following a workout. To avoid potential side effects, do not take more than four scoops daily. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement.
Research
Plotkin, D. L., Delcastillo, K., Van Every, D. W., Tipton, K. D., Aragon, A. A., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2021). Isolated Leucine and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Enhancing Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(3), 292-301. Retrieved Nov 24, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0356
O’Connell TM. The Complex Role of Branched Chain Amino Acids in Diabetes and Cancer. Metabolites. 2013; 3(4):931-945. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo3040931
Gervasi M, Sisti D, Amatori S, et al. Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high-intensity endurance cycling tests. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jan 20;17(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-0337-0. PMID: 31959202; PMCID: PMC6971972.
This is the second part of a four-part series on how to cycle sync to improve menstrual issues (if you haven’t read part one, go check it out!). This section focuses on how to cycle sync during your ovulatory phase, which can leave you feeling fabulous or funky depending on what’s going on with your hormones.
Have you ever wondered why you might feel extra good around a certain time of your cycle? Maybe you notice you’re a bit more fun, flirty, and energized? Well, that’s no accident. Your ovulatory phase is a time of increased energy, boosted sex drive, heightened communication, and an overall sense of well-being (woo-hoo!). 1
Doesn’t sound like you? Many folks begin to experience cycle symptoms around this time that snowball into their luteal and menstrual phases. These symptoms are often a telltale sign you’re experiencing hormonal imbalance, but don’t worry, cycle syncing is a great way to start addressing these issues naturally (and eat some tasty food while you’re at it!).1
Read on to find out more about your ovulatory phase and how to put those cycle symptoms to rest!
What Your Body is Doing During Ovulation
Ovulation happens directly after your follicular phase and before your luteal phase. Though this part of your cycle is relatively short (3 to 4 days), it packs a punch. Your estrogen levels rise dramatically, which causes a sudden release of luteinizing hormone (LH). This LH peak stimulates a mature follicle to release an egg into one of your fallopian tubes (ovulation!). 2 The egg makes its way through your fallopian tube to your uterus, where your uterine lining has thickened due to increased estrogen levels. Alongside the rise in LH, testosterone levels surge to increase your sex drive, then rapidly drop right around ovulation.2
Physically and emotionally, ovulation is a pretty fun part of your cycle (if your hormones are balanced). The benefits of the follicular phase continue and amplify as your estrogen rises, resulting in maximum energy levels, a stable mood, heightened communication skills, and an overall magnetism that others pick up on.1 During this phase, you’ll likely feel extra social and communicative, and put more effort into looking your best in an unconscious attempt to attract a partner (red lipstick, anyone?).1 Think: it’s summertime, everything’s in bloom, you’re in the mood, and you’re feelin’ yo’self!
Ovulatory Phase Cycle Symptoms
Although ovulation can have a lot of fabulous side effects, it can also be a phase in your cycle where unwanted symptoms crop up, such as bloating, cramping, spotting, anxiety/unstable moods, cravings, headache, and breast tenderness. Chances are that if you’re experiencing cycle symptoms during your ovulatory phase, you’re also experiencing symptoms during your luteal and menstrual phases, such as PMS and painful periods.1
These issues are due to the excess estrogen swimming around your bloodstream.2 Although elevated levels of estrogen can have positive impacts, too much of a good thing can push your hormones out of whack. If your body isn’t metabolizing estrogen efficiently or your levels are too high (or both), this can cause an imbalance resulting in estrogen dominance and unpleasant cycle symptoms.2 The goal, then, is to tackle excess estrogen levels by helping your body generate, process, and eliminate estrogen; cycle syncing will show you how.
Core Nutrients & Power Foods for the Ovulatory Phase
Not surprisingly, ovulatory foods help your body metabolize and eliminate estrogen to balance out the spike in this hormone and ward off estrogen-driven symptoms.1 Foods such as veggies (red bell pepper, tomato, leafy greens) and fruits (raspberries, strawberries) contain high levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps your liver process excess estrogen more efficiently. 2 These foods also contain a healthy amount of fiber, which supports regular BMs and helps eliminate estrogen (this hormone exits the body through stool and urine).2
Your metabolism is still slower in this part of your cycle, so you won’t need as many calories and will prefer lighter meals and grains such as quinoa.1 Ovulatory foods also provide antioxidative support to the ovaries and promote blood flow in this area of the body to create the healthiest egg possible.2 The foods in the phase are all about summer love: sun-ripened tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries right off the vine, and fresh, leafy greens; feel the sunshine in each bite and get back to feeling like your summery best self!
A quick note about eating organic…
We all know that refined sugar and processed foods aren’t good for us (they lack nutrients, cause our blood sugar to skyrocket and crash, and cause systemic inflammation in the body – for starters).1 But what about conventional vs. organic foods? Does organic really make a difference or is it a marking ploy?
It all comes down to pesticides. Non-organic foods contain pesticides that wreak havoc on your hormones.2 These chemicals congest your liver, which plays a huge role in metabolizing your hormones, and often act like estrogen in your body (aka xenoestrogens).2 These effects impair your body’s ability to establish hormonal balance, and can cause or exacerbate menstrual symptoms as a result.
Although an all-organic diet is ideal for happy hormones, organic foods aren’t always super accessible (don’t even get me started on this…). That said, some foods are worse than others when it comes to pesticides. Generally speaking, these chemical-laden foods consist of fruits, root vegetables, leafy green vegetables, and animal protein (meat, eggs, and dairy). 1 Check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for the most up-to-date lists on which produce contains the most pesticides and which runs on the cleaner side (aka the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists). Conventional animal products also include antibiotics and growth hormones, in addition to pesticides from non-organic animal feed, so it’s best to stick to organic, pasture-raised, and wild-caught here.
Ok, get ready, I’m about the rip the band-aid off: most people with periods suffering from cycle symptoms will greatly benefit from removing gluten, dairy, caffeine, and sugar from their diets.1,2
Here’s why:
Gluten & Dairy
Gluten (a protein in many grains, including wheat) and casein (the main protein in dairy) cause an inflammatory response in the small intestine regardless of whether you’re allergic to them.1 The body can handle occasional consumption of these proteins because it neutralizes the inflammatory response with antioxidants from food. However, we typically consume an excess of dairy and gluten in our diets, and our small intestine is constantly inflamed as a result.1 This impairs our ability to absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat (which we need to make and balance our hormones) and also disrupts our microbiome, which is a key player in hormonal balance.1
Dairy is also jam-packed with estrogen. Roughly 60-80% of the estrogen consumed in the US is from dairy (that’s bonkers!).1 Excess estrogen is behind most cycle symptoms, so the last thing you need is to add more estrogen to the mix by eating dairy.
Finally, both dairy and gluten can slow down transit time in the large intestine, meaning you’re not eliminating your stool quickly enough.1 This issue also contributes to estrogen dominance because one way the body expels estrogen is through stool. When you don’t have regular BMs, estrogen is absorbed back into your body from your large intestine, creating further excess of this hormone.1
Caffeine and Sugar
Both caffeine and sugar can trigger your stress response, which negatively impacts hormonal balance and can delay or even prevent ovulation.2 Caffeine increases cortisol levels (ever get the coffee jitters?), and your body perceives blood sugar spikes and crashes as a stressor, which also increases cortisol (our stress hormone).2 The two combined (hello, coffee and a donut) can create hormonal chaos, especially when consumed regularly and your system is already out of whack. Frequent spikes in cortisol can impair blood sugar regulation, disrupt ovulation, decrease progesterone, change the length and timing of your period, and can cause you to miss a period.1 The insulin released by the body to compensate for high blood sugar levels can also prevent your hormones from triggering ovulation. Without ovulation, you can’t produce progesterone, which results in estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance.2
Unfortunately, sugar can further contribute to estrogen dominance by being stored as fat. When we consume excess sugar, whatever the body doesn’t use as fuel is converted to fat, which is a hormonally active tissue that secretes estrogen. The more sugar you eat, the more fat cells you create, the more estrogen is pumped into your body, adding to the already high levels you’re likely experiencing from hormonal imbalance.2
In addition (yes, there’s more!), caffeine can: 2
promote the development of cysts in your breasts and ovaries
deplete your body of essential nutrients necessary for hormonal balance
negatively impact your microbiome (especially coffee)
decrease fertility
increase the risk of miscarriage
So, I’m afraid these foods just aren’t worth it when it comes to regaining your hormonal health. However, cycle-syncing your diet offers a healthy and delicious alternative to getting your hormones back on track!
Key Takeaways
Ovulation comes after your follicular phase and before your luteal phase; it’s your “inner summer”
Estrogen, LH, and testosterone spike, resulting in abundant energy, an increased sex drive, elevated mood, and the release of an egg into one of your fallopian tubes
Cycle symptoms during this phase are typically due to estrogen dominance
Symptoms can include bloating, cramping, spotting, anxiety/unstable moods, cravings, headache, and breast tenderness
Ovulatory foods help process excess estrogen and promote optimal egg health
Call it quits with gluten, dairy, caffeine, and sugar to regain hormonal balance
Resources & Recipes for the Ovulatory Phase
For a complete list of foods that support your ovulatory phase, check out Alisa Vitti’s books WomanCode or In the Flo.
I also recommend getting a period tracking app (there are many out there) so you know which cycle phase you’re in. If you want to take things further, check out the Inito device, which tracks your reproductive hormones in real-time (it’s awesome!). If your hormones are super out of whack, firstly, I feel you – hang in there – and secondly, consider working with a holistic nutrition therapist and/or functional medicine practitioner for more in-depth support.
Ovulation-friendly Recipes
Related Articles
Up Next
Interested in learning more? Up next, we’ll discuss your luteal phase or “inner autumn.” This is the part of your cycle before menstruation and is often associated with the dreaded PMS. Don’t panic – cycle syncing will teach you how to beat these symptoms for good!
Ready to Dive Deeper into Nutrition? The Nutrition Therapist Master Program Will Take You There!
Are you inspired by nutrition and want to help people feel their best throughout their cycle? Then becoming a Nutrition Therapist Master is the perfect way to do just that! Our Nutrition Therapist Master Certification is science-based and the most comprehensive nutrition training program available today. Get in touch with our admissions team to learn more today!
About the author: Jennifer Gartner is a certified Nutrition Therapist Master and specializes in nutritional endocrinology. She is a graduate of NTI’s Nutrition Therapist Master Program and has dedicated her career to helping people create happy hormones.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog provides information for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified medical professional. The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional regarding a medical condition or treatment.
References
Vitti A. WomanCode. New York, NY: HarperCollins; 2013.
Vitti A. In the Flo. New York, NY: HarperCollins; 2020.
Images: Woman Surrounded By Sunflowers by Andre Furtado on Pexels; Tray Of Strawberries by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels; Delicious donut and takeaway coffee placed on wooden surface by Tim Gouw on Pexels
Winter is upon us, which usually means two things: Plenty of snow and low temperatures and skiing and snowboarding.
Whether you are a veteran on the ski run or are just getting started, preparation is crucial for having a good time, staying safe, and keeping injuries at bay.
To that end, let us talk about warming up before snow sports, why it is crucial, and practical tips to prepare your body.
Let’s jump in in.
Why you must warm up before an Activity
A good warm-up prepares your body for the physical work you are about to do. First, it elevates your core body temperature, which offers distinct benefits:
Improved elastic properties of skeletal muscle
Warming up connective tissues and joints
Warming up the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints
Optimizes the temperature of enzymes involved in energy production
Warming up before snow sports is even more critical than usual for three reasons:
Simply put, your body functions better at a slightly higher temperature. In addition to helping you feel nimbler and more energetic, a good warm-up reduces the risk of joint, muscle, or connective tissue injuries. For example, since muscles become more elastic when warmed up, you are at a lower risk of pulling or tearing the tissue during intense activities.
Second, warming up is a great way to boost your mental well-being and get in the mindset of what you are about to do. Your brain needs time to switch between activities and focus on a specific task. Warming up bridges the gap between activities and helps you feel more present and focused on what you will do.
Third, a proper warm-up is necessary for optimizing your technique and performance. Just as your brain needs time to switch between activities, your body cannot go from one task to another instantly. A good warm-up prepares you for preferred sports activities and helps muscle memory kick in.
As a result, you can more easily transition to the specific activity, feel more in control, and stay safe.
Warming Up before Snow Sports is even more Important
You are exposed to cold temperatures, making raising your core body temperature more challenging. As a result, your bones, joints, connective tissues, and muscles might be less protected and more prone to an acute injury.
Snow sports heavily rely on proper technique, and a good warm-up prepares your body more quickly. Warming up before snow sports is even more important because the activities are much more intense.
You might need just a few minutes to warm up for a jog in the park, but we cannot say the same for an intense skiing session.
The more intense and technically demanding an activity is, the longer you should take to prepare your body. In addition to making the entire experience more pleasant, you would be less likely to get injured or change how you perform an activity due to a limitation.
How to Warm Up before Snow Sports
The good news is that warming up before snow sports doesn’t have to be anything special or that different from your pre-gym routine.
As with a gym warm-up, you should split your preparation into two stages:
General warm-up
Specific warm-up
1. General Warm-Up
A general warm-up consists of non-specific activities you perform to raise your core body temperature, which provides the benefits we discussed above.
Taking a few minutes to raise your core body temperature is particularly important before snow sports because the cold environment affects body mechanics and injury risk.
Fortunately, your general warm-up can come in many forms. Even simple things like walking, jogging in place, and doing high knees can be enough. Maintain a moderate intensity for a few minutes to get your heart rate up and warm up your entire body.
Other activities you can leverage include:
Jumping jacks
Side-to-side lunges
Lateral walks
Also, in addition to moving your lower body to warm up, you can include some arm circles and similar activities to prepare further your upper body joints: shoulders, elbows, wrists, etc.
2. Specific Warm-Up
Once you have done a few minutes of some low-intensity activities, you can transition to slightly more challenging movements to finish preparing your body. Here, the objective is to do more specific activities that further prepare your neuromuscular system for snow sports.
In traditional gym training, a specific warm-up usually consists of warm-up sets. For example, if you plan on doing the bench press as your first exercise, you would not start with a heavy set right away. Instead, you would do a few warm-up sets, starting with an empty barbell and gradually working up to your working weight. Such a gradual increase in resistance prepares your body and results in better performance.
Doing a specific warm-up before snow sports can be trickier because you can not control the resistance and intensity as easily. Still, there are good ways to prepare your body, and it all comes down to breaking down the specific activity and determining what movements you will do.
For example, skiing and snowboarding involve:
Bending and extending your knees
Rotating your torso
Using your arms for balance
Flexing and extending your hips to various degrees
Of course, numerous other minor movements occur during these activities, which is why a general warm-up is crucial.
Now that we have an essential list of movements involved in these sports, we can assemble a list of a few warm-up exercises. Great options include:
Lunges and bodyweight squats to warm up the knees and quadriceps
Side-to-side torso rotations to engage the midsection and loosen up the back
Arm rotations (circles) to warm up the shoulders and reduce the risk of injuries
Lateral walks to activate the hip and glutes for optimal stability and proper technique
You can perform each movement pattern without needing extra equipment or lying in the snow. For example, you can set your skis or snowboard to the side and do some lunges to warm up the lower body musculature.
Once you have done that and feel ready to proceed, begin with some gentle activities before gradually increasing the speed and intensity. For instance, if you are about to go skiing, start with a more gentle slope and ride at a lower speed, moving your body to warm up further and ensure that you are ready.
Some practitioners recommend dedicating the entire first day to less intense activities to prepare your body, get a good feel for your chosen activity, and ease yourself into the process.
Final Thoughts on Warming Up for Wintersports
As with most things in life, preparation is vital. Snow sports are fun and exciting, but they also pose a risk, especially for people who need to take the time to prepare themselves beforehand.
Fortunately, getting ready for snow sports (and all sorts of other activities) can be simple and simple. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of warming up can boost your technique, improve your mobility, make the experience more fulfilling, and reduce the injury risk.
To be even safer, you can dedicate your entire first day to less intense activities to reinforce proper form and engage the correct muscles.
Theresa Hood, affectionately called Miss T or T by many, just celebrated her 45th anniversary working at Woman’s Hospital where she is an imaging assistant in the Breast Center. What an incredible accomplishment. During this Women’s History Month, we are excited to recognize her dedication and outstanding work. At age 86, Hood says she does not plan to stop any time soon, “I’m not ready to quit!”
Not long after her eight children were off to daycare and school, Hood, who was not used to being home alone, decided to go to work as a way of being around other people. There was only one requirement: she wanted something meaningful and purposeful to do. When an opportunity at Woman’s Hospital became available, she immediately applied. The day of her interview she went home with a job offer and has been here ever since!
Within the last four decades, Hood has had the opportunity to see the hospital grow in several ways, including adopting innovative technologies, relocating in 2011, and expanding our services. Her role has changed over the years. Originally, she started out doing clerical work and running X-ray images to the doctors. Then an opportunity became available with the opening of the Breast Center. Her favorite thing about working at Woman’s is the family-like atmosphere. In fact, in the early days, once she finished her work, she would help in other areas. If a bed needed to be made, she was happy to assist. She sees her coworkers as her children because as she says, “They treat me like their mama. It’s been a good life, it really has.”
Hood also enjoys that she gets to work with her daughter, Jamie Young, who has been at Woman’s for 32 years. Young was at the hospital so frequently visiting newborn nieces and nephews that it began to feel like home. After high school, and with her mother’s encouragement, Young volunteered in the imaging department and attended x-ray school. Now she works as an MRI technologist.
Working directly with patients, Young has found that women have started prioritizing their health and going to necessary doctors’ appointments. As a result, she is seeing an increase in cancer screenings and diagnosis in younger patients at earlier stages, rather than later in life, when the cancer might be more difficult to treat.
Believe it or not, having more than one member of a family choose to work at Woman’s Hospital is not an anomaly. Young and Hood are two of four family members who have worked at Woman’s. Not only does this make us unique, but it enriches our history. We are honored to not only serve families in our community but to also be chosen as a great workplace by generation after generation.
As you might have figured out by now, I love nothing more than escaping into the wilderness and exploring the great outdoors. And if you’ve read any of my other blog posts you’ll know how much I absolutely adore the adidas Terrex range of womens walking boots and hiking shoes. Never have I ever come across a pair of walking shoes that fit like a glove (or should I say sock!) from the very first moment you step into them and they have never once given me blisters. They are the literal dream.
Which is why I wanted my husband to get a pair of good walking shoes too. Let me explain more…
Why My Husband Needs A New Pair Of Walking Shoes
My husband has been wearing the same old, cheap, crappy walking shoes for longer than I can remember. I make him keep them out in our boot room, because aside from anything else they absolutely reek. They have zero support, the insole has shifted around, and he doesn’t even bother to tie them up properly, preferring instead to slip them on and off like slippers. And I’m sure they’re probably just as comfy as a pair of slippers, but they cannot be good for his feet and they certainly aren’t good for my nose!
If he had his way I’m almost certain he’d hang onto them until they reached a point where they were covered in holes and falling off his feet, but something happened on one of our dog walks that made him assess his life decisions, or at least his footwear decisions anyway.
I noticed that he kept stopping and fiddling with his shoes. Not gonna lie, I found it incredibly annoying as I wanted to get a bit of a pace on and crack on with the walk. I asked him what he was doing and he said he kept getting stones in his shoes. I then mentioned, rather smugly, that I didn’t have that problem as I wore decent walking shoes that supported my feet and could be tied up correctly. And that right there was his light bulb moment. Such a simple, simple thing, but he found it so irritating and uncomfortable getting those little stones in his shoes that he decided there and then that he needed a new pair of walking shoes. Which is when I recommended adidas Terrex to him.
Now, fortunately for him, I’m an adidas blogger, which means I pretty much have my pick of the bunch. And having had experience of Terrex myself (in fact I have 2 pairs now, I love them so much) I knew this was the range for him. I sent him a few different choices and this is the one he picked…
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Hiking Shoe
The thing that stood out the most for my husband when he was looking at the selection of mens walking shoes I’d put together for him, was that the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 has an integrated sock like cuff. It makes the shoe look like a high rise boot, but because the cuff is stretchy it hugs snugly to the upper ankle and reduces the risk of rubbing, plus allows for more supportive movement in that area. What this snug fit also means is that the sock basically acts a gaiter, preventing any small stones and grit etc. from getting into the shoe. BINGO!
Terrex shoes include Continental™ rubber grip, that’s the same Continental™ that makes car tyres, so super, super grippy. If it can keep your car on the road in all conditions, it’s certainly going to look after you when you’re walking. Which is great news, as my husband often takes the dog for a walk in the forest at the back of our garden, and the walks involve a lot of trekking up and down hills, all of which are muddy, and slippy and conceal many a hidden tree root, so grip is a necessary feature.
What makes the shoe so comfortable then? Well, aside from the sock-like cuff that I have already mentioned, the shoe has BOOST midsole cushioning, which is adidas’s trademarked magic ingredient – a form of pellets which are compressed and molded for the specific fit of the shoe. This gives 20% more energy return with every step, but what you basically need to know is that it’s like walking on lovely soft, bouncy cushions. And what it means for my husband is that he gets to wear a pair of shoes that do indeed feel as comfortable as his slippers, but he can be safe in the knowledge that they are supporting his feet correctly too.
My husband chose to go for classic black (goes with everything, needs less cleaning!), but of course adidas don’t do ‘just black’, they call it Core Black/Core Black/Grey Six. There are also two other colourways available in the adidas Terrex Freehiker 2; Pulse Olive/Linen Green/Impact Orange and Bliss Lilac/Beam Orange/Pulse Magenta.
So What Does The Husband Actually Think Of His New Shoes?
Well obviously, he loves them! If only he’d listened to me sooner, eh? Like me, he was so impressed with how immediately comfortable they were. Whenever we’ve bought walking shoes or trail running trainers in the past, we’ve always had a spell of having to wear them in. But with adidas Terrex it simply isn’t necessary. They are comfortable from the get go.
But enough from me, here’s what he has to say about them…
“For ages I have suffered from getting bits caught in my shoes when walking in the woods, forever having to stop and try and get them out. So the concept of walking trainers with a snug sock style lip was very appealing! I chose a black pair and sized up by a half, on advice from the adidas website. They were a bit tricky to get on, which is to be expected with this style – especially when new, but the fit was really good and straight away they felt very comfortable. Out on a 5 mile walk which included a lot of woodland paths, not a single bit of twig or grit got near my feet and the comfort level for a brand new pair of shoes was seriously unlike anything I have experienced before. I’m really happy with them and they will now be my footwear of choice for many walks.”
So, I think the lessons we’ve learnt here is to always make sure you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes, that are up to the job, and that feel comfortable and support your feet in the best possible way, but most importantly that you should always listen to what your wife suggests!
*products gifted by adidas
Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blogging coach. She continually strives to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive image of how to lead a healthy life. When she’s not writing she can be found running through muddy puddles, making lists of lists, having a good old moan, talking in funny voices to her dog, renovating her house in the country, and teaching others how to make money from their blogs.
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blogging coach. She continually strives to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive image of how to lead a healthy life. When she’s not writing she can be found running through muddy puddles, making lists of lists, having a good old moan, talking in funny voices to her dog, renovating her house in the country, and teaching others how to make money from their blogs.