Introducing my all-natural pre and post-workout adaptogenic blend – Strawberry and Cocoa flavour  which are now available exclusively in my store! Thanks to my friends over at The Reserve (formerly the Matcha Reserve- remember this video I did with them way back?), I was able to design the perfect two-in-one product for energy, strength, and recovery. Yes, you read that right! Rather than buy a bunch of different ingredients or products, I’ve combined both an energy-boosting pre-workout together with a recovery formula that will help to support your exercise goals inside and out. It gives a natural boost without overstimulating, while also improving skin elasticity, bone strength, blood vessel health, and muscle strength. And as an added bonus it supports a balanced yet focused mood. Once again, perfect for working out!

But I get it- with so many options out there, what makes my adaptogenic mix stand out from all of the rest? Let me explain.

It contains a combination of ingredients that I personally chose for their particular properties, which work together in unison to provide all of the benefits I mentioned before (energy, strength, mood, etc.). You’ll also be getting a good amount of protein, which is crucial for building and maintaining strong muscles, bones, tendons, and skin. That said, let’s not beat around the bush and unveil these elusive ingredients!

You get:

• Organic Matcha
• (Marine) Collagen
• Ashwagandha
• Pine Pollen

Now, these ingredients are sobeneficial that they each deserve a post of their own. So, if you’d like to learn more about them, then keep an eye out for upcoming ingredient spotlight posts! Those will give you the 101 and prove why I chose them!

Questions? I Have Answers!

I’m sure you may have questions about this blend. And don’t worry, I’ve got the answers! I took the liberty of looking over your comments and concerns on my social media announcement post and have compiled them here. So, let’s get started!

What does it taste like?
You’ve got two choices- chocolate (cocoa) or strawberry. If you like a more dessert-like flavor, go with cocoa, and if you prefer something light and fruity, then go with strawberry.
Both of these flavors are subtle enough to be tasty without being overpowering. You can also dilute it by adding more water or liquid.

How do I take it, anyway?

While it’s meant to be shaken into a drink, you can definitely incorporate it into smoothies, oats, yogurts, or other recipes like protein pancakes, mug cakes, cookies, and more- really, the possibilities are endless! The Reserve even says you can add it into salad dressings, which would be pretty interesting.

Does it contain caffeine?

Yes, albeit in small amounts. That’s due to the organic matcha powder. However, you shouldn’t be getting any jitters or shakes from this mix. First of all, while there is a degree of caffeine found naturally in matcha, it’s nowhere near the same amount as coffee, or other pre-workout blends that are typically sold. You’d have to be extremely sensitive to caffeine to get any kind of negative jolt. Not only that but the combination of L-Theanine and antioxidants found in matcha cancels out the negatives of caffeine, so once again, you shouldn’t be having any sort of negative reaction to it. (When in doubt, trust your gut!)

Are there any sweeteners?
No! Absolutely no artificial sweeteners or sugars (natural or elsewise). I requested just the tiniest hint of stevia- enough to give a slight sweetness without the strong aftertaste, which I’m not a fan of. For my blend, it’s works great in small amounts. (If you feel that it does need more sweetness, I recommend adding more stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to desired taste.)

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes! And low carb, too, obviously.

Is it vegan?

Sorry guys, but no, it’s not. (Unless you’re willing to make collagen protein an exception.) Vegetarians and flexitarians can definitely have it, though!

Is it gluten-free?

100% yes!

What else is this free of?

Soy, dairy, additives, and fake foods! That’s right, it’s all natural!

Do you drink it before or after working out?

While you can go either way, I prefer to take it BOTH before and after my workouts. Before gives me a natural energy boost and after helps me to wind down by supporting muscle recovery and calmness.

Can I still take it if I work out at night?

Yes, I would think so. But you can experiment with half a serving and see how your body does with that. If it’s all good, then try a full scoop. Another option is to see whether you do well with taking it before or after working out. Everybody is different though, so put on your scientist cap and see how your body reacts!

What temperature should I drink it in?

Doesn’t matter! You can take it either hot or cold. It functions both as a cool, refreshing drink on and a warm, cozy beverage.

Would it break a fast?

In my opinion, no, it wouldn’t. Not any more than a cup of plain herbal tea would. However, in some people, it might, especially if you choose to go out of your way and sweeten it. That’s because in some individuals it triggers a marginal insulin response by proxy of being sweet. In other words, you taste something sweet, and your body reacts thinking you’re eating food. (Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But if you’re really dead-set on being fasted, then don’t sweeten it all and, if anything, test things out by monitoring your blood sugar before and after taking it.)

I’m pregnant or breastfeeding- can I still take it?
While the folks over at the Reserve consider it safe to drink (as do I), it’s always best to consult with your healthcare professional first to get the OK!

What’s the nutritional value?

Feel free to contact the folks over at the Reserve for the nutritional breakdown! They’re also available to chat on their social media.

Serving size?

1 teaspoon (tsp)

How many servings?

Approximately 30

How should I store it?

Store it in a cool, dry space and use it within 6 months after opening it.

I live outside of the US. Can I still order it?

Yup! We ship worldwide!

How much does it cost?

$29.90 and ZGYM members get their 10% discount.

Get on It!

One last thing as I wrap up this post, everyone. The adaptogenic pre and post workout mix is a limited-edition product which is now exclusively sold in my store. If you love it as much as I do, please leave a review. If it turns out that you guys enjoy this all natural supplement, we’ll definitely re-order and keep it going.

If you’re interested in checking out other great adaptogenic blends and matcha powders, check out  the Reserve.