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Hi,
I'm often asked "where do I start" in terms of picking products from The Feed. I then ask a few questions and draft this long email with a bunch of links of what to try, what I feel will surprise the athlete a bit, and things that I'm currently loving.
This past week a different kind of athlete/celebrity reached out that maybe one of the highest paid athletes in the world this year and the team and I put together a bunch of products and some instructions. Just as background on the recommendations, this athlete does a lot of endurance training, but I would say is more of a high intensity/strength athlete, has to manage their weight, so I didn't get into gels and stuff like that too much.
While it is a bit of a longer read, my team read it at The Feed and all thought our broader Feed Athletes might find it interesting, email below:
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From: Mattj@theFeed.com
To: ---- ------
Subject: Feed Recs & Shipment on it's way to you
I put together a collection of items based on our call and what I think you will enjoy. A few that might also surprise you on how effective they are. Your team said they would work through all of these to introduce them into your routines over the next 4 weeks. We can get you more of all of it, and let us know what you like and didn't like and we can adjust a next round of recommendations with those insights.
Pre-Workout Boosters
An hour before your workouts, I recommended two outstanding pre-workout options that offer a great caffeine boost. Aim for getting over 300mg of caffeine prior to your workout through these pre-workouts, regular coffee routine, and potentially a caffeinated gel at the start of the workout.
- Promix Pre-Workout (1-scoop provides 100mg of caffeine, recommended 2 scoops - great clean flavors0
- Victus Pre-Workout (1-serving delivers 200mg of caffeine along with a rich amino profile - particularly popular in the Netherlands)
- Science in Sport Nootropic Gel - This is both carbs, caffeine and nootropics. I really like this as a pre-workout right before training.
Breakfast Nutrition
Kyoku stands out as the best breakfast option I've ever tried. Though plant-based, you'd never know it. When mixed with dairy or non-dairy alternatives, it has a creamy organic vanilla flavor with 17g of protein and 20g of carbs. It contains 16 different superfoods, making it a genuine whole-food drink, unlike traditional green drinks, it will fuel an athletes workout.
Our Tour de France riders particularly love it as an easy, satiating breakfast that doesn't leave you feeling too full to train effectively.
As a quick glance inside here the highlights on the 16-superfood it is made from:
- Greens: Broccoli, Spinach, Green Pepper, Collards
- Carbs & Protein: Chick Pea, Peas, Brown Rice, Hemp Seeds, Sweet Potatoes, Chia Seeds
- Performance: Black Pepper, Beet Root, Ashwagandha
- Recovery: Turmeric, Tart Cherry, Quercetin from Apples
High-Intensity Training Support
For athletes with massive training volume combining cardio and strength work, I've included our top three high-carb drinks. While calorie-dense, these are ideal for pre-workout carb loading and during-workout fueling, especially on multi-workout days. Be sure to thoroughly shake these drinks (Maurten particularly needs about 60 seconds of shaking):
Convenient Nutrition On-The-Go
For athletes feeling hungry but not wanting a liquid carb source, these bars offer an excellent alternative. They're easy to consume and the Bar+ provides protein for recovery:
Post-Workout Recovery
I've selected two premium protein products, given the type of training, I would be aiming for 30g to 40g in the 3 hours post workout of protein.
- Promix Whey (Chocolate/Vanilla) - truly the "elite of elite" proteins with no fillers, nothing artificial, using the finest grass-fed bovine sources
- Momentous Whey Protein - Also a regular go-to for our athletes and NSF for Sport Tested.
- Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate - an innovative option that's more like a hydration drink than a heavy shake (I personally prefer blending the clear whey with dairy, but water works too)
Daily Immune Support & Energy Production
These two standouts support overall health and performance, these are go to for me. I can't really go without them.
- SwissRX Multi-Vitamin (take 4-6 daily) - This pharmaceutical-grade multivitamin uniquely includes ALC, NAC, and ALA to enhance cellular nutrient absorption and mitochondrial ATP production. No other multi on the market contains all three of these compounds.
- Orthomol Immun (30 count) - Our top athletes consistently praise this German product for immune support during high training loads and travel. Take as needed, particularly during intense training periods, the day before travel, every day while traveling, and one more upon returning home. Take the two pills from the top packet, followed by the liquid (be sure to shake).
Advanced Recovery Support
While protein is great for kick starting the recovery process, we need to also talk about muscle repair and a powerful anti-oxidant to reduce oxidative stress.
- SwissRX Soft Tissue Complex (30 count) - While designed for injury repair, it's even more effective as a recovery tool for intense physical demands. Each daily packet contains Turmeric, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Proteolytic Enzymes (widely used in Europe for reducing inflammation), plus Gabanoll and Glycine for muscle relaxation. I suggest one packet before bed.
- Quicksilver Glutathione - Most glutathione supplements are lost in digestion, but this liposomal formula is designed for superior absorption. Take 5-6 pumps, hold in your mouth for 30-40 seconds, then swallow.
Sleep Enhancement
As you mentioned, travel is tough, especially the international stuff. Three exceptional sleep products to consider:
- Pillar Magnesium (Pineapple Coconut) - Take before bed for cognitive and muscle relaxation with three forms of magnesium. Nearly all our elite triathletes use this.
- Quicksilver Melatonin - If using melatonin, this liposomal formula is far more effective than standard oral supplements. Don't overdose; hold in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before swallowing.
- Quicksilver Lipocalm - Perfect for unwinding after intense activity or for middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Unlike melatonin, it won't leave you feeling groggy, making it suitable for middle-of-the-night use.
I'm unaffiliated with them, but this is also a good app, TimeShifter, to consider to help adjust your eating/sleeping schedule before international travel. Personally, I just try to move things up by 1 hour each day for 3 days prior to international travel and then try to gain another 2 hours shift on the flight/day of travel.
Performance Enhancers
Given the high lactic levels, there are going to be the top performance enhancers in addition to the Beta Alanine you are already doing:
- Maurten Bicarb - This sodium bicarbonate formula is the most effective lactic acid buffer available. Traditional versions often cause digestive distress, but this formulation eliminates that issue. Follow the instructions precisely: mix hydrogel powder with water, shake, wait for it to gel, then add the Bicarb tablets into the gel. Consume with a spoon and swallow (don't chew) the pills. Note: This causes temporary water weight gain, so avoid when cutting weight. Always test during training before using in competition.
- SwissRX Nitric Oxide (2 Bottles) - Our best-selling vasodilator. Optimal protocol: 2 capsules daily and 6-8 before aerobic/anaerobic focused training.
- Cymbiotika Molecular Hydrogen - These tablets deliver 12 PPM, which is 50% stronger than standard 8 PPM water bottles you are using. For maximum benefit, drink just as the tablet finishes dissolving and don't let it sit for even 10 seconds. I realize the science is a bit woo woo on this one, but I do use them whem I'm feeling run down and my personal experience is that I like the feeling after.
Hydration
Mortal Hydration is our fastest-selling hydration product with excellent flavors and a smart approach to sugar content (8g - low but not zero, as some sugar is beneficial). Available in three flavors and two sodium levels: Regular (450mg sodium) and Salty (900mg sodium). Many find it more palatable than other high-sodium options that you mentioned you find taste too salty.
I'd love to hear your feedback on these recommendations and products. What works for elite athletes can often benefit serious training at any level, and I'm confident these nutrition strategies could make a significant difference in your performance and recovery.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and just email or WhatsApp if you have questions.
- Matt
Founder
The Feed.
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