We all know that after training, our bodies are hungry for fuel. Shortly after strenuous exercise, there is a metabolic window, during which the right nutrients kick the body into an anabolic state that speeds, and enhances recovery and rebuilding. After about an hour that window begins to close. That’s bad, as it means you won’t recover as quickly. And whether you’re training for an Ironman or getting ready for your first 5K, the quicker you recover, the quicker you improve.
So, for optimum recovery, we want to give our bodies some timely nourishment. Many people are in the habit of consuming a protein shake after working out. Intuitively this makes sense. After water, the majority of our body is made of protein. Unsurprisingly then, research has shown that ingesting protein after strenuous exercise stimulates increased muscle recovery. While this is good, we can do better.
Often overlooked in the recovery formula are the benefits of carbohydrate congestion – a fancy way of saying eating protein and carbs together – on recovery. The carbohydrate, protein’s much maligned sibling, promotes the replenishment of glycogen stores when taken in post-excercise. This we would expect. More interestingly, however, when consumed together, protein and carbs produce synergistic effects that take your body’s recovery mechanisms and cranks them up to 11. When carbs and protein are combined, muscle turnover is greater than if either is taken alone. The same is true of glycogen replenishment. This is one of 1+1=3 situations and we would be foolish to not take advantage of it.
Carbs and protein aren’t the only macronutrients beneficial for exercise recovery. Fats are also beneficial to the post-exercise recovery. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), Omega 3 fatty acids in particular, provide all kinds of health benefits including improved cardiovascular health and immune function, and possibly even anti-cancer properties. An added bonus for athletes comes from evidence suggesting that Omega 3s also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could in turn help alleviate joint pain and speed healing. A particular brand of EFA oil supplement has even become popular amongst elite ultra-runners. The only “problem” with EFAs is that our bodies can’t make them – meaning, they have to come from what we eat.
So, for optimum recovery we want to give our bodies some timely nourishment that includes all the macro nutrients we need – carbs, protein, and fat. Even better, that meal should include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and even some fiber. It would be absolutely over the top if all this could be delivered in a product that’s truly natural without any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or anything. That was the blueprint for the Monkey Shake.
Carbs
The Monkey Shake carb source of choice is somewhat unorthodox. We use 100% rolled oats in our recipe, meticulously ground to create a creamy smooth base for your shake. In addition to being a whole food that you can pronounce and recognize, oats have a moderately low glycemic index. This provides a slow release carb source to fuel your recovery over those crucial initial hours without you having to constantly shove food in your face. Oatmeal also contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. We’ve also found it to be an effective “filler” that keeps you feeling full for longer, and it imparts a surprising, just-baked oatmeal cookie note to the shake. Mmmm… cookies.
Protein
The protein in Monkey Shake is a special two part blend in order to provide both quantity and and quality. We use high quality whey protein isolate as it provides one of the best sources of concentrated protein. In order to supply the full range of fragile immune modulating and regenerative protein components naturally present in raw milk, we supplement the isolate with a proprietary, undenatured whey concentrate. This significantly boosts the levels of beneficial protein precursors and components such as Lactoferrin (helps regulate your intestinal iron absorption and promotes healthy cell growth) , Immunoglobulins (promotes your immune system and helps support the body’s natural detoxification processes*) , and Natural Growth Factors (aids your system in cell rejuvenation, muscle recovery after exercise, and energy function).
Essential Fatty Acids
Clinical studies indicate that the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids is important to maintaining cardiovascular health. Both types acids are essential in that we must consume them in our diets since our bodies cannot make them. The way these EFAs are processed by the body necessitates that they be consumed in a balanced proportion, with healthy ratios of Omega 3 to Omega 6 ranging from 1:1 to 4:1. We use Chia Seeds in Monkey Shake because not only is chia high in EFAs but it contains an ideal 3:1 balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids. Chia also contains the essential minerals phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium.
Chia also has tremendous history in endurance nutrition. For centuries the tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.
As you can see, we’ve put a lot of time and care into the Monkey Shake recipe in order to provide you with a natural, high quality, whole food recovery option. While the nutritional benefits are hard to ignore, ultimately, we just love the taste of Monkey Shake and hope you do too!
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, these statements are the rantings of a mind disturbed by excessive exercise, healthy eating, and an annoying focus on having fun. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you consistently follow the label directions, there is a non-zero chance you will feel better, look better, be smarter, and get invited to more parties.
