I recently tried a new recovery drink, XOOD. Well, I considered it a recovery drink since I drank it post-workout, but it's actually designed for pre, during and post workout consumption. After a solid 60 minute spin session, I tried the pomegranate flavor and was pleasantly surprised by the light taste, similar to the Hammer Recoverite I have been using for a while now.

XOOD's big claim is that it is all natural and contains nothing artificial and nothing you don't need. It's also not super sweet – unlike so many other products out there like Accelerade or Endurox. It's also a different blend of carbohydrates and protein. Many athletes put a heavy emphasis on protein as a lean muscle builder. While this is very true, muscle recovery can't happen without the right antioxidants and carbohydrates. I recently learned this key fact during my Ironman training and switched up my recovery drink from solely Muscle Milk Light to Hammer Recoverite to get more of those all important carbs. But if you're still concerned with getting your protein on, XOOD has protein – 2.5g per serving, which is just enough to provide added benefits but not enough to stir your digestive system into a fit.

XOOD got the formula right with the carbohydrate blend on this one. They don't use just one type of carbohydrate or a carb that is strictly sugar. It's actually a blend of maltodextrin (short chain starch) and fructose (simple sugar). Your body absorbs carbohydrates better when taken in more than one form, research has shown. I also heard Pro Triathlete, Michael Lovato at the Nutrition Talk Pre- CDA say this exact fact. And it's true, if you've ever suffered from painful gut, late in the bike or somewhere mid run, after drinking cup of Gatorade after cup of Gatorade, your body is saying no more, I need something else!

Did the stuff work? Well, I felt good after drinking and hydrated as it's a light mix with water and has electrolytes. Did I feel recovered? Hard to tell after only a few tries, but I didn't feel any less recovered as compared to days when I used Recoverite.

Would I drink it during a workout? Probably not, since I have such a high concentration of salt in my sweat – just see any post race photo of me on a hot day, lots of white salt residue on my tri shorts! The electrolyte content isn't quite high enough in this blend to convince me to drink during a long ride or run. I would try it on a shorter day and to break up the Gatorade Endurance monotony though.

Will I try it again? Sure! I really like the pomegranate flavor, and the other varieties mangosteen and green-tea lemon are a nice departure from the typical lemon-lime or fruit punch (gag).

Damn, I'm really thirsty now. You can check out Xood at the Vineman expo next Saturday, July 18th. Otherwise you can buy Xood here.

View Original Post at seelararun.blogspot.com

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• women
• Running
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• cycling
• triathlon
• recovery
• xood