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Monday, November 9, 2009

Vega Sport - An Honest Review

How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully the weather was beautiful for you too, and you went out and did something fun. Yesterday morning, I lay in bed, convincing myself that I didn't have to work out. I don't usually work out on Sundays, but...I missed Friday. So I *should* work out, but it was, after all, a Sunday. A day to relax. The last day of the weekend. You know the feeling, right?

So I used my husband. Its always easier to go out and exercise if he is coming with. Coupled with a promise of breakfast at our favorite place, we took it the next level, and instead of doing cardio in our basement gym, we went for a run around the lake near our place.

Before we went though, we downed some of the newest product from Vega: Vega Sport Performance Optimizer.

I get a decent amount of products to review. Most of them are just fine. Although I've said before that Vega isn't my favorite. The regular stuff is too weird tasting me for me to bother with. The Smoothie Infusion isn't too bad, once its mixed with fruit, fruit juice, and maybe some coconut milk yogurt.

And while I've never been a fan of "performance optimzers" in the past, I really have to say that I love this stuff.

First: The Taste
Well, typical of Vega products, on its own it doesn't taste like ice cream going down. But it doesn't taste terrible either. In fact, I've only taken it three times, and its definitely a taste you get used to easily. I was gifted the berry variety, and its definitely drinkable on its own, but its actually good with half-water, half-apple cider.

Second: The Ingredients
If you know anything about Vega, you know that the ingredients are top notch. The main ingredient is sprouted whole grain brown rice syrup, intended to give you an instant energy boost, and organic palm nectar, for sustained energy (it claims around 30 minutes worth). Coupled with Yerba Mate, Green Tea, Kombucha, Rhodiola Extract, Ginger Extract, etc, this stuff is full of not only energy, but herbs that are meant to stimulate your system to help you naturally perform better.

Third: The Results
So all this doesn't matter if it doesn't work, right? Well, it does. And I don't just say this because they sent it to me, honestly, I wouldn't do that. This stuff, no joke, works. I first tried it last Monday and went for a run on the treadmill after not having ran for over two months because I hurt my knee. It seemed to work, but I wasn't convinced yet. After all, I ran pretty slow, and hey, it could have just been endorphins. I also used it before my first Mysore yoga class on Thursday, just to have something in my system.
But what really has convinced me that this product is awesome was our run yesterday. Remember, this is after not having really ran at all (besides Monday) for over two months). The loop around our lake is 3.65 miles, and I didn't feel the need to stop and walk for any of it. This might not mean anything to you, but I haven't not stopped on a run that long in well over a year. I have never felt that good on a run, my body never got tired, and my mind was completely clear and focused.
I also had a girl yell at me that I was her inspiration as we ran past her and her friend walking. So there you go, I have their new tag line. Vega Sport - Be Inspiring.

It comes in two flavors, and I have yet to try the lemon-lime. I don't really know what that would mix with, maybe orange juice? Suggestions anyone? At only 70 calories a serving, I feel it needs to be mixed with a little something.

So there you have it folks. A product that does what it claims to do. How often does that happen? Of course, Vega is always on the pricey side, but I really think this stuff is worth it. In fact, I will probably continue to purchase it myself once I run out of the container they were so generous to send me.

This actually makes me really excited to start running again. I'm seriously looking forward to doing our Turkey Trot again at the end of the month! Maybe I can get my dad to try it too!

13 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of this product, but thanks for the review!

    I want to sign up for the Turkey Trot, but finding someone to do it with is another story.... I'll have to do some forcing!

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  2. Interesting... this is a new product for me. I know about Vega protein powders, but hadn't hear of a their sports version. Thanks for the review!

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  3. Thanks for the cottage cheese recommendation! I will have to check that out, as 50 mg is PERFECT!

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  4. Wow! I'm going to have to try that out. You make it sound delicious.

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  5. I actually enjoy the regular Vega powder. Although, the vegetarian protein I'm currently using (can't remember who makes it) made Dan almost choke last night before we hit the gym! haha

    I've seen the sports version and now I'm really excited to try it. I went to GNC yesterday looking for a protein powder for recovery and this looks like it might be just what I'm looking for! My favourite part is the great ingredients they put in their products!

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  6. Neat! I've never tried the Vega products, but I know there are days when I could use some performance enhancement! I don't run, but I do take some challenging classes at the gym. Thanks for the review!

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  7. I have always *hated* protein shakes, performance optimzers, and all that stuff. It's not so much the taste but that weird grainy texture that they all seem to have. It would be nice if there was one product that didn't make me gag, so I'll give this one a try. If I like it, then you will be my inspiration too! I'll even yell at you that you're my inspiration even if you can't hear me! :-P

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  8. Three cheers for free stuff that doesn't suck! I'll have to look around and see if that is available over here, because I've started going for long (for me) bike rides in the morning but don't always feel like a big breakfast beforehand. This sounds like a good pre-ride filler.

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  9. i really like the vega sport line! i actually like the taste (not too sweet, a hint of salt-perfect for while you're exercisin) (and i like the lemon lime better than the acai, and i just mix it with water).
    and it definitely works. the added kick of yerba mate is really nice. its not something i would use every day (don't need that stimulation every day and plus, the price tag) but for long runs or races it is EXCELLENT. again, the high quality of ingredients really makes vega stand out. plus they are the nicest people ever and brandon brazier is like my all time hero!!
    thanks for the honest review! :)

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  10. I started using Vega 3 weeks ago and I love it. The taste is a little weird but I got used to it fast. I mix mine with almond milk, fresh or frozen fruit, nuts, coconut oil and lots of ice. I blend it and eat it with a spoon. I have this for breakfast everyday and I have to say my energy levels are so much better than they have been in years. I have also cut out dairy from my diet and that has really helped my asthma.

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  11. So glad I found your blog. I read that protein powder without soy or whey is the best because it contains no allergens and growth hormones from whey. I'm definitely going to give this a try.

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  12. This stuff is the real deal I got it and love it!

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  13. I've had this for two days now. Both times I've felt jacked. Today I didn't even sleep (not a good sleeper), but still did my workout with loads of strength, stamina, mindfulness, less time for lactic acid build, and no pain while running.

    If I had slept, I bet I would feel even better. I don't know how long the effects are supposed to last as I can't seem to find it on their website, but I was jacked for about one hour, and moderately energized for the next two. I'm not saying it's because of the Vega Sport, but I felt good today. If this continues, I'll be swearing by it.

    I just love the fact that's it's all natural, mostly organic, and I don't have to shop around looking for the ingredients. It's all in this container.

    It tastes pretty bad IMO, but I don't care at all. I actually like the aftertaste though.

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