Things I Tried in January

Oh what a month. January has actually been quite good for me. Post Christmas I decided to spend a few weeks working on strength, particularly glutes and hamstrings, and on my hip flexibility. Then, yesterday, I started on the next phase of my program which involves a lot more jumping and sprinting, which is why this morning I can’t walk downstairs, turns out maybe my calves are the next thing that needs some work!

In January I quite often get sent a few bits to try out. It’s that time of year when everyone is on a health kick after realising that they probably didn’t need seconds at Christmas so there’s lots of “New Year, New Me” floating around! 2 of the best things I got sent were big hampers from Alpro and St Helens Farm. Due to a bit of a scheduling error I somehow managed to end up agreeing to take on 2 challenges simultaneously. One company contacted me in October last year, and then said they’d be back in touch in January, which I then completely forgot about and accepted a very similar dairy based challenge from Alpro. This means there will be 2 posts coming soon, about my experience switching out my regular cows milk for alternatives, but they deserve posts all of their own.

In the mean time, here are some of the things I tried in January.

Purition Wholefood Shakes

I have tried these before, but got sent a new sample pack this month. Purition aren’t just a protein powder, they contain healthy fats and fibre, so they turn your morning smoothie into a proper meal without the need to add lots of individual ingredients. I just whizz it up with a banana and some almond milk or water and it’s delicious.

They also have a vegan option, that still contains 13g of protein per serving. You can order a sample box of 6 sachets for about £13 so you can try them out before you commit to a huge bag of one flavour!

Trion:Z Magnetic Bracelets

Trion:z make bracelets containing medical grade magnets that emit negative ions. They are supposed to promote healing and emit 100 times higher levels of negative ions than similar bracelets available. They have a class 1 CE mark and Japanese medical approval.

I have read research on the medical benefits of negative ions, but I don’t know enough about it to tell you whether this bracelet emits enough to make a difference. I’ve been wearing it for about a month and whilst I haven’t noticed any huge differences I did find it strangely reassuring to wear, it’s a bit like my fitbit, a reminder that I’m looking after myself.

Snickers Protein Bar

I wasn’t sent this to try, rather I noticed it in the vending machine at the gym thought I had to try one!

It tasted good, like a snickers bar, with less nougat, but it did have that slight recognisable taste of whey protein in the background. It has 18g of protein, but also nearly 10g of sugar, so you’re probably pushing it to call it an actual health food. Still, it’s probably better for you as a post workout snack than a regular Snickers, right?

Buy them here or here.

Shaken Udder Milkshakes

These are seriously good! They basically a milkshake, but made with natural ingredients and no weird added thickeners and things. They’re the sort of thing that’s perfect to have when you get back from a long run or training session as they have carbs and protein and are under 5% fat.

The Salted Caramel is a new flavour, and I’m fairly certain I could live off it forever. I mean FOREVER.