When was the last time you had a protein or coffee blend that didn’t have one questionable ingredient in it? It’s no longer a surprise to hear that, in general, skaters are taking better care of their bodies and are looking to skate longer into their lives. Amidst a dense library of protein powders to choose from, Ergogenics—a Vancouver, BC plant-based nutrition company—has arisen to fill the smoothie cups and mugs of skaters and other like-minded folks, naturally.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve searched for the perfect protein powder to consume before or after skating. Most non-whey products were bolstered by pea, soy, or rice ingredients, and often relied on added sugar to make them taste decent. Upon receiving samples of Ergogenics’ Plant Protein and 8 Mushroom Blend, I opted to try the Plant Protein first. Not only is Ergogenics’ Plant Protein 100% vegan and free of added sugar, but it’s also void of all fillers and binders, as well as pea, soy and rice. There are also no artificial or GMO ingredients in the blend. However, after hearing a long list of what’s not in a product, I’m usually very curious what it is composed of. I was delighted to read that the Plant Protein’s leading ingredient is the nutty-tasting Soluble Hemp Concentrate, and that it’s naturally flavoured with vanilla bean and sweetened with monk fruit.
I was too eager to try the product to set up my blender, and simply stirred a scoop of the blend into a cup of water as an experiment. Despite my rush, the blend was surprisingly consistent and free of the large lumps that more heavy products can create. It was naturally sweet enough to drink on its own, but subtle enough to be malleable when blended with other ingredients. Although a blender makes the most ultra-consistent smoothie and best drink, the grab-and-go readiness of the product’s consistency functions well for the days I’m throwing something together before a skate, or trying to refuel within the 20-minute post-exercise window.
We live in a world where two things are certain: skaters generally drink a lot of coffee, and there’s more options than ever when choosing the right brew. One may choose a slower-style coffee, such as a pour-over that may include other healthy ingredients, but that’s not always practical on a busy morning. On the other hand, many more instant-style coffee products are mixed with synthetic ingredients that might keep you buzzing, but aren’t sustainable in the long run. Ergogenics’ 8 Mushroom Blend organic coffee instant drink fuses the best of both worlds.
I’ve long-since known of the health benefits of tree mushrooms—most prominently chaga and turkey tail. However, it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve been made aware of mushroom/coffee blends that “stack” their medicinal properties. Previous blends I’ve tried either rely too much on chocolatey flavouring, or simply taste like weird dirt. Like the Plant Protein, the 8 Mushroom Blend contains only real products and no additives. The blend finely balances the earthy undertones of tree mushrooms with hot chocolate-esque organic instant coffee into a product that not only keeps you alert, but also reduces brain-fog—keeping you sharp when skating.
Regardless of if you’re healthily re-fueling post-skate, or easing into the morning with jedi-level alertness, Ergogenics products package no-BS ingredients into intentional blends that simply taste good. We live in an era where most skaters have some idea of what would be more beneficial for their bodies, but can be lost in the mix of what product(s) to consume. Ergogenics’ strengths are found in its well-proportioned ingredients that are natural to the earth, and malleable blends that can be adapted to a variety of lifestyles and recipes. In an era filled with biohacking and complex information, sometimes the best products for your body are the simplest and the most intentional.
Learn more about Ergogenics and their other products.
