BLONYX NUTRITION STACK OVERVIEW
I was given a few different products to run my own very nonscientific-backed experiments with. In my stack, I received the Egg White Protein, HMB+ Creatine, Hydra+, and the Beet It Sport shots. Since this type of product does not fit our normal review style I will be breaking down my thoughts about each product separately below.
EGG WHITE PROTEIN ISOLATE
My entire life has consisted of being very lactose intolerant, so needless to say Whey proteins are not something I can consume without consequence… I have always had to substitute for plant-based proteins, which can be quite underwhelming when it comes to flavor and texture. I always felt I was missing out on animal-based proteins which I believe to be superior and more bio-available than plant-based options. Now Blonyx’s Egg White isolate option has entered the chat, and I am fully sold.
With 20g of protein per scoop, you fill your shaker cup full of flavor and smooth creamy texture. It is wild how damn good this stuff tastes with just water. The powder seamlessly dissolves, leaving no grainy texture, just pure goodness. Seriously, I had to hide this from my roommate, it was that good. I even double-scooped in 12oz of water, and all it did was get even more creamy, I am well impressed. Back in bodybuilder Cole days, I said the heck with lactose intolerance and downed Whey like it was going out of style (yeah I essentially lived with heartburn and skid marks). So with that TMI out of the way, all is to say I have tried loads of different proteins over the years and this seemingly strange concoction takes the win by miles, if not lightyears for me.
I won’t dive into the science too much here as their website is a treasure trove of information, so please go give that a check. This protein has just 7 whole food ingredients, far less than 99% of proteins out there. And for 20g of protein, there are a reasonable 130 calories which is appreciated for those watching their calorie intake. Being directly sourced from the egg white, there are all the EAA’s (Essential Amino Acid) and a fair amount of BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acid). The majority of the 14 grams of carbohydrates come from the real cane sugar that’s used to help improve flavor.
I used this protein in two ways: one for lunch and one for a nice post-dinner dessert. I generally do not think about lunch unless I have an afternoon ride planned. This stuff made me look forward to making a shake and helped me stay consistent with getting enough protein everyday. While it is delicious on its own, I more often than not wanted more calories so I opted for a shake, and boy am I addicted. Give my recipe a try!
- 1 or 2 scoops egg white protein
- 1 medium/large banana
- 2 scoops PB Fit or 2tbs peanut butter
- 1 serving instant coffee
- 5 ice cubes
On my first bag of this powder, I was able to put on just over 4lbs. For me, that’s a big change as weight usually melts off my frame. While the protein is a big factor in this, I attribute this more to flavor as I did not miss a lunch all month as I was so stoked to have my shake. The only downside I can think of is the price per serving. One bag has 20 servings for $55, which lands at $2.75 a serving. When compared to the Costco mega bag this sure is a significant price increase, but you are paying for a very high quality and batch-tested product – what is on the ingredient list is what you get. When compared to high-end plant-based proteins, the price is in a similar bracket.
Overall I give this stuff as many stars as a review could have, it’s tasty and clean. If you have dietary restrictions like me, Blonyx Egg White Protein Isolate is a must-try.
HYDRA+
My hydration journey has taken many different paths, from trying to mix my own formula of table salt, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper, to the classic over-the-counter options starting with LiquidIV (please do not use that for hydration, it’s just sugar water…) and many other brands of sodium-packed powders with varying levels of tastes.
Hydra+ takes a different approach to hydration, delivering electrolytes and carbs from wholefood sourced ingredients with a minimal yet effective dose of sodium. When Rowan shared his research and thoughts about how sodium is used for hydration, my understanding of the topic was completely upended. I was very upfront with him and said “Man I don’t know if I can go from 800mg of sodium down to just 120mg”. He laughed and understood my position as many others have the same response. Outside of the research and studies done on this topic, he told me “Give it a try, if it does not work for you that’s ok, but you will probably be just fine” He understood the mindset shift I was going to undergo trying a vastly different formula than I have been using for years.
Upon trying Hydra+, the first thing that was apparent was how good the flavour was, and of course how un-salty it was. Mixing one scoop in a standard-sized 16oz water bottle provided a light juice resemblance that was thirst-quenching compared to the normal salty solution that always has me wanting normal water. I experimented with a double scoop in my bottles with similar results, just a bit more of a flavour punch. I was fully expecting to cramp on longer days due to the lack of sodium, but I was proven wrong. I guess there is something to this mix that does keep you hydrated on long rides. It still is hard for me to grasp such a major shift in my nutrition but hey, if it works, it works. And of course, it tastes miles better. I did no scientific backed tests, just went by feel and as a whole I noticed no major difference both during and after my rides.
HMB+ CREATINE
Creatine is one of the most studied supplements on the market, and continues to be one of the most impactful supplements you can use as an athlete or weekend warrior. New studies are also proving how good creatine is for brain health, and to boot the side effects are vastly small and only affect a small percentage of users. Essentially, creatine is stored in the muscle and acts as a form of instant energy for muscle contractions, leading to increased strength and stamina when taken over time.
Now, where this product stands out from others is the inclusion of HMB (Beta‐hydroxy beta‐methylbutyrate). HMB is derived from leucine, one of the three key BCAAs. HMB protects muscles from damage that occurs during exercise, which leaves you a bit less sore and able to get back to your sport faster and more recovered. It is one step on the ladder of ultimate performance.
I generally use this in combination with my lunchtime shake, or right before a ride while I am pre-hydrating. The effects of this product are not as easy to put your finger on, unlike the Beet It Sport you will read about next. But with that said, I felt well recovered the day after my rides, and even put on some muscle thanks to the creatine. Once I added this into my routine, I saw about a 2.5lb gain over the month when combined with some sporadic weightlifting and lots of pedalling. When I noticed the difference was coming off the supplement, keeping the same routine and schedule I found myself having more hamstring soreness after long days. I ordered a second bottle out of my own pocket to see if maybe I was just playing mind games with my body or if there was something to HMB. Sure enough, once starting back on this stuff, I saw that muscle soreness drop back down, especially when riding for 4-5 days in a row.
If you plan on taking creatine the addition of the HMB does make a difference for someone who either struggles with soreness or is looking to maximize their recovery time. At just under $1 a serving, the price is not terrible but is more expensive than creatine on its own. What I would do is stack this with standard creatine, taking the non-HMB product on your off days and HMB on riding or gym days, this would maximize your price per dose over the month and give you the most benefit when needed.
BEET IT SPORT
This one was something completely new to me, and I’m happy to say that it works. Think of this product as a healthy energy drink that is caffeine-free. The pathway to more energy and thus higher performance is thanks to the 400mg of nitrates, provided by the Beets. To briefly get into the science of this, the nitrates are converted into nitric oxide when processed by your body. Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it makes your blood flow easier. This leads to more oxygen to your muscles, resulting in faster recovery, less fatigue, and more power. I urge you to check out the website to learn more about the mechanisms of this product, it’s quite interesting.
So what did I feel? I would for sure say I was feeling less fatigued during my first use, and like I had a shot of espresso with no jitters. We first used this at our DH Bike Group Test, so back-to-back long days in the bike park riding and hiking. Having half a shot mid-morning and the other half after lunch truly made a difference in my energy level and willingness to hike back up the hill to get another clip. This is not something I would use on every ride or every park day, but 100% want it in my toolbox of tricks. If you are trying to push your body on big days this will for sure help give you an extra nudge up that last climb.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The attention to detail to maximize your diet goes a long way when it comes to on-the-bike performance, and locking in your supplementation is the next step in getting every advantage over your competitors you can. Blonyx has made understanding supplements and what they do for your body very easy to digest with their vast amounts of resources on the website. Having this stuff in my toolbox of tricks has for sure made me more confident on the bike knowing I could push just a little harder on every ride. 
Price: $Varies
Website: Blonyx.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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