Energy boost & recovery with Now Foods BCAA Blast

"Disclaimer: I received a supply of Now Foods BCAA Blast powder and Effer Energy tablets to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

I have used BCAA’s before – Branch Chain Amino Acids – as part of muscle recovery after a tough strength training workout.  I was working with a trainer who knew I would be sore the next day, and she suggested I get some BCAAs. I bought a powdered lemonade formula from another brand and I honestly couldn’t stomach the taste.  I was anxious to try the BCAA Blast from Now Foods because I’m still looking for the perfect “pre-workout” formula, and am a believer in BCAAs.

I received a jar of BCAA Blast (raspberry flavor), along with a shaker.
AND 1 tube of Effer-Energy, tropical flavor

So what exactly is a BCAA and why do I need it?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine essential amino acids in total, but there's a key trio that helps you maintain muscle: leucine, isoleucine, and valine
 
BCAA BLAST
In general I knew they were helpful for muscle soreness, but here’s what this product is designed to do specifically: (from nowfoods.com)

• 100 MG Caffeine (YAY!) for energy
  
• 5 G BCAAs for Sports Recovery*
  

NOW® Sports BCAA Blast powder is a simple, yet effective pre-workout supplement that can help maximize output during workouts.* Each serving blasts you with 5 g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle growth, retention, and recovery.* These BCAAs are not blended with other amino acids. With 100 mg of natural caffeine per scoop, this thirst-quenching supplement assists in maintaining physical energy and focus during workouts, while supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.* The electrolyte sodium is added to supplement and replenish what is lost during strenuous activity.*

Ok, so now time to put it to the test a bit.

I first took it to body pump class. It’s definitely a good test because a) I need extra energy to lift weights for an hour and b) this class leaves me sore, so BCAAs should help with muscle soreness. My thoughts: the raspberry takes a little to get used to, but I can work with it!  I noticed the extra sodium right away, but appreciated that.  I didn’t feel fatigued during the class, but I didn’t feel a rush of energy, either.  I do think I felt a bit less sore than usual, which is great!
 
Next test was running, obviously!  I used it for the Scottsdale Giants 10k that I ran. I carried it with me in that race, as well as the Kiss Me I’m Irish 8k.  The added electrolytes kept me going great for both.

EFFER-ENERGY
This is.comparable to other dissolving electrolyte tablets- but this one has caffeine, yay!
 
Calories 10
 Total Carbohydrate 1 g
Total Sugars<1 g
 Niacin (as Nicotinamide) 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (from Pyridoxine HCl) 2 mg
Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg
Calcium (from Calcium Carbonate) 13 mg
Magnesium (from Magnesium Carbonate) 25 mg
Sodium (from Sodium Bicarbonate) 360 mg
Potassium (from Potassium Bicarbonate) 100 mg
Green Tea Extract (Leaf) (36 mg of naturally occurring caffeine) 125 mg

I tried this for a cardio class,and body pump class too. I found that it broke up a little easier than other brands to drop into a bottle of water and dissolved quickly.   I honestly didn’t love the taste, but I was able to drink it and get the benefits from it.  There is also a mixed berry flavor that is another option.

BCAA Blast sells for $31.99  for a canister.  Effer Energy sells for $5.19 a tube. You can save 20% off your own container of BCCA Blast, Effer-Energy, or any other supplements with discount code NOWSPORTS20 now through 4/30/20

“Offer valid 2/1/20 through 11:59 PM Central Standard Time 4/30/20. Offer valid only on products found at https://www.nowfoods.com/sports-nutrition/sports-nutrition-all-products. Prices are as shown. Some exclusions apply. Must use coupon code NOWSPORTS20 in the Promotion Code field at checkout. While supplies last at nowfoods.com. This offer does not apply to applicable taxes or shipping and handling. Offer cannot be used on previous purchases. NOW Health Group, Inc. has the right to end any promotion at any time.”
Give it a try and see what you think! If you do try it, let me know your thoughts!