Can You Mix Athletic Greens the Night Before?

Many health-conscious people start their day with a green supplement drink to boost their vitamins and minerals. Athletic Greens (AG1) have become a popular choice, providing a convenient powder that can be mixed with water for an on-the-go nutrient hit. But can you mix up your Athletic Greens the night before to save time in the morning? We’ve all been there – rushing to get out the door with no time to spare to mix up a healthy drink. The temptation to make it ahead of time and grab it from the fridge is real. However, there are a few important factors to consider before mixing up your supplement drink in advance. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of preparing Athletic Greens the night before to help you decide if it fits into your morning routine.

What are Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens is a nutritional superfood drink that aims to deliver a daily boost of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and plant extracts in one easy-to-use powder. Created in 2010 by health enthusiast Chris Ashenden, Athletic Greens contains a blend of 75 researched ingredients designed to fill nutrient gaps, alkalize the body, aid digestion, and provide overall wellness support. What makes Athletic Greens unique is its convenience – unlike traditional greens powders, Athletic Greens dissolves easily in water or juice for a smooth, low-fuss beverage you can take anywhere. For many, it has become a go-to nutritional insurance policy.

Instructions for Mixing Athletic Greens

One of the biggest appeals of Athletic Greens is its simplicity and ease of use. Unlike some other greens powders and supplements that require blenders, scales, and scoopers, Athletic Greens is designed for rapid, no-fuss preparation. Each packet contains one pre-portioned serving of the powder – just open, pour, stir, and drink.

The standard serving size for Athletic Greens is one 12g scoop, which can be measured using the spoon integrated into the lid of each packet. For enhanced energy and nutritional support, some users opt for a double serving (two scoops or 24g).

To prepare a standard single-serving of Athletic Greens, start by pouring clean, cool water or juice into a glass, bottle, or shaker cup. Amounts can range from 8-16 oz of liquid depending on personal preference, but 10-12 oz is recommended. Unfold the packet and use the integrated spoon to scoop out one level scoop of Athletic Greens powder. Pour the powder directly into your water or juice. Then briefly stir, shake, or whisk to dissolve the powder and integrate it into your drink fully.

Some tips for smooth mixing:

• Ice-cold water can help dissolve the powder quickly and improve the taste. Shake over ice or stir briskly into chilled water.
• A blender bottle or wire whisk can ensure thorough mixing and limit any foaming. Vigorously shake or whip the drink after adding the powder.
• Let it sit for 2-3 minutes after mixing to allow full dispersion and absorption. This prevents any powder residue.
• Add other ingredients to taste. Many users blend in fruits, extra powders, or juices to create custom nutrient drinks.

Once fully dissolved, your Athletic Greens beverage is ready to drink immediately. Most of the nutrients will be rapidly absorbed in the mouth and digestive tract, allowing for quick energy and health benefits. Drink the entire serving within a few minutes for maximum efficacy. Then enjoy the rest of your day feeling refreshed and recharged!

Benefits of Mixing Athletic Greens the Night Before

For time-pressed people who want to add more nutrients into their routine, preparing Athletic Greens for the night offers some potential perks. By mixing up a batch of Athletic Greens 12-24 hours in advance, you create a grab-and-go beverage that can be consumed first thing in the morning.

The key benefit is convenience. Making Athletic Greens ahead saves you precious minutes during your rushed morning regimen. No need to measure, mix, whisk, or clean – grab the pre-made drink from the fridge and go. This allows you to get a head start on your nutrient intake and start your day feeling nourished.

Preparing Athletic Greens in advance also allows for thorough mixing and chilling. Using cold water and chilling it overnight allows the powder to dissolve and integrate into the liquid fully. The chilled temperature can make the taste more refreshing. And letting it sit can prevent any powder clumps or foam.

Portability is another advantage of the premix method. Pour your blended Athletic Greens into a sealed bottle or container for on-the-go access. You can then drink it during your commute, at the office, or wherever your morning takes you.

Some users also report Athletic Greens to taste better after resting and chilling compared to freshly mixed. Letting the ingredients meld and marry can smooth out the flavor. Steeping it overnight leads to a more unified, subtle taste.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before preparing Athletic Greens 12+ hours ahead of using it. The convenience and improved taste need to be weighed against possible impacts on potency and efficacy.

Factors to Consider

While the convenience of an overnight Athletic Greens mix is appealing, there are a few important factors to consider first:

Taste and Texture

Leaving blended Athletic Greens overnight can alter their taste and texture. Some users report improved flavor as the ingredients meld together over time. But others note less freshness and increased bitterness from steeping. The texture may also thin out slightly overnight as powders fully dissolve. Whether these changes are positive or negative comes down to personal preference.

Nutrient Stability

The main potential concern with prolonged mixing is the stability and potency of certain nutrients in Athletic Greens, like probiotics and vitamins. Leaving prepared Athletic Greens out for 12+ hours could lower the viability of the live cultures in the probiotic strains. And extended contact with water may degrade some water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C.

However, the impact likely depends on the specific storage conditions. Refrigerating prepared Athletic Greens can help prolong probiotic and nutrient stability versus leaving it out at room temperature. And the company claims its vitamin C is delivered in a more resilient, bioavailable form that maintains integrity with mixing.

Contamination Risk

Like any food or drink left out overnight, premixed Athletic Greens does come with a slightly higher risk of bacterial contamination before consumption. Proper refrigeration is important to minimize this risk. Some also recommend thoroughly cleaning your mixing container before use to limit exposure.

Ultimately, the biggest factors to weigh are the convenience benefit against possible nutrient trade-offs. For those who prioritize ease of use in the morning, the advantage of a premixed, grab-and-go Athletic Greens may outweigh small losses in potency. But for those seeking maximum nutrition, fresh mixing each use may be better. Assessing your needs and preferences can help determine if an overnight mix fits your routine.

Tips for Storing Premixed Athletic Greens

If you do choose to prepare Athletic Greens in advance, proper storage is crucial for maintaining taste, texture, and nutritional potency. Here are some tips for keeping your premixed Athletic Greens fresh until consumption:

• Use an airtight, sealed container. To prevent deterioration, premixed Athletic Greens should be stored in an airtight bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. This protects against oxidation and contamination and preserves freshness.
• Glass containers may be ideal. Glass provides an inert vessel that won’t leach chemicals or odors into the Athletic Greens over time. Some users recommend using the same glass bottles or jars for mixing and storage.
• Refrigerate after mixing. Once Athletic Greens are prepared with water or juice, immediate refrigeration is vital to slow chemical reactions and bacteria growth. Store in the coldest part of the fridge.
• Freeze for longer storage. If mixing Athletic Greens more than 24 hours in advance, consider freezing your mixture in ice cube trays or freezer-safe bottles. Freezing halts nutrient breakdown.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight. Light can degrade certain nutrients in Athletic Greens over time. Keep premixed Athletic Greens stored in a dark space or container.
• Limit oxygen exposure. Try to minimize excess air in your storage vessel, as oxygen encourages oxidation and spoilage. Leave only 1-2 inches of space below the lid.
• Consume within 24 hours. For the best freshness and nutritional value, aim to drink your premixed Athletic Greens within a day—store for at most 48 hours maximum.

Following these precautions can help premixed Athletic Greens retain their smooth texture, pleasant taste, and nutritional impact. With the right storage protocol, you can enjoy the convenience of making Athletic Greens ahead without sacrificing quality.

FAQ

Is it safe to mix up Athletic Greens the night before drinking it?

It is generally safe to prepare Athletic Greens 12-24 hours in advance as long as you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration slows bacteria growth and preserves the potency of sensitive nutrients like probiotics. Leaving mixed Athletic Greens at room temperature overnight is not recommended.

How long can premixed Athletic Greens last in the fridge before going bad?

Premixed Athletic Greens can maintain freshness and nutritional value for 24-48 hours when properly stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. For maximum freshness, it’s best to drink your prepared Athletic Greens within 24 hours. After 48 hours, the risk of spoilage and nutrient degradation rises.

Does mixing Athletic Greens in advance improve the taste at all?

Some users report improved taste from premixing Athletic Greens and letting the ingredients blend overnight in the fridge. But others feel the taste becomes inferior and more bitter. It comes down to personal taste preferences. Drinking a fresh mix may provide the best flavor for some.

Is it better to use cold or room temperature water when mixing up Athletic Greens in advance?

Using ice-cold water when premixing Athletic Greens can help better preserve potency and taste. The chilled temperature slows chemical reactions that can degrade nutrients. Cold water also allows for quicker and smoother powder dissolution.

What’s the best way to mix up Athletic Greens the night before to maintain nutritional value?

Use a sealed glass jar, mix with ice-cold water, refrigerate immediately after mixing, and minimize air exposure. This locks in nutrients while inhibiting bacteria growth and oxidation. Consuming within 24 hours also ensures freshness and potency.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your Athletic Greens supplement shakes in advance can be a tempting time-saving strategy for busy mornings. The ability to grab a premixed, nutrient-packed beverage from the fridge is certainly appealing. However, some key considerations remain around how advanced mixing impacts Athletic Greens’ nutritional integrity, taste, and safety.

Proper storage is critical if mixing the night before – an airtight container and refrigeration are musts. Even then, some degradation of heat-sensitive nutrients could occur over 12+ hours. The convenience benefit of an overnight mix needs to be weighed against potential drawbacks to freshness and potency.

While advance mixing will maintain your Athletic Greens, drinking immediately after mixing may provide the best results. But for those prioritizing convenience and lifestyle fit, properly stored, premixed Athletic Greens can still offer an easy way to get your daily greens on the go. As with most supplements, testing different preparation methods and finding what works best with your needs and preferences is key.