Can You Mix Athletic Greens With Protein Powder?
Whether you’re a fitness buff or just looking to supplement your diet, you may wonder if you can add Athletic Greens (AG1) to your daily protein shake. This increasingly popular green superfood powder contains a host of micronutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics. Mixing it with protein creates a nutritional powerhouse that can support energy, immunity, digestion, and muscle recovery. But will the combination curdle or turn your shake into an unappetizing lump? Let’s explore the science behind blending these two popular supplements. With some tips and tricks, you can easily mix Athletic Greens into your shakes and reap the benefits of both products. This match made in workout heaven can take your nutrition game to the next level.
What Are Athletic Greens and Protein Powder?
Before exploring whether Athletic Greens and protein powder can be blended, it’s important to understand what each supplement contains and does for your body.
Athletic Greens is a comprehensive greens powder made from over 75 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, adaptogens, and probiotics sourced from whole food ingredients. It contains nutritious extracts from superfoods like spirulina, wheatgrass, kale, and broccoli sprouts.
The core function of Athletic Greens is to provide nutritional insurance – filling any gaps in your diet to support overall health. It aims to boost energy, immunity, gut health, mental clarity, and general well-being. The alkaline profile also balances pH levels.
Protein powders, on the other hand, are supplements designed specifically to increase daily protein intake, most often for athletic goals like building muscle, strength and workout recovery.
They usually contain concentrated protein derived from dairy sources such as whey and casein or plant-based sources like pea, rice, hemp, or pumpkin seed.
Whey and casein come from milk and have complete amino acid profiles. Plant proteins are lower in certain amino acids, so combining different ones is optimal.
The primary goal of protein powder is to supply protein to help build and repair lean muscle tissue, especially when actively strength training. They also provide lasting energy.
Protein powders contain a high amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These are essential for muscle growth and metabolism.
Unlike the comprehensive, whole food sourced nutritional profile of Athletic Greens, protein powders offer more targeted sports nutrition benefits.
With a grasp of what each supplement contains and does for your body, we can better understand how they differ and complement each other when blended.
Athletic Greens aim to provide overall nutritional support across all systems – immune, digestive, cardiovascular, cognitive, etc.
Protein powder offers direct protein content to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS), the process of building new muscle tissue.
While their end goals differ, both can supply key nutrients and compounds needed for energy, performance, recovery, and optimal health.
Analyzing the unique makeup and benefits of Athletic Greens versus protein powder provides clarity on whether combining them in one shake is beneficial or not. Their potential to work synergistically depends on factors like timing and preparation method.
Grasping these foundational supplement details arms you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about intelligently blending greens and protein. Paying attention to when and how you take either or both will help maximize their nutritional advantages.
Can You Mix Athletic Greens With Protein Powder?
With superfood supplements like Athletic Greens and protein powders both growing in popularity, a common question has emerged – can you safely blend both together into one nutritious shake?
At first glance, you’d get the best of both nutritional worlds by combining the vitamin and mineral insurance of Athletic Greens with the muscle-building power of whey or plant-based protein. However, there are some important factors to analyze before enthusiastically dumping both powders into your blender.
While generally safe to consume together, Athletic Greens and protein have different properties that can cause changes when mixed directly in the liquid.
Athletic Greens has an alkaline profile, as it contains greens extracts that help neutralize acidity in the body. Meanwhile, many protein powders have an acidic pH, especially those derived from dairy sources like whey and casein.
When you combine alkaline and acidic ingredients in one shake, it can inadvertently set off a chemical reaction. This can lead to issues like clumping, sedimentation, curdling, and general textural changes that give your shake an unpleasant mouthfeel and appearance.
To prevent this reaction and smooth out the mixture, experts recommend blending the powders together first in a dry container before slowly integrating the liquid. This helps the powders fully integrate before adding the extra component that could set off the alkaline-acidic issues.
Beyond potential textural changes, there is also evidence that the unique nutrients in Athletic Greens can interfere with how your body absorbs and utilizes the protein when consumed simultaneously.
Compounds like phytic acid, polyphenols, and tannins are found in many of the whole food ingredients within Athletic Greens, particularly from the greens extracts. These compounds are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that provide health perks. But they can also bind to protein molecules during digestion, preventing your body from fully breaking down and absorbing the protein content.
Consuming Athletic Greens and protein powder separately, or at least leaving time between ingesting each, allows your body to get the maximum impact from their nutritional contents. This way, you fully absorb the diverse vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from the greens without interference.
If you do wish to blend Athletic Greens and protein together, follow these best practices:
- Mix powders together first before slowly adding liquid
- Drink mixes within 30 minutes of blending
- Limit direct mixtures to just around workouts when properly absorbing protein is most important
- Rotate types of protein powder rather than using just one every day
While getting creative with combining supplements can seem enticing, please pay attention to how your body feels consuming them separately versus blended. Finding the ideal balance and timing through trial and error will help you maximize the unique benefits of both.
How to Use Athletic Greens and Protein Powder?
Once you’ve analyzed whether Athletic Greens and protein powder can be blended, the next question becomes – how do you seamlessly incorporate them both into your daily nutrition routine to maximize their unique benefits? Strategic planning is key.
The simplest way to take Athletic Greens is to mix one scoop into water, juice, or a smoothie and consume it in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows your body to fully absorb the flood of 75+ vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, adaptogens, and probiotics quickly.
Making Athletic Greens the first thing you ingest is optimal as it provides a nutritious foundation for your day. It energizes you and optimizes digestion and immunity while your body is in a fast state.
For protein powder, timing is critical – you need to take it within the “anabolic window” right before or after workouts when your body is primed to absorb amino acids.
Blending one serving with water, milk, or juice and drinking immediately post-workout allows your body to fully utilize the protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) – the process of repairing and building new muscle fibers.
This powers recovery so you can return to the gym stronger and continue progressing.
Some best practices for seamlessly integrating both supplements:
- Alternate between taking Athletic Greens and protein shakes for breakfast
- Stack a protein shake on top of your daily Athletic Greens first thing in the morning
- Blend Athletic Greens into a fruit smoothie along with protein-rich Greek yogurt
- Mix Athletic Greens into overnight oats along with scoops of protein powder
- Add Athletic Greens to batters when baking healthy muffins, bars, and pancakes high in protein
- If blending powders directly, always mix dry first before slowly adding liquid
While occasionally mixing into one shake is fine, limit this method to just around workouts when properly absorbing protein is most important.
Otherwise, keep them separate to allow your body to fully utilize the generalized nutrition in Athletic Greens versus the targeted muscle recovery benefits of protein powder.
The ideal ratio of powders to liquid, mixing order, and time between consuming them matters. Experiment to find what feels best for your body.
Be creative – swap up flavors and recipes so you can stay energized. Consume them strategically, focusing on when your body needs nutritional insurance from Athletic Greens versus muscle fuel from protein.
With mindful planning, Athletic Greens and protein powder can seamlessly co-exist in your diet, leaving you feeling energized, strong, recovered, and healthy.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Mixing Athletic Greens and Protein Powder?
The main benefits of mixing Athletic Greens and protein powder include:
- Convenience – You can take your supplements in one drink rather than separate ones.
- Improved flavor – The protein powder minimizes the strong green taste. Adding other ingredients also enhances the flavor.
- Custom nutrition – You can adjust the ratio of greens powder to protein for your ideal nutritional needs.
- Better absorption – Some research shows combining supplements may improve nutrient bioavailability.
- Lifestyle compatibility – The blended drink fits well with an active lifestyle and workout regimen.
Are There Any Downsides to Mixing Them?
Potential downsides to mixing Athletic Greens and protein powder include:
- Altered taste and texture – Some find the blended drink chalky or unpalatable compared to taking them solo.
- Nutrient interactions – Ingredients could interfere with amino acid absorption from the protein.
- Foaming/separation – Powders don’t always blend perfectly and can separate or get foamy.
- Timing issues – Optimal timing for protein (around workouts) and greens (mornings) differ.
- Upset stomach – Combining numerous ingredients could increase the chances of diarrhea or bloating.
- Higher cost – Buying both supplements is more expensive than getting just one.
When Should You Take the Blended Supplement Drink?
Most people take Athletic Greens and protein powders at separate times during the day. This allows tailored timing – greens in the morning and protein around workouts.
If mixing them, consider splitting your servings. Take half the blended drink in the morning and the other half post-workout or as a snack. This allows you to optimize timing while still gaining the convenience of a single beverage.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Generally, both supplements are safe when taken as directed. But some people may experience side effects like:
- Upset stomach – gas, diarrhea, bloating, cramps
- Allergic reactions – itching, rash, swelling
- Caffeine overdose – jitters, headache, nausea (from the green coffee in Athletic Greens)
These are more likely if you dramatically increase doses. Start with smaller servings of the blended drink to assess tolerance. And consult your doctor if side effects are severe or persistent.
Can You Mix Athletic Greens With Whey, Soy, Pea, or Other Protein Powders?
Yes, Athletic Greens can be safely mixed with whey, soy, pea, and other vegan protein powders. Whey or casein protein blends best, but plant-based proteins like soy, pea, and hemp also mix well.
Avoid high-flavor proteins like chocolate or cookies & cream. Opt for plain or lightly flavored varieties like vanilla. This results in a better taste profile when blended with the earthy greens.
Which Other Supplements Can You Mix With Athletic Greens?
In addition to protein powder, other supplements you can mix with Athletic Greens include:
- Fiber supplements like psyllium husk for improved digestion
- Anti-inflammatory turmeric or ginger powder for an antioxidant boost
- Probiotics for gut health – but add these after mixing the shake
- MCT oil powders boost ketones and energy
- Adaptogens like maca root or ashwagandha for reduced stress
Avoid mixing with vitamin C or calcium, as these may hinder iron absorption from the greens. Also, limit acidic fruits like citrus as these can degrade nutrients over time once blended.
How Does Athletic Greens Taste Mixed With Protein?
On its own, Athletic Greens has a distinctly earthy, plant-like taste from the green’s ingredients that some find unappealing. Mixing it with a neutral or lightly flavored protein powder significantly improves the taste.
Adding nut milk, banana, berries, or peanut butter also improves the flavor. Chocolate and coffee-flavored protein powders pair well with the greens too. Overall the blended drink ends up tasting smooth and creamy.
Can Athletic Greens be combined with other powdered supplements?
Yes, Athletic Greens can be combined with other powdered supplements, including protein powder.
Is it safe to mix Athletic Greens with protein powder?
Yes, it is safe to mix Athletic Greens with protein powder as long as you follow the recommended dosage for each product.
What are the benefits of mixing Athletic Greens with protein powder?
Mixing Athletic Greens with protein powder can create a delicious and nutritious shake that provides comprehensive nutrition and gut health support in one scoop.
Can Athletic Greens and protein powder be consumed together in the morning?
Yes, Athletic Greens and protein powder can be consumed together in the morning to provide a boost of energy and nutrition for the day.
Are there any downsides to mixing Athletic Greens with protein powder?
There are no known downsides to mixing Athletic Greens with protein powder as long as you follow the recommended dosage for each product.
Related Video: Athletic Greens AG1 Long Term Review – Is it all HYPE? NOT SPONSORED!
Final Words
In conclusion, while it is possible to blend the comprehensive nutritional support of Athletic Greens with muscle-building protein powder, there are some considerations to ensure you get the full benefits of both supplements. Be mindful of how their differing properties can interact during mixing and digestion. With some strategic tweaks to your preparation method, timing of consumption, and recipes, you can unlock the unique advantages of these two popular powders. Your nutrient-packed shakes will provide energy, immunity, performance, and muscle growth to take your health and fitness goals to new heights. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the ideal balance of greens and protein that works for your body and lifestyle. With the proper know-how, you’ll be sipping these two powerhouse supplements together in nutritious harmony.
