Fuel Yourself: Before, During and After Your Workout

Oxygen elite ambassador Michelle Lores breaks down her experience test-driving a workout supplement stack.

Wouldn’t we all love to drive a Lamborghini, Maserati or Ferrari? But we can’t all afford one. Or can we? Back in the day when I was a car racing flag girl (don’t judge me), I learned a thing or two about cars.

So what is it that makes luxury cars so covetous? Is it the curves of the frame, the candy-colored paint or the luxe interior that increase the value of the vehicle? While these features may first catch the eye, the real value of a car is in its engine.

A Lamborghini can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. A Toyota Corolla, which I’d say is far more economical and attainable for most, can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 10.5 seconds. That’s a huge difference in time! But if you take the reasonably priced Toyota Corolla and make modifications to enhance performance, the Toyota could destroy a stock Lamborghini in a street race.

Give it some high-octane fuel and inject some nitrous oxide, use performance oil and perform routine maintenance, and the value of that Toyota begins to increase. Once the work is done on the engine, the next logical step is to get a body kit, some nice rims, better tires and a new paint job. Now the Toyota gives that Lamborghini a run for its money.

Why on earth am I talking to you about cars? This is not a Fast & Furious audition, but it’s a prime metaphor for the transformative abilities of the human body.

I’m a busy girl — a mother of three (my youngest is a toddler), certified personal trainer, writer, student and entrepreneur running my business on a passion budget. So when I was given the opportunity to partner with NOW Sports to take this Toyota from zero to hero, I pounced.

I’m not going to lie: I want dangerous curves, wide shoulders, washboard abs and booty everywhere. I do! But, more important, I want to achieve optimal aesthetics, performance and long-lasting results without starving myself or going under the knife.

So I’m willing to invest in high-octane fuel to give myself a boost of nitrous and anoint myself with the purest oils available. By doing this, the body work and shiny paint will be a byproduct of all the work I’ve done inside.

Most days, I start my day around 5 a.m., and I’ve really been enjoying the B-12 Energy Boost Sticks. I normally don’t hydrate enough, and with this Miami heat, I chose to mix mine with water, but you can take it directly, as well. Let me tell you, this tastes great, and what I love best is that with or without my morning coffee, I’m ready to face my 5- to 7-mile morning run with eagerness.

After my run, I normally prepare my aminos. I’ve been taking BCAA Blast. Now, because I’m bionic, I try to stay away from preworkout, so I was hesitant to try this product, but I’m so impressed with this clean boost, unlike some preworkout drinks that cause me to feel like I’m at a rave.*

I sip on my aminos while I film two to three training sessions and then immediately mix my protein shake. I love the creamy flavor of Keto Protein, which happens to have MCT powder — BONUS! The benefits of MCT are awesome. Medium-chain triglycerides can help promote weight loss, reduce lactate buildup and even fuel the brain.

After I freshen up, I switch to desk duties. For me, this is the perfect time for self-care, which includes popping a tablet of Effer-Hydrate into a glass of water. This drink is so refreshing and thirst-quenching. I love to hear and see the tablet bubble dissolve, and the citrusy aroma is therapeutic to my soul. This drink is perfect to sip on, hydrate and support recovery from my workouts while I write, study or check my emails.*

By evening time, I’m excited to take my Triple Strength L-Carnitine for cellular energy production.* I like to take it at night because it works best on an empty stomach. If you have a sweet tooth, the super-sweet and tangy flavor is enough to satisfy your cravings.

I’ve been going hard with this amazing stack of supplements, so when I hit a wall after my latest run, I did what most women would do: I blamed my age, athletic inadequacy and, ultimately, my own inability to endure what was required. Then I came back to myself. The devil is a lie!

My body was under so much stress that I could no longer work, stand or even sit. My muscles screamed out to me. There was venom coursing through my veins. And to add to the pressure, I’d committed to walking in a fashion show that evening and it was already 2:45 p.m. I wasn’t going down like this. I tried hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, and I even succumbed to a nap after scarfing down a complex-carbohydrate-dense lunch, but nothing seemed to work.

Even a souped-up Toyota requires maintenance and repairs! (You see how I tied that in?) So I decided to really put NOW Sports to the test, with a much-needed elixir for the proliferation of my life. I mixed two scoops of BCAA Blast and chugged it back. Then I plopped a scoop of Keto Protein into my shaker cup and pounded that back, too. Just to be sure I’d given my body the extra boost it so desperately needed, I also shot back a B-12 Energy Boost Stick.*

Within 30 minutes, I was up and running like the queen of the jungle that I am. And I served it in the fashion show! My abs (problem area) were popping. My booty was perkier than usual (and I am blessed in that area), and my shoulders and arms resembled the work of Michelangelo himself.

Here are my main take-aways from this supplement experience:

1. With or without supplements, a body kit or shiny paint, I am enough.
2. Timing is everything. When I take my supplements and for what purpose is important.
3. Work smarter, not harder. Results with proper supplementation occur much faster and are more sustainable than without.
4. My body serves me well. I will not abuse it and will take rest when it is given.
5. If I’m going to enhance my system, I’m going to go for the best: NOW Sports.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.