Spend months bulking and building muscle, only to lose it when you start to cut? Imagine if you could still build and maintain muscle on a zero-calorie post-workout shake... Not possible, right?
Wrong.
Impact EAA helps with muscle growth and maintenance in the same way as a scoop of whey, but without the calories, fat, or sugar.1 So, even if you haven’t heard of EAAs before, we can guarantee that they’ll be in your shopping cart by the end of this article.
EAA stands for essential amino acids — these are the building blocks for your muscles and can only be obtained from the food you eat. It’s also what makes up the protein in all of our supplements.
So, how does this new shake shape up? To get your head around Impact EAA, Sports Nutritionist and Strength Coach, Grant Koch is on hand to talk us through it.
https://youtu.be/9kTXx2H-sn4
What is Impact EAA?
Firstly, Impact EAA is more like a refreshing juice than a milky protein shake. A lot of people can’t handle that heavy shake after a tough cardio session, so why not get in those amino acids with a thirst-quenching option instead.
Feel invigorated with Cola, Strawberry Lime, or Tropical after your workout.So, why is it important to consume these essential amino acids? Grant explains, “If we get all the essential amino acids in a meal, the body is able to manufacture the remaining non-essential amino acids from the 9 essential amino acids in healthy individuals.”
“It’s really important to get a regular supply of all the essential amino acids. If some of the essential amino acids are missing from a food, then the body could break down muscle protein to get what it needs and then you could risk muscle loss.”
A food with all the essential amino acids in is known as a “complete protein” — our Impact Whey Protein is a complete protein as it contains all nine of them.
Grant explains, “Impact EAA has the same amino acid profile as Impact Whey with added branched chain amino acids (BCAA) too.”This means that although Impact Whey contains BCAA, Impact EAA has extra added, as well as the complete essential amino acid profile for maximising muscle building, perfect for when you don't want as many calories as a whey protein shake.
Impact EAA has a complete essential amino acid profile, but so do plenty of other foods — so what makes this shake really special?
No Counting Calories
Unlike Impact Whey where you’re looking at 100 calories a shake for those all-important aminos, Impact EAA has absolutely no calories.1
If you’re looking to lose weight, or reduce your calorie intake, then Impact EAA means no added calories.1Grant says that, “A prolonged calorie deficit can also lead to increased muscle protein breakdown if your body isn’t getting enough of the fuel it needs to prevent this. Impact EAA makes it easier to keep up a calorie deficit without eliminating the amino acids needed to meet your goals.”1
Low Sugar
With some sweet shakes, you’re left trying to strike the tough balance of protein content vs. sugar, but not with Impact EAA.
It contains no sugar and is still deliciously sweet.Sugary snacks can lead to the dreaded blood sugar spike and crash that leaves you feeling even more lousy after a tough workout — that’s why we left it out of Impact EAA.
No Added Milk
If dairy-based shakes leave you feeling a little less than your best, then Impact EAA could be the answer. As it’s just amino acids, there’s no dairy added in.
The only dairy that could be present is only from potential cross-contamination as it’s made in the same place as our whey protein.
Grant explains, “Lactose intolerance is one of the most common intolerances that people battle with and because of this, they might choose an inferior quality protein.”
Taking Impact EAA means you don’t have to compromise on a quality amino acid profile to avoid the dairy.
Fast Absorption
We all want to make the most of the nutrients we consume post-workout, which is why Impact EAA’s fast absorption is a definite bonus.
Grant explains, “Because Impact EAA doesn’t need to be digested like protein does, the amino acids are transported very quickly to the muscles.”Vegan Friendly
Feeling a little bewildered about plant-based post-workout nutrition? Well, you no longer need to.
Impact EAAs are completely vegan friendly, meaning you can get on board all the amino acids you need from a juicy, thirst-quenching shake.Often vegan sources of protein, such as beans and pulses are high in carbohydrate too, or you have to eat lots for the same amount of protein. Impact EAA can help you reach your goals without those extra calories or carbs.1
Take Home Message
Impact EAA means no more balancing macros with calories.1 You can be sure that you’re making the most of your training in a fast and effective way without the calories, sugar, or milk of a normal protein shake.1
1. Calories and sugar vary depending on flavour. Unflavoured Impact EAA contains zero calories and sugar.
Evangeline has taken part in competitive sports since a young age. As a qualified RYA Dinghy Instructor, she understands the importance of proper nutrition for fuelling extreme and endurance sports, especially due to her experience in Team GBR Squads and captaining and coaching her University first team.
In her spare time, Evangeline loves running – especially marathons. On the weekends, you’ll find her taking on water sports or hiking up a hill. Her favourite evenings are spent taking on a HIIT session or squats in the gym before digging into some spicy food and a ton of vegetables – yum!
Find out more about Evie's experience here.
