Fat burners are supplements that can aid in weight loss or fat reduction, often through the use of natural fat-burning ingredients [1]. They typically work through a variety of methods...

Ingredients 1 serve Switch Nutrition Protein Switch 1 frozen banana 1 Medjool date 1 cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp cashew butter 1 tsp desiccated coconut 1 tsp cacao nibs ½ cup water Ice Method Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour smoothie into a glass and top with coconut flakes and cacao nibs (optional).

5 SUREFIRE WAYS TO INCREASE ENERGY ALL DAY In a world where being highly motivated, focussed and energised are daily requirements to succeed, we need all the help we can get…and some days coffee alone just doesn’t cut it! In this article we will look at the top 5 ways to increase energy all day. 1. Sleep Sleep – This might sound strange but sleep duration and quality is the most effective predictor of energy the next day. If you are feeling lethargic, tired or irritable, sleep should be your priority. Simply achieving 7.5 hours of unbroken quality sleep can be life changing for daily energy and motivation. Here are some quick tips to get the best sleep. Sleep before midnight is 2x more beneficial than after midnight. Plan to be in bed 8 hours before you need to wake up. 30 mins to doze off and get settled. Use Magnesium which has been shown to improve sleep quality and increase energy through the day. Read a book to wind down. Don’t rely on digital games, social media or watching TV. Don’t eat within 2 hours of bedtime. The digestion and blood sugar fluctuations can prevent getting to sleep and staying asleep. Don’t drink too much water before bed. Getting up to go to the toilet can disrupt quality sleep. Reduce alcohol. Even though it is a sedative it can reduce deep sleep where recovery happens. Reduce caffeine and stimulants after 2pm. Caffeine will still be in your system 6-8 hours after consumption. Use Ashwagandha. This Ayurvedic herb has been shown to reduce cortisol and promote better sleep quality. Pro Tip: Switch Nutrition Adrenal Switch™ is your go to product containing Ashwagandha and Magnesium to reduce stress, improve sleep and increase energy the next day! 2. Caffeine Still KING for energy… however, you can get too much of a good thing and certain forms are better than others. Yes, caffeine boosts energy, alertness, focus, motivation, and performance. However, too much caffeine can cause a crash, tiredness, diarrhoea and an increasing dependence or addiction. It is not uncommon for people to start with 100mg (1 cup of coffee) and before long need 300mg (triple shot) to get the same benefit. This is called adrenal resistance. Your body is producing adrenaline in response to the caffeine, but you are not responding to it as well. This can be unhealthy as your adrenals are working overtime to call up the energy, but your brain and muscles are not picking up the phone. Natural caffeine provides all the benefits of synthetic caffeine anhydrous but has a smoother, longer lasting feeling without the crash or chemical residues of synthetic caffeine. You will find natural caffeine in Switch Nutrition Coffee Switch™ (for your coffee lovers), Power Switch™ (Pre-Workout) and Thermal Switch™ (for the fat burning energy chaser). 3. Move Regular exercise is far more effective at boosting energy than a remaining sedentary and conserving energy. Moving at regular intervals helps boost blood flow and improve insulin sensitivity which results in more energy being utilised by your working muscles and your brain. In fact, one study found that sedentary people with persistent tiredness and fatigue reduced their tiredness by 65% with regular exercise. In another study just 10 minutes of walking increased energy more than a sugary snack. So, get away from your desk for 10 minutes each hour and go for a walk or do some movement that increases your heart rate and improves your blood flow. 4. Nootropics There is a new class of botanical compounds that help enhance focus and mental energy while reducing fatigue. They are called Nootropics! Nootropic is the term given to a compound that boosts cognitive function. Some nootropics are gabanergic (calming) and others are adrenergic (excitatory). Some boost mood, focus, mind-muscle connection, and others enhance learning or memory recall. EnXtra&reg EnXtra® - Alpina Galanga is the source of this NEW patented natural compound that amplifies the benefit of caffeine by 30% for up to 5 hours without jitters or a crash. It is thought to act as an adaptogen allowing your body and brain to respond positively to stimulants and stress. EnXtra® boosts dopamine receptors and down regulates adenosine. This means it may enhance motivation, happiness, satisfaction and focus while reducing fatigue and tiredness. EnXtra® has been shown to increase alertness with or without caffeine by 100% over placebo. In 2019 it won the prestigious Nutraingredients Best New Ingredient Award. You should make sure this ingredient is in your next pre-workout or focus supplement. Hordenine Hordenine – Found in Hordeum vulgare, this neuro stimulant works by inhibiting MAO (MonoAmine Oxidase). This inhibition reduces the metabolism and breakdown of catecholamines (adrenaline, dopamine etc). Simply put, Hordenine keeps you focused and motivated for longer. In a 2009 study hordenine showed to peak energy at 60 – 90 minutes after consumption and significantly increase energy burned over placebo. You will find hordenine in Thermal Switch™ & Power Switch™. Theobromine Theobromine – Found in Theobroma cacao (chocolate), this unique stimulant also possesses vasodilating benefits. This means it may boost your energy and focus while enhancing blood flow for greater muscle performance and recovery. In addition to this, Theobromine has bronchodilation benefits that may support better respiratory performance. Theobromine can be found in the following big hitting energy formulas… Coffee Switch™, Thermal Switch™ & Power Switch™. NeuroFactor® NeuroFactor® - Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract is the source of this highly researched ingredient. It has been shown in clinical trials to boost BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) by 143%. BDNF is a protein peptide that helps improve the architecture of the brain to boost its processing speed and memory recall. In fact, as we age, lowered levels of BDNF is thought to result in lowered mental performance and potential onset of age-related cognitive decline and a decrease in mental energy. Neurofactor® may be more helpful for learning and memory. However, it does help support focus and energy so it’s a nice addition to your pre-workout (Power Switch™), thermogenic (Thermal Switch™) or nootropic coffee supplement (Coffee Switch™). Ketones Exogenous Ketones are a recent supplement super star. They entered the market in 2017 and have continued to show promise in study after study. They work by essentially putting your body into a temporary state of ketosis even if you aren’t following a ketogenic diet. Once the ketones are circulating in your body they not only provide energy to your cells but they signal certain processes to occur. Up Regulate Mitochondrial Biogenesis – Ketones signal your body to produce more new healthy mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells. This is where your energy gets converted from fats and some carbs. Down Regulate Ghrelin – Ghrelin is a hunger hormone. Ketones have the ability to reduce ghrelin which can significantly reduce cravings and hunger. This may stop you looking for that quick fix snack. Increase BDNF – Like NeuroFactor®, ketones can boost brain function, and like MCT oil, they pass through the blood brain barrier providing energy to your brain to boost alertness and focus without stimulation of your central nervous system and without an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. You will find Ketones in Keto Switch™ or a precursor to ketones in MCT Oil Powder. They both help boost mood, focus, energy and productivity. 5. Eat Wholefoods Nutritious healthy balanced meals can make all the difference to your daily energy needs. When you eat rubbish, you will feel rubbish. What goes up must come down. What I mean by this is too many simple carbs or sugary foods can temporarily boost energy and will increase blood sugar. However, once insulin comes in and disperses the sugar into storage (sometimes fat cells), your blood sugars crash, your mood crashes, your energy crashes and you become grumpy, tired and less productive. Eating meals high in quality protein (30% total calories), good fats (30% total calories) and a moderate amount of complex carbohydrates (40% of total calories) with around 5 – 10g of fibre (per meal) and loads of colourful veges and some fruit, will set you up for consistently good energy all day. If you can’t get enough greens or plant diversity in your diet, then consider supplementing with a great energy superfood formula Vitality Switch™. The name says it all… VITALITY!! All day energy and exuberance for life. It’s also worth mentioning certain artificial colours and preservatives have been linked to fatigue, tiredness, loss of performance and overall health decline. Be sure to minimise the bright colour artificially sweetened drinks in favour of natural options where possible. Pro Tip: Do not consume caffeine or a combination of caffeine and other nootropics too close to bed as they can disrupt your sleep. Quality sleep leads to quality brain function, less sugar cravings, better cortisol rhythm and greater energy. 😊 Disclaimer: The above article is merely a guide and is in no way a recommendation or a treatment protocol for any health conditions or diseases. You should always consult with a qualified health care provider before changing your supplement, training, or nutritional strategy. Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods must not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone consuming prescription medication or children under the age of 15 unless advised by a qualified health care provider.

Staying hydrated is one of the key aspects to living a healthy lifestyle. Use these tips and tricks to amplify the way to consume liquids and feel great!

When it comes to gaining serious muscle and packing on size, mass gainers are a top choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone with high calorie demands. Designed to provide a dense mix of protein, carbs, and fats, these powerful supplements help bridge the calorie gap, making it easier to hit your daily goals and build muscle faster. Want to learn more about the role of protein in muscle growth? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Protein here. Here’s why mass gainers stand out: High-Calorie Density: Mass gainers pack a substantial number of calories into a single serving, making them ideal for people with high energy needs or those who struggle to eat enough throughout the day. Rich in Carbohydrates: Carbs in mass gainers restore glycogen and provide sustained energy, giving your body the fuel it needs to recover from intense workouts and build muscle. Balanced Nutrients for Muscle Growth: Most mass gainers combine protein, carbs, and healthy fats, creating a balanced meal replacement or supplement that supports overall muscle growth. Convenience: Perfect for on-the-go nutrition, mass gainers make it easy to boost your intake without spending hours preparing or eating meals. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the essentials of mass gainers and find out which one might be right for you. Types of Mass Gainers Available in NZ Not all mass gainers are created equal—each product offers a unique balance of macronutrients and ingredients. Here are the main types you’ll find: High-Carb Mass Gainers: These typically contain a higher ratio of carbs to protein, fuelling workouts and muscle recovery while helping with energy demands. Lean Mass Gainers: Designed for those looking to build muscle without gaining too much body fat, lean mass gainers have a more balanced carb-to-protein ratio. High-Protein Mass Gainers: With an emphasis on protein, these are excellent for athletes prioritising muscle growth over additional body fat, making them ideal for bulking without excess carbs. Plant-Based Mass Gainers: A great option for those who are dairy-free or vegan, plant-based gainers provide a blend of plant proteins along with carbs and healthy fats. At Sportsfuel, we stock a variety of mass gainers from top brands like Musashi, Optimum Nutrition, and Clean Nutrition to help you find the perfect fit for your goals. How to Choose the Right Mass Gainer in NZ Selecting the best mass gainer for your body and goals can make a big difference in your results. Here’s what to consider: Calorie Requirements: If you’re in a heavy bulking phase, opt for a higher-calorie gainer to meet your daily energy needs. Leaner gainers are better if you’re looking to gain muscle without adding too much body fat. Protein Content: A good mass gainer should offer a solid amount of protein to support muscle recovery. Look for gainers with at least 20-30g of protein per serving for optimal muscle support. Carbohydrate Ratio: Carbs are essential for fuelling workouts and replenishing glycogen stores. High-carb gainers are ideal for intense training schedules, while lean mass gainers with lower carbs may be better for slower bulking. Digestibility and Ingredients: Some mass gainers use lactose, which can be challenging for those sensitive to dairy. Check for high-quality ingredients, and if you have dietary restrictions, look for dairy-free or plant-based options. Taste and Texture: Since you’ll likely be consuming mass gainers daily, pick one you’ll enjoy! Reading reviews or trying sample sizes can help you find a flavour that suits your taste. Looking for recommendations? Check out our Top 5 Mass Gainers in NZ here to see the top-rated products based on quality, taste, and results. Where to Buy Mass Gainers in NZ At Sportsfuel, we offer a comprehensive selection of mass gainers tailored to various dietary needs and fitness goals. Whether you’re just starting out on your bulking journey or looking to up your game, we’ve got top-quality options from brands like Musashi, Optimum Nutrition, and Clean Nutrition. Browse our full range of mass gainers here and find the ideal supplement to reach your muscle growth goals. Conclusion: Achieve Your Muscle-Building Goals with the Right Mass Gainer Mass gainers are an effective tool for reaching high-calorie goals and building muscle, especially for those with demanding training regimens. By choosing the right type for your specific goals—whether that’s a high-calorie formula or a lean mass gainer—you’ll be well on your way to making consistent gains. Ready to start your muscle-building journey? Explore our Top 5 Mass Gainers in NZ here for expert recommendations, or browse our full range of mass gainers at Sportsfuel and take the next step towards achieving your fitness goals!

Looking to add serious size and strength? Mass gainers can help by providing a rich blend of protein, carbs, and calories to fuel your workouts and promote muscle growth. Whether you're a hard gainer or simply need an extra boost, we've rounded up the top 5 mass gainers available in NZ to help you reach your goals faster. For a full breakdown of what to look for in a mass gainer, check out our Ultimate Guide to Mass Gainers here. 1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass has earned its reputation as one of the top mass gainers worldwide, and for good reason. Calories: 1,250 per serving Protein: 50g per serving Carbs: 252g per serving Features: Packed with over 25 vitamins and minerals, Serious Mass is a calorie-dense formula ideal for those aiming to increase both muscle and overall body size. Why We Love It: With a high-carb content and added creatine and glutamine, this mass gainer is designed for serious bulking. It’s also available in multiple flavours, making it a versatile option for any taste preference. Best For: Hard gainers and those with high calorie requirements who want a reliable product to support rapid muscle gain. Shop Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass here. 2. Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 If you're after extreme gains, Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 offers a massive calorie load to support intense training and serious mass-building goals. Calories: 1,270 per serving (up to 2,540 when mixed with milk) Protein: 52g per serving Carbs: 255g per serving Features: Formulated with a unique blend of protein and carb sources, including complex carbs and whey protein isolate, Mutant Mass Extreme is a powerful choice for athletes looking to go big. Why We Love It: This mass gainer goes all in with its calorie count and protein blend, making it ideal for those wanting to gain weight quickly. Plus, the high-quality carb sources make it a solid option for maintaining energy during extended training sessions. Best For: Athletes with high metabolic rates or intense training schedules who need the extra calories to meet their bulking goals. Shop Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 here. 3. Musashi Bulk Extreme From a trusted NZ brand, Musashi Bulk Extreme provides a balanced ratio of protein, carbs, and fats to support muscle mass gains while keeping it relatively lean. Calories: 920 per serving Protein: 32g per serving Carbs: 40g per serving Features: This formula includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to support energy, plus added amino acids for improved recovery and muscle repair. Why We Love It: Musashi Bulk Extreme is a great choice for those who want to add size without overdoing the calories. Its mix of MCTs and amino acids also supports recovery and energy, making it ideal for athletes focused on both performance and gains. Best For: Individuals looking to bulk up without adding excessive fat, thanks to a more balanced calorie-to-protein ratio. Shop Musashi Bulk Extreme here. 4. MuscleTech Mass Tech Elite Muscletech Mass-Tech is designed for lean mass gain, with a formula packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Calories: 840 per serving Protein: 63g per serving Carbs: 132g per serving Features: With a unique multi-phase protein blend and a mix of complex and simple carbs, Mass-Tech delivers fast and slow-digesting nutrients to support prolonged muscle building. Why We Love It: Mass-Tech is designed for building lean muscle mass without adding unnecessary fat. It’s perfect for athletes who want to stay lean but still gain size, and it also includes a solid dose of BCAAs to boost muscle recovery. Best For: Those focused on building lean muscle with minimal fat gain, as well as those who need extra support in recovery. Shop Muscletech Mass-Tech Performance Series here. 5. Balance Massive A reliable New Zealand favourite, Balance Massive offers a straightforward yet effective formula for muscle gain and post-workout recovery. Calories: 448 per serving Protein: 25g per serving Carbs: 78g per serving Features: With a lower calorie count, Balance Massive is a more flexible option that can be adjusted to suit various calorie and protein goals. The formula includes essential vitamins and minerals, plus creatine to support muscle performance. Why We Love It: Balance Massive is versatile and can be tailored to suit different training demands. It’s also a good choice for those who are just starting out with mass gainers and want to try a moderate calorie increase. Best For: Beginners or those looking for a more controlled approach to bulking who can add servings as needed. Shop Balance Massive here. Conclusion: Which Mass Gainer is Right for You? Each of these mass gainers offers unique benefits depending on your goals, whether you’re looking to gain muscle quickly, stay lean while adding size, or supplement an intense training routine. Need more guidance? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Mass Gainers here for more tips on choosing the right product for your goals, or browse our full selection of mass gainers here to start your muscle-building journey today.

Top 6 Whey Protein Powders in NZ: The Best Choices for Your Fitness Goals Choosing the right whey protein can be overwhelming with so many options available, but selecting the right one for your fitness needs is crucial. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, recover faster, or simply boost your daily protein intake, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the top 6 whey protein powders in New Zealand, each with its own unique benefits. 1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder When it comes to whey protein, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is the industry leader. This high-quality blend of whey protein isolate and concentrate offers 24g of protein per serving with just 1g of fat and 3g of carbs, making it ideal for muscle recovery and growth. With its great taste and excellent mixability, it's no wonder it's a top seller worldwide. Shop Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein here Clean Nutrition Whey Protein Powder If you’re looking for a clean and simple whey protein, Clean Nutrition Whey Protein is a top choice. With no artificial additives or fillers, this product delivers 22g of high-quality protein per serving. It’s perfect for those who want to keep their supplements pure and straightforward, supporting muscle growth and recovery with nothing extra. Shop Clean Nutrition Whey Protein here MuscleTech Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold Protein Powder For those looking for a protein powder with an extra edge, MuscleTech Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold offers premium protein with added amino acids for enhanced recovery. With 24g of protein per serving, it combines whey protein isolate and peptides to deliver fast absorption, helping you repair muscles quickly after intense workouts. Shop MuscleTech Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold here Musashi High Protein Powder Musashi High Protein Powder is known for its higher protein content, delivering a powerful 30g of protein per serving. This makes it ideal for anyone who requires more protein to support intense training or muscle-building goals. Musashi’s blend ensures you get the nutrients needed for recovery and growth without unnecessary carbs and fats. Shop Musashi High Protein Powder here Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate For those who are lactose-sensitive or looking for a leaner protein option, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate is an excellent choice. With 25g of pure whey protein isolate per serving, it provides a higher protein-to-calorie ratio, making it perfect for anyone focused on building lean muscle or managing their calorie intake. Shop Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate here Nothing Naughty Whey Protein Powder Nothing Naughty Whey Protein is a fantastic New Zealand-made protein that offers an affordable yet high-quality option. Sourced from grass-fed dairy, it provides 23g of protein per serving with a clean ingredient list. This product is perfect for those who want to support local brands while getting a great-tasting, effective protein supplement. Shop Nothing Naughty Whey Protein here Conclusion: Find the Best Whey Protein for Your Goals Whether you're looking for high protein content, fast absorption, or a clean, additive-free option, these top 6 whey protein powders have something for everyone. Each one offers unique benefits, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your fitness goals. Explore our full range of whey protein products and start enhancing your nutrition today. Not sure? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Whey Protein. Browse our full range of whey protein powders here. By trying any of these top options, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your muscle-building and recovery goals!