I have received questions from time to time if any P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives exist. Most of us are on a budget and can’t spend too much on this “stuff”. So when it comes to proper supplementation, we have to make sure we get the most benefit for the money!
When it comes to buying supplements on a budget, usually pre-workout drinks and recovery drinks are the first cut. I want to share why we even need a recovery formula in the first place. Then, we’ll chat about some less expensive P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives.
Why Do You Need a Recovery Formula Anyway?
For real, what is the deal with Recovery Formulas? Do we REALLY need a Recovery Formula after a workout like P90X or INSANITY for example? It really depends on a few facts as I’ll note right now:
- Do you feel Sore after a Workout?
- Do you lack energy for the next workout?
- Do you want to build better muscle tone?
- Do you feel a “Crash” or “Bonk” sensation after working out?
- Do you crave sweets or energy drinks after your workout?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, this is the basic foundation of why we would need a recovery formula.
When we work out, we use a significant amount of glucose and stored energy (through forms of carbohydrates in foods that we eat). Not only that, your body also needs protein to restore support to your muscles (even if you aren’t trying to get “bulky”). So that leads us to the next point, what should we be looking for in a “real” recovery drink?
What Requirements Should there be For a Recovery Formula?
Speaking of Carbohydrates and Proteins, most people in the “fitness-guru” world speak of a carb to protein ratio. The ideal carb to protein ratio for a recovery drink should be 4:1 (that is, 4 grams of carbs and every 1 gram of protein).
Why?
Because carbs supply the energy, and protein supplies the muscle support. Here are a few other things you should look for before buying any type of recovery drink:
- Natural Sugars (artificial flavors really break the mold of what we are trying to accomplish anyway)
- Creatine (to build muscle and support growth, even if it is a little growth for our ladies out there). The P90X Results & Recovery Formula has only 5g, which isn’t enough to get you super pumped anyway.
- Glutamine (excellent for muscle repair and energy restoration.
- And of course, a 4:1 ratio on your carbs and protein (i.e. if its 40g carbs, you should have 10g protein at least).
With ALL of this in mind, you can see that the P90X Results and Recovery Formula does meet all of the typical expectations of a solid, good, recovery drink. If this has helped you understand the value in this recovery formula, I suggest you Read More about the P90X Results and Recovery Formula here.
But if you still want to get that alternative rolling, I don’t blame you at all. Let’s take a look at three different P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives.
P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives #1 – iSatori RESTORAID – Citrus Punch
This particular alternative doesn’t really fully match the profile of a good recovery drink that I mentioned earlier. But, it does a great job getting your energy back FAST! This has an 8:1:1 ratio of amino acids. This means that it is powerful in getting you surged with recovery, leading to no soreness! (See the nutrition label)
Pros: The reviews for this drink is that it tastes pretty good. Also, many people LOVE the fact that they do not feel sore the next day as a result of this after-workout drink. It is smooth, doesn’t fill you up, and loaded with electrolytes.
Cons: It doesn’t have protein, so depending on your diet you will need to make sure you supplement protein throughout the day. That way you can ensure you don’t lose muscle mass if you are trying to lose weight or do any type of cutting to get toned.
Price: The price for RESTORAID comes out to around $47.99 retail (you can sometimes find it on sale for less). You get 30-servings per tub, so that is around $1.59/serving
Overall P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives Recommendation: This is a good alternative if you are interested in gaining back energy, and are already fit/athletic. I wouldn’t recommend this alternative for those looking to lose weight while getting ripped.
P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives #2 – Good Old Chocolate Milk!
Believe it or not Chocolate Milk can be a fantastic recovery formula alternative if you use the correct kind. For the purpose of this post I looked at the TruMoo Lowfat Chocolate Milk brand. The reason being is that it is lowfat at 2.5g, sugars at 18g, protein at 8g, and carbs at 20g.
Pros: This can be a good balance to help you recover and feel full after working out. Plus, the price cannot be beat!
Cons: While this is becoming a popular post-workout recovery drink, I recommend considering something formulated for optimum recovery. For example, it doesn’t provide necessary nutrients if you are serious about losing weight or getting muscle toned (amino acids, small doses of creatine, and protein/carb ratio of 4:1).
Price: The best pro! This can sometimes go for prices of $3-6 depending on your store and location. That is a steal compared to any type of recovery drink out there.
Overall P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives Recommendation: For the price, you can’t beat this, and it does help you recover! If you are on a budget I’d recommend picking this up (just make sure it’s lowfat). I personally recommend spending the extra money and get the vital nutrients to get the best results; however, if your hands are tied, don’t stress it!
P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives #3 – Whey Protein
This is a recovery option that I used for a long time until I discovered P90X Results & Recovery formula. The reason I love this is because you can totally control the 4:1 protein/carb ratio and make it worth your time.
How to do it is get a good Whey Protein supplement. I use Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein Natural Chocolate. I use this brand because it has NO artificial ingredients and promotes 24g of protein per serving. Put a scoop of this into a blender, then throw in a banana (usually bananas have anywhere from 24-30g of carbs per serving). You can also use berries or any other type of fruit to get your carbs. Then, you’ll have that great balance of protein & carbs (and a great recovery drink).
Pros: “Can” be less expensive than P90X R&R. This depends where you buy the Whey Protein and what brand. It also does a fantastic job achieving muscle support and energy replenishment. Optimum Nutrition also has necessary BCAAs in every serving (amino acids) which equal a great recovery!
Cons: Doesn’t have any creatine or much of a glucose replenishment. Even if you are a girl, keep in mind some creatine (500mg-1g) is good as your body does naturally produce creatine. Also, on the flip side of the coin (literally), this could be a bit expensive. Considering the type of whey protein and fruit you get, it could add up.
Price: Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein costs around $52 depending on where you get it (I buy from local vitamin stores/health stores). Fruit can vary depending on what you get. You can usually spread this out to around 30-45 days if used regularly with your workouts (let alone for recovery, its a great supplement option too!)
Overall P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives Recommendation: If you wanted me to say what the BEST P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives where, this would be the ONE, hands down. While price is around the same, if you are serious about recovery and results, this is it. Perfect blend, natural ingredients, and easy to find and get.
P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives Wrap-Up
Speaking for myself personally, I do like the P90X R&R Formula. The blend of nutrients that you get in just one single source without mixing or only getting a half-shot is worth the price for convenience. As I mention above, my second favorite option is the Whey Protein (Alternatives #3).
I truly hope you found value out of this P90X Results and Recovery Formula Alternatives post today. If you have any questions on anything in this post, comment below and let’s chat!
Yours in Fitness Success,
Coach Bob Sharpe
*Results may vary from person to person per their own capacity.
Tracey says
Hi. I’ve been searching for a simple answer to my simple question for ages, and i found it! Thank you bob. I’ve just started the insanity workout and needed to find a Uk equal equivalent to the P90x R&R as it’s only sold in the US and do not ship to the UK. I shall get the optimum nutrition and add a banana. Thanks.
SweetLifeCoach says
@Tracey I sure hope someday VERY soon Beachbody expands to UK…I think it requires approvals from a supplement perspective of course, but definitely would be great to get more products over to UK much faster. Thanks so much for stopping by!