Sometime back in the summer of 2012, this writer was entrenched in a rigorous Training regime for his next professional Mixed Martial Arts event. The training included 30 to 45 minutes a day of high intensity cardio, High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.), heavy powerlifting twice weekly and daily grappling and sparring sessions. Much of the training was performed while wearing The Elevation Training Mask; which increases the level of respiratory resistance during exercise. This puts the body in a hypoxic state which requires powerful recovery techniques and methods. Nutrition was essential for proper recovery and repair. Many who followed me on Facebook, Myspace or blogs became familiar with my high anti-oxidant and protein diet designed specifically to help develop a strong immune system and facilitate recovery. This is when I became introduced to a product known as Zeal For Life.
What is Zeal For Life? Initially it was thought to be just a catchy gimmicky name; but after trying the product out, this professional athlete was sold. I was interested in the product primarily because of the properties in one of its main ingredients…Rice Bran. Rice Bran is what is known as a “Super Anti-oxidant”. Anti-oxidants help the body fight off free radicals or cellular damage in our bodies. Free radicals are the cause of aging and other degenerative aging related diseases. Because of its E – Complex and tocotrienol compounds and high Lipoic acid content, this nutrient directs calories into energy production and protects against oxidative stress.
Because Rice Bran is one of the super foods highest in Phytosterols, this makes it great to help fortify the immune system and rebuild red blood cells. A diet high in anti-oxidants and protein packed with super foods is essential to any professional or amateur athlete enduring a high intensity training program. The zeal Company professes to be able to increase quality of life through this product because of its powerful ingredients and after doing some research, I thought it seemed to fit with the diet and program I was on. Any product with such health claims seems worthy of a review.
The product
After speaking with a Zeal representative, this writer decided to go with their wellness package. This tasteful and professionally packaged kit included; a cleanse product, a fat burner, a protein powder and a wellness formula powder. Upon receiving the kit, I was pleasantly surprised that the kit included a shaker and plenty of information on the product itself. Each day I began my day with two scoops of the Zeal Wellness formula. It smells pleasant and has a great taste that one must acquire to appreciate. Within days of beginning this product the urge for an energy drink fix was gone. The drink gives a steady boost of energy which lasts for hours. A recommendation for preparation of the wellness formula is to mix it with ice cubes, pomegranate juice and whatever type of Creatine you choose. This writer chooses to mix Ethel Ester Creatine with his.
The cleanse was a very powerful product which lived up to its title as far as this writer is concerned. I highly recommend the cleanse to anyone trying to maintain or even cut weight. This product along with a lean and healthy diet will keep anyone hard and fit. The cleanse does cause one to use the facilities on a very regular basis; perhaps the biggest benefit and drawback.
The protein is a great tasting whey formula. I received both Vanilla and Chocolate flavors. This protein mixes well with either milk or water. Personally I preferred a half cup of Chobani Yoghurt, with Black Berries, Blue Berries and Raspberries mixed with the powder topped off with just a touch of skim milk.
Of all the products, perhaps the “Fat Burner” is the one I am skeptical of. Then again, this writer believes the best fat burner is diet exercise and recovery. All in all this is one of the best products that this writer has ever tried. I was successfully able to maintain a competition body weight of 170 pounds at a body fat percentage of between ten point five to eleven point five percent body fat; and my energy levels stayed up. A note to the consumer; you get what you pay for. This is a high end product, but is worth every penny. I rate this product five out of five stars. There is no doubt that when training for the next event; I will be using this product. As always seek your health care provider’s advice before beginning any type of dietary change or high intensity program. If you are interested in getting Zeal products for your own training or diet program go to:
