Though the nutrients found in meal replacements can be great at any time of the day, many people do like to sneak in a meal replacement directly after a workout to help with recovery. The Ample Recover Meal Replacement is formulated specifically for workout recovery, providing a solid dose of electrolytes, probiotics, and balanced macronutrients. As you deplete a lot of your carb stores during a workout, it’s key to replenish them — as well as your electrolytes — after. Plus, it never hurts to toss in some protein to help with muscle protein synthesis.
Ample Recover’s formula is ideal for those who are looking to get exactly what they need after a workout without overdoing it. At 400 calories per serving, Ample Recover provides more sustenance than your average protein shake, but not a surplus, as many meal replacements do. Plus, the added probiotics can help even further with digestion. If you’re looking for a well-formulated recovery meal, this meal replacement shake can provide all the macros and electrolytes you need to get the most out of your workout, and help you feel ready to conquer the next.
Main Takeaways
- Ample Recover provides 400 calories — including 31 grams of protein and 33 grams of carbs — to help with post-workout recovery.
- The magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D can help re-balance the electrolytes you typically lose through sweat during a workout.
- Ample Recover also includes probiotics, which can potentially boost gut health and help with digestion.
This meal replacement contains 31 grams of protein along with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Plus, you'll find prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and 33g of carbs per serving.
Ample Recover Meal Replacement Highlights
While many meal replacements can provide up to 1,000 calories, sometimes this number can weigh you down — especially after a workout. Ample Recover provides 400 calories, which is more than you will typically find in a protein shake, but less than many heavier meal replacements. Ample Recover also contains probiotics, which can help with gut health and digestion. Plus, you’ll find a solid 33g of carbs and 31g of protein to help refuel your body after tough workouts.
However, this meal replacement only comes in chocolate, and the 400 calories may not be enough for those who are trying to bulk. This product is also a bit pricey, coming out to around $6 to $8 per meal — most meal replacements range from $2 to $5 per serving.
Who Should Buy Ample Recover Meal Replacement
- Folks who are looking for a reasonable number of calories in their meal replacement that can help keep them remain full for hours without weighing them down.
- Anyone who wants a meal replacement high in both carbs and protein to help with post-workout recovery and muscle protein synthesis.
- Athletes who are concerned with digestion will appreciate the probiotics in this blend.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Ample Recover Meal Replacement
- Those who are in a bulking phase may prefer a meal replacement that’s higher in calories.
- Buyers on a budget may find the price per serving here to be a bit high compared to other meal replacements across the market.
- If you don’t like chocolate, you’ll want to look elsewhere as that’s the only flavor Ample Recover offers.
Price
Ample Recover comes in 12-packs of individual bottles, or 12-serving canisters. The individual bottles are a bit more expensive at about $96 per 12-pack, or around $8 per one-serving bottle, while the canisters are a bit less expensive at just under $80, or about $6.50 per meal. If you subscribe, these prices will decrease by about $1 each per serving, but even so, the price is still high when compared to the rest of the market. Most meal replacements go for about $2 to $5 per serving.
Formulation
Ample Recover is formulated specifically for post-workout recovery. This meal includes the proper balance of ingredients — like protein, carbs, and electrolytes — to potentially help with the recovery process. Here’s everything you’ll find in Ample Recover.
Type of Protein
The 31 grams of whey protein in Ample Recover is grass-fed whey concentrate. Whey concentrate is higher in fat and carbs than whey isolate, which is ideal for those who are looking for a full meal replacement rather than just a boost in protein post-workout. Overall, whey concentrate can help a little more with satiety than whey isolate or whey hydrolysate.
Macros
The macros in Ample Recover are ideal for post-workout. With 31 grams of protein, 33 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of healthy fats, you’re getting the proper macros for recovery, as well as satiety. While a protein shake that you may drink after a workout can be lower in all of these macros (providing a leaner blend) it won’t keep you full for as long. Since Ample Recover is meant to be used as a recovery tool and a meal replacement, these higher macros can help you remain full for hours. (1)
The protein here, as discussed, comes from grass-fed whey concentrate. The carbs come from a mix of starches (from sweet potato and oats), prebiotic fiber, and sugar. Coconut and macadamia oils make up the fat content, both of which help with sustaining energy levels and satiety.
Electrolytes
Since you often lose electrolytes through sweat as you work out, it’s important for your recovery drink to replenish those. Ample Recover contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D (at 20, 10, 20, and 20 percent of your recommended daily intake per serving), which can all help restore your electrolyte balance post-workout. (2)
Probiotics
Probiotics can only work in conjunction with prebiotics, which can prep the gut to receive the probiotics and use them properly. Ample Recover pairs the prebiotic fiber found in its formula’s carbs with six strains of probiotics. These strains can help keep gut health optimal, aiding in the digestion of Ample Recover. (3)(4)
Flavor
While Ample Recover only comes in chocolate, this flavor is fairly versatile, as it can be added to smoothies, yogurts, water, and milk. However, if you’re looking for a more unique flavor, or a little flavor variety for when you want a change of pace, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
This blend uses natural flavors and monk fruit extract as sweetener — you won’t find any artificial sweeteners, soy, or gluten here.
What to Consider Before Buying Ample Recover Meal Replacement
Ample Recover is ideal for post-workout recovery, but there are still a few things to consider before deciding if it can help your personal workout recovery. Before buying, think about your desired macros, micronutrients, flavor, and price.
Macros
If you’re looking for a lean, whey protein isolate, Ample Recover probably isn’t your answer. This is a grass-fed whey concentrate that contains 33g of carbs and 15g of fat, along with its 31g of protein. While the protein is comparable (though a little higher) than what you would find in protein shakes, the carbs and fats are much higher because this is a meal replacement shake — it’s meant to replace an entire meal, not just help with muscle protein synthesis. You’ll want to be sure these are the macros you need to meet your personal goals before investing in this product.
Micronutrients
Meal replacements can contain such a variety of micronutrients; you need to know what you’re looking for before hitting the market. Do you want coconut water powder to help with hydration? How about digestive enzymes? If you answered yes to either of those, Ample Recover probably isn’t your perfect fit.
However, if you want probiotics to aid in digestion, or electrolytes to restore your electrolyte balance post-workout, Ample Recover can help. With magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D, this recovery drink can help replenish lost electrolytes after your workout, and provide the prebiotic fiber and six strains of probiotics that can help digest it all. If this is the combination of micronutrients you’re looking for, you’re good to go — however, make sure you note your top priority micronutrients before hitting the market to ensure the product you choose will match your personal needs.
Price
There’s no way around it — Ample Recover is an investment. It’s formulated specifically for recovery, and you can even buy it already separated into individual bottles for convenience. If you’re not willing to drop $5.50 to $8 (depending on the packaging and subscription option you choose) on a meal replacement, you’ll need to find a different option. When it comes to Ample Recover, you’re definitely paying for the high-quality ingredients and well-balanced blend.
Flavor
Ample Recover only comes in chocolate. And while this is one of the most popular flavors for meal replacements and protein shakes, not everyone is going to jump at this option. If you’re looking for flavor variety, or a more unique flavor option, Ample Recover may not be for you. But if you want a versatile chocolate powder you can throw in a smoothie, water, or even coffee, Ample Recover could be a great fit.
Final Word
Ample Recover is a great option for athletes who want a formula specifically designed to help with recovery post-workout. This blend is packed with protein, healthy fats, carbs, and electrolytes to replenish what you lost during your training, and potentially help build muscle moving forward.
Before deciding if Ample Recover is right for you, just be sure to note the macros you want, the micronutrients you’re looking to incorporate into your diet, and the price you’re willing to pay. In the end, if you’re seeking a well-balanced blend with macros that can help with recovery and satiety, hydrating electrolytes, and probiotics that may help with gut health, Ample Recover could be a match for you.
FAQs
Is Ample Recover expensive?
In short, yes. This is a high-quality, well-balanced blend. Plus, you can even buy it in individual bottles for convenience, which will increase the price even further. Most meal replacements cost $2 to $5 per serving, while Ample Recover will cost you from $5.50 to $8 per serving, depending on the packaging and subscription option you choose.
Will Ample Recover help me build muscle?
It can. It contains 31g of protein per serving, which can help with muscle protein synthesis. However, it’s important to note that you must pair a solid training program with a proper diet of whole foods in order to increase your potential for muscle growth.
Can Ample Recover replace a meal?
Yes, but if you are the type of person who likes to eat your meals rather than drink them, it may not feel like it. Ample Recover’s 400 calories and great balance of macros can totally fulfill your need for a meal, and help you meet your goals. But if you aren’t typically satisfied with drinking your calories, you may end up wanting to eat more later, which could defeat the purpose of this meal replacement shake.
References
- Manore MM. Exercise and the Institute of Medicine recommendations for nutrition. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2005 Aug;4(4):193-8. doi: 10.1097/01.csmr.0000306206.72186.00. PMID: 16004827.
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. 2021 Jul 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 31082167.
- Davani-Davari, D., Negahdaripour, M., Karimzadeh, I., Seifan, M., Mohkam, M., Masoumi, S. J., Berenjian, A., & Ghasemi, Y. (2019). Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(3), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8030092
- Gupta V, Garg R. Probiotics. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2009 Jul-Sep;27(3):202-9. doi: 10.4103/0255-0857.53201. PMID: 19584499.
