It’s quite common nowadays for people to demonize carbohydrates because of the common misconception that consuming carbohydrates independent of caloric intake, leads to an increase in body fat. However, that’s just not the case, especially for active individuals. In fact, carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source.
Carbohydrates contain approximately 4 calories per gram and can be classified as simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed and broken down rapidly, whereas complex carbohydrates are absorbed and broken down at a much slower rate. Both types of carbohydrates have their own individual pros and cons, but the majority of the carbohydrate you consume should be from complex sources.
Whether a carbohydrate is complex or simple, they are both broken down into glucose and either used immediately for energy or stored in the muscle and liver as glycogen for later use. Not only are carbohydrates used as a primary energy source, but they also help stabilize blood sugar levels, retain muscle mass, delay fatigue, and optimize brain function.
When it comes to maximizing athletic performance, especially building muscle and gaining strength, an ample supply of carbohydrates should be a staple in your nutrition regimen. Now that you know the importance of carbs, let’s dive into what Demo Day is all about.
Demo Day is a peri-workout carbohydrate powder, which means that it’s intended to be used before, during, and/or after training. Unlike other carbohydrate powders on the market, Demo Day uses three patented ingredients as its carbohydrate sources, including:
- Cluster Dextrin®
- Carb10™
- Palatinose™
These three carbohydrate sources quickly pass through the stomach, yet are slowly absorbed, giving you a sustained release of energy without gastrointestinal distress, a crash in energy, or rapidly increased insulin/blood sugar levels.
In addition to these three unique carbohydrate sources, Demo Day features other ingredients that promote the uptake of carbohydrates into the muscles, such as alpha lipoic acid and cinnamon bark. As well as taurine and HydroMax® (glycerol) for better hydration, pumps, endurance, and performance. Needless to say, Demo Day is absolutely stacked and is unlike any other carbohydrate powder on the market.
Every serving of Demo Day contains ~100 calories coming from 25 grams of carbohydrates, with only 2 grams of sugar. Demo Day tastes great, mixes phenomenally, and will help take your training to the next level. Not to mention, Demo Day is gluten-free, soy-free, manufactured in a FDA-registered cGMP-certified facility, and third-party tested to ensure you’re getting exactly what you paid for.
It’s hard to believe that Demo Day was released in 2018 because it was definitely ahead of its time. Over the years, we’ve seen numerous other brands copy our formula, yet none of them are as good as the original. Demo Day continues to be one of the best-selling carbohydrate powders on the market and for a good reason! Let's dive a little deeper into the formula to explain what makes Demo Day so effective!
Ingredient Breakdown
Carb10™ - 15,000mg
The first carbohydrate source in Demo Day is Carb10™ from Compound Solutions. Carb10™ is a low-glycemic resistant starch derived from peas that’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and non-allergenic. Unlike other carbohydrates, Carb10™ passes rapidly through the stomach, yet results in a very minimal blood sugar response.[1]
In other words, Carb10™ won’t cause gastric distress (bloating, gas, discomfort, etc.) or drastically spike insulin levels. In fact, studies show that Carb10™ had a 82% lower insulin response and 27% lower blood sugar response than maltodextrin in human subjects. This means that Carb10™ will provide you with sustained-energy that lasts the entire workout.[1]
Cluster Dextrin™ - 11,000mg
The second carbohydrate source in Demo Day is Cluster Dextrin™, also known as highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) from Glico Nutrition. Cluster Dextrin™ is produced by applying an enzyme called a branching enzyme to cornstarch.[2]
Similar to Carb10™, Cluster Dextrin™ quickly passes through the stomach and slows down once it reaches the small intestine. Therefore, it doesn’t cause gastrointestinal discomfort or drastic spikes in blood sugar or insulin, thanks to Cluster Dextrin’s high molecular weight.[2]
Studies show that consuming Cluster Dextrin™ significantly increases endurance more than other carbohydrate-containing beverages. Not to mention, Cluster Dextrin™ is highly soluble & stable in water, tastes neutral so it’s easy to flavor, and doesn’t absorb moisture.[2]
L-Taurine - 2,000mg
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that contains a high amount of sulfonic acid, which contributes to its potent antioxidant properties. Taurine is classified as conditionally essential because it can be endogenously produced by the body. However, under certain circumstances, the body may need more taurine than what it can produce on its own, such as in times of extreme stress, injury, or illness.
Taurine is involved in multiple physiological processes, but in regards to exercise, its most notably involved in the regulation of calcium in both skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.[3] Calcium is essential for carrying out muscular contractions. So without sufficient levels of calcium, your performance will significantly decline.
Due to taurine’s ability to help regulate calcium levels in both skeletal and muscle cells, research shows supplementing with it may improve:
- Muscular endurance
- Recovery
- Insulin sensitivity
- Muscle force
- Glycogen re-synthesis
- Amino acid levels in skeletal muscle[3,4]
One study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that supplementing with 1 to 6 grams of taurine per day significantly improves human endurance performance.[4]
HydroMax® - 2,000mg
The third trademarked ingredient in Demo Day is HydroMax®, a stabilized form of glycerol from Glanbia Nutritionals. HydroMax® is a combination of glycerol and silica, yet it’s standardized to contain at least 65% or more of glycerol, which is the main ingredient we’re after! Glycerol is a sugar alcohol that promotes muscular pumps and performance by increasing water retention in muscle cells.[5]
Since glycerol has extremely powerful water-attracting properties, it can leave your body in a hyper-hydrated state. This is very advantageous for those who sweat a lot or even exercise in hot and humid environments.[5-11]
It’s well established that dehydration can negatively affect exercise performance, regardless of what activity you’re performing. Fortunately, glycerol can help prevent dehydration from occurring by increasing your total water volume.[5-11]
Several studies have shown that supplementing with glycerol can:
- Boost hydration
- Increase muscular endurance
- Enhance cardiovascular function
- Improve thermoregulation
- Promote muscular pumps[5-11]
Since L-citrulline and GlycerSize™ work synergistically to boost muscular pumps and performance by working through two different pathways (i.e. one draws blood into the muscle, while the other draws water into the muscle), taking Hydraulic alongside Demo Day is a phenomenal stack! It’s important to note that generic glycerol powder causes clumping, especially when exposed to moisture. This is why we specifically use HydroMax® to avoid that potential issue.
Palatinose® - 2,000mg
Palatinose® is the third and final carbohydrate source and trademarked ingredient in Demo Day. Also known as isomaltulose, Palatinose® is a naturally sourced carbohydrate from Beneo that’s considered to be a better alternative to traditional sugars. Palatinose® is low-glycemic, 100% vegan, kosher, halal, and non-GMO.[12]
Palatinose® is produced by taking sucrose from beets and enzymatically rearranging its molecular structure to make it more stable. Palatinose® has a mild sweetness profile and is a very hygroscopic powder , so it helps naturally sweeten and extend the shelf-life of Demo Day. Palatinose® also promotes fat oxidation, extends energy levels, and may improve your metabolism overall.[12]
Cinnamon Bark - 50mg
Despite what you may think, cinnamon bark isn’t added to Demo Day for taste, it’s actually added for its functionality. Cinnamon bark extract is considered to be a natural glucose disposal agent. In other words, it helps lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by your cells. Studies show that cinnamon has the unique ability to mimic insulin, the primary hormone that’s responsible for lowering blood sugar.[13-15]
What’s more, cinnamon can even improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for overall health.[13-15] Cinnamon is also packed with antioxidants, which provide their own unique health benefits. In summary, cinnamon bark will help direct the carbohydrates from Carb10™, Cluster Dextrin™, and Palatinose® to the muscles where they can be used for fuel during your workout!
Alpha Lipoic Acid - 50mg
The final active ingredient in Demo Day is alpha lipoic acid, also known as ALA. Alpha lipoic acid is an organic compound that serves as a powerful antioxidant in the human body. Alpha lipoic acid is primarily found in the mitochondria, where it helps convert nutrients into energy.
One of ALA’s most unique features is that it’s both water soluble and fat soluble so it can express its effects in nearly every cell and type of tissue in the body.[16]
Alpha lipoic acid offers numerous health benefits, but it’s primarily added to Demo Day to assist in the shuttling of glucose (aka carbohydrates) to the working muscles. Although its mechanism of action is still under investigation, ALA has been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels.[17]
Other Ingredients
Beyond the active ingredients discussed above, the following ingredients are added to flavor, sweeten, and color Demo Day:
- Natural & Artificial Flavors
- Malic Acid - flavoring agent
- Citric Acid - flavoring agent
- Silicon Dioxide - anti-caking agent
- Sucralose - artificial sweetener
- Beet Juice - natural coloring agent
If you would prefer to not have any additional flavors, sweeteners, or colors, we recommend choosing the Unflavored flavor. Also, keep in mind that this list will vary slightly from flavor to flavor.
How to Use Demo Day
Demo Day is an extremely versatile supplement and can be used in various ways, such as pre-workout, intra-workout, post-workout, and other times of the day when you need some extra fuel. In general, we recommend mixing 1 scoop of Demo Day with 10-12 ounces of water, the timing of consumption depends on your personal preference.
Here are some suggestions within the peri-workout period:
- Pre-workout: consume ½-1 scoop of Demo Day 30 minutes before training
- Intra-workout: consume ½-1 scoop of Demo Day during training
- Post-workout: consume ½-1 scoop of Demo Day within 20-30 minutes after training
Taking Demo Day before training is ideal if it’s been a while since your last meal (3-4+ hours). For example, if you train early in the morning and have a difficult time stomaching food, then Demo Day will give you the fuel you need to perform without the gastrointestinal discomfort. If you need an extra boost in energy and/or really want to maximize your performance, taking Demo Day intra-workout is an ideal time. Demo Day will provide you with a sustained-source of energy so you can keep training harder and for longer.
Demo Day can also be used post-workout, ideally paired with a fast-digesting protein source, such as Farm Fed, to replenish glycogen levels and kickstart the recovery process.
Lastly, if there are times throughout the day where you struggle to get a meal in (especially if you’re looking to gain muscle), pairing Demo Day with either Farm Fed or Home Made can serve as an adequate meal replacement. As you can see the ways you can utilize Demo Day are endless, so having a tub on hand can be extremely beneficial.
Stacking Options
Here’s how you can use Demo Day along with our some of other supplements to get even better results:
Hydraulic: Stim-Free Pre-Workout Stack
- Mix ½-1 scoop of Demo Day with 1-2 scoops of Hydraulic in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training
Ignition Switch: Pre-Workout Stack
- Mix ½-1 scoop of Demo day with 1 scoop of Ignition Switch in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training
The Grind: Intra-Workout Stack
- Mix 1 scoop of Demo Day with 1 scoop of The Grind with 12 to 16 ounces of cold water
- Consume during training
Farm Fed: Post-Workout Stack
- Mix 1 scoop of Demo Day (Unflavored recommended) with 1-2 scoops of Farm Fed in 10 to 12 ounces of cold water, milk, or milk substitute
- Consume within 20-30 minutes after training
Seth’s 1-1-1 Stack
- Mix 1 scoop of Hydraulic with 1 scoop of Ignition Switch and 1 scoop of Demo Day in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training
Vincenzo's MASS Stack
- Mix 1 scoop each of Hydraulic, Seventh Gear, and Demo Day with 10 to 12 ounces of cold water
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to exercise
The Ultimate Bulking Stack
- Mix ½-1 scoop of Demo Day (Unflavored flavor recommended) with 1-2 scoops of Home Made in 12-16 ounces of water, milk, or milk substitute
- Consume post-workout or anytime of day as a meal replacement
Flavor Profiles
Demo Day is available in the following flavors:
Unflavored
In case you’re wondering, the man on the tub for this flavor is in fact a cartoon of Seth Feroce himself. As the name suggests, Unflavored Demo Day is completely unflavored (although there is a slight cinnamon taste to it due to the cinnamon bark), so you can easily stack it with any other supplement, such as Farm Fed, Hydraulic, Ignition Switch, or Seventh Gear. Unflavored is our most versatile flavor and can even be added to smoothies to increase calorie and carbohydrate content.
Big Cherries
If Unflavored doesn’t suit your flavor preference, then maybe Big Cherries will! Not only is Big Cherries bursting with flavor, but it’s also extremely smooth and refreshing. So if you’re a fan of anything cherry flavored, this one's for you. For the record, Seth Feroce is a HUGE cherry guy, so this is his go-to.
Big Melons
Watermelon is a summertime favorite, but that doesn’t mean you only have to enjoy it a few months out of the year. Big Melons Demo Day is here to quench your thirst, satisfy your sweet tooth, and take away your winter blues. With Big Melons Demo Day, all of the HWMF’ers can enjoy the refreshing taste of watermelon whenever they please.
FXCK Sh!T Up with Demo Day!
Carbohydrates are one of the most effective supplements when it comes to increasing strength, power, muscle mass, and endurance. So be sure to use them to your advantage, especially in the peri-workout period. But remember not all carbohydrate powder is created equal. From the flavors to the formula and everything in between, nothing compares to Demo Day.
Now that you know everything about Demo Day, grab a tub and go FXCK SH!T Up!
References
- Compound Solutions. Accessed June 2020. “Carb10™ Ingredient Information.” https://compoundsolutions.com/ingredients/carb10/
- Glico Nutrition. Accessed June 2020. “Cluster Dextrin™ Ingredient Information.” https://www.glico.com/nutrition/en/product/finechemical/cdextrin/
- Carvalho, F. et al. Sept. 2017. “Taurine: A True Potential Ergogenic Aid for Preventing Muscle Damage and Protein Catabolism and Decreasing Oxidative Stress Caused by Endurance Exercise.” Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 8,710. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5611412/
- Waldron, M. et al. May 2018. “The Effects of an Oral Dose of Taurine and Supplementation Period on Endurance Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis.” Sports Medicine, vol. 48,5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29546641/
- Patlar, S. et al. Oct. 2012.“The Effect of Glycerol Supplements on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance of Athletes and Sedentary Subjects.” Journal of Human Kinetics, vol. 34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3590833/
- Wingo, J. et al. Apr-Jun 2004. “Influence of Pre-Exercise Glycerol Hydration Beverage on Performance and Physiological Function During Mountain-Bike Races in the Heat.” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 39,2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC419512/
- Koenigsburg, P. et al. 1995. “Sustained Hyperhydration with Glycerol Ingestion.” Life Sciences, vol. 57, 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7637536/
- Montner, P. et al. Jan. 1996. “Pre-Exercise Glycerol Hydration Improves Cycling Endurance.” International Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 17, 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8775573/
- Monter, P. et al. Jan. 1999. “Glycerol Hyperhydration Alters Cardiovascular and Renal Function.” Journal of Exercise Physiology, vol. 2,1. https://www.asep.org/asep/asep/jan12c.htm
- Anderson, M. et al. Sept. 2001. “Effect of Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration on Thermoregulation and Metabolism during Exercise in the Heat.” International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, vol. 11,3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11591882/
- Lyons, T. et al. Aug. 1990. “Effects of Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration Prior to Exercise on Sweating and Core Temperature.” Medicine Science in Sports & Science, vol. 22,4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2402207/
- Beneo. Accessed June 2020. “Palatinose Ingredients Info.” https://www.beneo.com/ingredients/human-nutrition/functional-carbohydrates/palatinose
- Soloman, T. et al. Apr. 2009. “Changes in Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity Following 2 Weeks of Daily Cinnamon Ingestion in Healthy Humans.” European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 105(6): 969-76.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19159947/
- Solomon, T. et al. Nov. 2007. “Effects of Short-Term Cinnamon Ingestion on vivo Glucose Tolerance.” Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, vol. 9(6): 895-901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17924872/
- Jarvill-Taylor, K. et al. Aug. 2001. “ A Hydroxychalcone Derived from Cinnamon Functions as a Mimetic for Insulin in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.” Journal of The American College of Nutrition, vol. 20(4): 327-36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11506060/
- Golbidi, S. et al. Nov. 2011. “Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 2(69). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221300/
- Akbari, M. et al. July 2018. “The Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Glucose Control and Lipid Profiles Among Patients with Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Metabolism, vol. 87:56-69. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29990473/