May 10, 2017
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
I recently had a chance to taste a new superfood meal replacement powder called “Ample” (you can use code GREENFIELD for a big, fat 15% discount on everything but their “lifetime” supply option).
It was so tasty, and such an interesting approach to the burgeoning world of dime-a-dozen meal replacement powders (it actually was the #1 food campaign of all time on IndieGoGo) that I decided to get the inventor on a podcast to ask him about it. His name is Connor Young.
Connor is a nutrition nerd, fitness freak and self-proclaimed biohacker, obsessed with optimizing the human body. He graduated with a degree in biology and while studying, he found passion for CrossFit, leading him to co-found Shackle Island CrossFit in Nashville, Tennessee.
After selling Shackle Island and with continued interest in medicine, Connor joined Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Johnson & Johnson's surgery division. For two years, he advised surgeons on intra-operative device usage. After becoming jaded with the reactive nature of medicine, Connor left J&J to create a physical therapy start-up Koach, a platform that allowed PTs to more effectively engage patients in home exercises. This brought Connor to San Francisco, where he moved into an entrepreneurial “hacker house” with dozens others.
Connor was exposed to how easy it was for his well-intentioned but busy housemates to eat unhealthily. After conducting nutrition and cooking classes for his housemates, Connor formulated Ample as a balanced meal for those looking for optimal nutrition who refuse to sacrifice health for convenience. His vision for Ample is to strive for perfect nutrition through a scientifically grounded formula made from real foods.
Ample is pretty unique stuff, really. Here's the nutrition label:
It comes in a 400 calorie version, and also a 600 calorie version, as shown below:
And here's the macronutrient breakdown:
During my discussion with Connor, you'll discover:
-How Connor went from knowing how to cook only 3 things to become the inventor of a meal replacement powder…[10:35]
-The actual macronutrient breakdown of 50-60% fat, 20-30% protein and 10% carbohydrate in Ample…[22:55]
-How Connor figured out how to make Ample high-fat without actually having the fats oxidized…[25:27]
-The best way to mix Ample to make it as thick as possible…[31:00]
-The reasoning behind the carbohydrate, prebiotic, and fiber blend in Ample…[42:10]
-Why Connor chose to add the particular sweeteners that are in Ample, while still keeping sugar content extremely low…[50:15]
-Whether you need to be concerned about estrogens and plastics with the plastic bottle…[54:12]
-How you can get a special version Ample if you are vegetarian or vegan or lactose-free…[56:30]
-The fascinating studies that are being done on Ample…[60:00]
-And much more…
Resources from this episode:
-“Ample” (you can use code GREENFIELD for a big, fat 15% discount on everything except their lifetime subscription).
-The Plant Paradox book Ben mentions.
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Conor or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
That discount code no longer works
This product sounds amazing, I’d love to try it, only problem is I can’t get it shipped to me since I live half hour north of the Border in Vancouver! Is there anywhere you can get it from in store for the next time I am in Seattle?
The JP episode was solid. 1 hour of LOL is priceless! Thanks for sticking your nose out there and creating something different and valuable.
Loved the parody. That guy has comedy skills. You played the straight man well. Can’t believe there are people who didn’t know it was a parody and were upset. Keep up the great stuff.
I’m so excited about this product! I heate to see all the nasty ingredients that other powder meal replacement have, and more that people use them as every day thing!
Hi. I am a 50 year old male relatively health =y so if you are looking for people in your study I am certainly very interested.
Forty two gm (-12 gm of fiber=30 net gm carbs) of carbs and 6 gm of sugar. How does that work with trying to be ketotic? Roger
They have a keto version
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the heads up on this, it looks like a great product. For a lean guy looking to gain good weight (6’1″ 153lbs), would Ample be best used as a meal replacement, pre or post workout shake, or just a fill-in/snack type role?
I’m looking to add this to my current two meal a day consumption (lunch & dinner) with bulletproof coffee/tea as my breakfast. Would something like this push my protein consumption too high on a daily basis and activate things like mTOR etc.?
I’m trying to gain good weight the right way, without increasing my risk of dangerous biomarkers and shortening my lifespan.
Thanks!
Hey Ben,
Do you still use the Ambronite meal replacement as well? How do the two products compare?
Thanks,
Matthew
Apples n oranges. Ample is more "keto"-ish, probiotic, gut-healing focused, Ambronite more Finnish superfoods/plant-based focused…I use both. Check this out: https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness/photos/a.10150…
Soylent Green is people!
Interesting product. But I see it contains psyllium husk. I was taught to separate the use of these from valuable food or supplements as it can capture and carry away some nutrients. Fact or fiction?
Thanks for all your advice. Great resource!
Thank god the last podcast was a joke! I couldn’t believe it! lol I’m so happy and actually just started playing this one and am looking forward to it.
Need this in Australia! Fantastic product, idea and podcast.
Thanks NP! At the moment we can’t ship to Australia but hopefully in the future we will expand overseas! Glad for your support!