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The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.

Nutrition:

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The Myth of Optimal Health
We live in an age obsessed with the idea of โ€œoptimal.โ€ The optimal diet. The optimal supplement stack. The optimal training split. Scroll through Instagram or YouTube for five minutes and youโ€™ll find someone with a 17-step morning routine, a kitchen cupboard full of powders, and the confidence that theyโ€™ve cracked the code to human performance. But hereโ€™s the truth: Chasing โ€œoptimalโ€ is one of the fastest ways to fall short in your health. The Illusion of Optimal Health culture has a way of dangling perfection in front of us. Big food companies do it when they market the โ€œperfectโ€ meal replacement shake. Biohackers do it when they promise that cold plunges, red-light therapy, and nootropics are the missing links to peak performance. But research paints a different picture. Studies on diet adherence consistently show that most people abandon strict or extreme health plans within weeks.ย  Fad diets, whether keto, paleo, or juice cleanses have dropout rates as high as 50โ€“70% in the first two months. Thatโ€™s not because people are weak. Itโ€™s because perfection is unsustainable. When you aim for โ€œoptimal,โ€ youโ€™re often aiming for something that doesnโ€™t exist outside of a lab study or a heavily edited social feed. Consistency beats Intensity If you strip away the noise, the science is clear: the best plan is the one you can actually stick to. A Stanford University study looked at exercise adherence and found that people who built moderate, consistent routines were far more successful over the long term than those who went all in with aggressive, โ€œoptimalโ€ plans. Think about it: Walking 8,000 steps daily is far more powerful than hitting 20,000 steps once a week. Sleeping 7โ€“8 hours a night consistently beats the occasional marathon lie-in after a week of late nights. Eating balanced meals most of the time will always outperform the perfect, but impossible, โ€œclean eatingโ€ schedule. Consistency doesnโ€™t look flashy on social media. But itโ€™s what drives lasting change in real life. The Perfection Trap The bigger danger of chasing โ€œOptimal Healthโ€ isnโ€™t just that itโ€™s unrealistic. Itโ€™s that it creates guilt and paralysis. Psychologists call this all-or-nothing thinking. If you miss your โ€œperfectโ€ 5am workout, you write the day off. If you slip up on your diet, you feel like youโ€™ve failed. Over time, that mindset burns people out. A review published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine highlighted how rigid, perfectionist approaches to health goals were strongly linked to higher stress, lower motivation, and worse long-term outcomes. In other words: aiming for perfect often leaves you worse off than if youโ€™d just aimed for โ€œgood enoughโ€ consistently. The Simplicity Advantage At Innermost, this is the philosophy weโ€™ve always stood behind: better health should be simple, not overwhelming. We donโ€™t believe in flashy shortcuts or marketing gimmicks. We believe in science-backed products designed to slot seamlessly into your life so you can actually stick with them. A few examples: The Hydrate Blend makes staying on top of electrolytes effortless โ€” without the sugar, fillers, or artificial aftertaste youโ€™ll find in the big sports drinks. The Rise Blend gives you clean energy and focus, without adding another complicated ritual to your already busy day. Our protein powders support your health and fitness goals with nutrients you and your body recognises, instead of pushing the latest overpriced fad ingredient. The goal isnโ€™t perfection. Itโ€™s progress. Progress, not Perfection So hereโ€™s the takeaway: you donโ€™t need the โ€œoptimalโ€ plan. You just need a plan youโ€™ll actually follow. If you focus on moving most days, eating whole foods when you can, sleeping properly, and staying hydrated, youโ€™re already ahead of 90% of the population. Itโ€™s not sexy. But it works. And itโ€™s sustainable. So the next time you feel the pressure to add another step to your routine, ask yourself: does this make my life simpler or more complicated? If itโ€™s the latter, it probably isnโ€™t worth it. Health isnโ€™t about chasing perfection. Itโ€™s about building momentum. An imperfect plan, done consistently, beats the โ€œoptimalโ€ plan abandoned after a week. Read more
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Nutrition 101: What You Need to Know
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The Complete Guide To Halal Protein Powder
When it comes to improving your fitness levels, lifestyle and nutrition are key. From the number of hours of sleep you get each night to your daily nutrition and everything in between, each is as important as the other. This extends to finding the right protein powder to fuel your workout routine. Yet today more than ever, what goes into that shaker bottle now goes beyond macros and muscle; more and more people are asking themselves โ€“ โ€˜how does this protein powder align with my religious values and beliefs?โ€™ While weโ€™ve spoken before about our clean, research based and ethically sourced ingredients here at Innermost, this time we want to get a little more specific with a focus on halal and halal protein powder. With so many voices and fluff information around, it can be difficult to know exactly what protein is and isnโ€™t halal friendly. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™ve put together this nifty guide. Weโ€™re going to break down all the myths and everything you need to know about halal protein. What you should be looking out for, what makes proteins like whey halal friendly as well as the benefits that halal friendly protein can offer to your body.ย  Right, letโ€™s get into it. What is halal protein? Iโ€™m sure most of you are already aware of halal, but for the 1% of you that might not be, letโ€™s take a step back and ask: what is halal protein? Halal โ€“ meaning โ€˜permissibleโ€™ in Arabic โ€“ refers to any food product that complies with Islamic dietary laws as stated within the Qurโ€™an and Islamic jurisprudence. This makes it a core element of Islamic faith and a key cornerstone of their commitment to leading a pure and disciplined life under the guidance of Allah. Some of the key guidelines for halal foods include: Halal friendly ingredients โ€“ย certain ingredients are not permissible under a halal diet, including pork (and any byproducts), alcohol and blood. Other animal products can be halal as long as they are killed in accordance with the ethical treatment guidelines below. Ethical treatment of animals โ€“ For non-pork meats to be considered halal, animals must be treated humanly and responsibly during their life. This includes: Having access to clean water and nutritious food. Being raised in a free-range and stress-free environment. Not being subjected to cruelty, abuse, or unnecessary suffering. The process of killing any animal must also be quick and humane to be considered halal, with any suffering kept to the complete minimum. Importantly, to be considered halal, the name of Allah must be pronounced during the humane killing to ensure the sanctity of life is recognised throughout the process. No cross contamination - During the preparation process, halal foods must never come into contact with non halal foods. This means no cross contamination between preparation surfaces, equipment used, the handling of foods and storage. As such, ingredients such as milk can be halal however it depends on the production process and if additional non-halal additives (such as gelatin) are added. So, what does this mean for protein?ย  Essentially any animal protein is halal as long as it adheres to the guidelines weโ€™ve mentioned. The best way to tell is that products โ€“ such as Innermost proteins - will be certified halal friendly on the packaging. Is protein powder halal? So, with that said you might be wondering: is my choice of protein powder halal? The truth is that protein powder can absolutely be halal, however it entirely depends on the ingredients used as well as the overall production process. Common protein sources like whey, casein, egg white, and plant-based proteins (such as pea, soy, or rice) can all be halal if they are sourced and manufactured in compliance with halal standards. While many of the larger brands do not meet these standards and cannot claim to offer halal protein, our range of Innermost protein powders and supplements are all certified halal, emphasising our dedication to ethical sourcing our use of clean sourcing without additives. From our pea protein fuelled (and vegan) The Health Protein, The Fit Protein, to our whey protein powered The Strong Protein and The Lean Protein, all our products are sourced in a halal-compliant manner. Benefits of halal protein powder You hear it all the time when it comes to ethical and dietary beliefs โ€“ โ€˜a vegan diet isnโ€™t good for youโ€™ or โ€˜a vegetarian mix canโ€™t possibly have the nutrients you need. The reality is, that adhering to these sorts of values within your fitness routine and diet can have great benefits for the body. Halal protein powders are no different; they offer a range of benefits for individuals who are conscious of both their health and dietary requirements. Just some of the benefits of halal protein powder are: Clean ingredients: With halal protein powders, you can be confident that there will be no harmful or questionable ingredients/ additives such as silica. What does this mean? Your body has an easier job digesting and absorbing all the good stuff, ensuring you get the most out of your supplements. Quality protein: Halal protein powders use complete protein sources, ensuring your body gets all the amino acids it needs for effective muscle repair and growth.ย  Ethical production: Weโ€™ve mentioned plenty of times already, but thatโ€™s just how key ethical and clean production is to making protein halal. By avoiding things such as additional additives and cross contamination, your body is fuelled with a safer and more trustworthy supplement. Supports fitness and wellness goals: Whatever your fitness goals; halal protein has you covered. From building muscle to losing weight, the absence of excess sugars or fillers ensures you are best placed to smash your targets. Common misconceptions about halal protein powders With so much noise and no real answers around halal proteins, we thought it would be helpful to list of some of the key misconceptions regarding the diet and what the actual truths are. All vegan protein powders are halal Given that so much of halal is driven by animals and their ethical treatment, you might just assume every vegan protein powder is halal because it is made of.. well, plants. The reality however is that vegan proteins arenโ€™t necessarily halal โ€“ it all comes down to the production process. While Innermost vegan proteins are proudly halal certified, other protein powders can be produced with alcohol-based flavourings, non-halal emulsifiers, or might be processed in facilities that handle haram products โ€“ leading to cross contamination โ€“ not good! Is whey protein halal? On the other side of the spectrum, whey protein โ€“ being a byproduct of milk โ€“ is generally considered to be haram. Again, the truth is that whey protein can be halal provided that the milk is taken from cows that were treated ethically and within halal principles. Today, there are many halal-certified whey protein powders that are safe and effective for Muslim consumers. Halal certification doesnโ€™t matter There is often an assumption made that if the ingredients look clean then the protein must be halal โ€“ regardless of certification. The truth is that what makes something halal goes beyond ingredients. Production and sourcing our also key factors that many companies do not consider. With halal certification on your favourite protein powders, you can be sure that every stepโ€”from sourcing and production to packaging and distributionโ€”has been reviewed and approved according to strict halal standards.ย  Is Innermost protein powder halal? In short, yes. We at Innermost make it our mission to not only aid in muscle growth and recovery, but also to create protein supplements that are ethically sourced and rigorously tested to ensure individuals of any faith can smash their fitness goals.ย  Unlike competitors, our proteins are clean and built with the highest quality of ingredients and free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients. ย  We are proud to say that all our products are officially halal certified making them a suitable choice for those following the halal beliefs. This certification ensures that all ingredients and manufacturing processes meet Islamic dietary laws, with no use of haram substances such as pork derivatives or alcohol. With this in mind, why not check out our range of Innermost supplements to find out more about our halal proteins? ย  ย  Read more
Why Creatine is Having a Moment
If you said โ€œcreatineโ€ ten years ago, most people wouldโ€™ve pictured a guy at the gym, slamming a protein shake the size of a fire extinguisher. Fast forward to today, and creatine is gaining more traction than ever โ€“ but not for the reasons you'd expect. Itโ€™s not just about size or strength anymore. Itโ€™s about mental sharpness. Recovery. Longevity. Hormonal support. Healthy ageing. And while itโ€™s long been the most studied supplement in sports nutrition, new research is changing how we think about it โ€“ and who itโ€™s for. Letโ€™s break it down. First: What actually is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces (and you get in small amounts from red meat and fish). Itโ€™s stored mostly in your muscles and brain, where it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) โ€“ your bodyโ€™s main energy currency. In plain English? It helps you produce energy faster and more efficiently. Thatโ€™s why creatineโ€™s been a staple for athletes and weightlifters for decades โ€“ because it enhances performance, power, and recovery. But thatโ€™s just scratching the surface. Reason 1: The science has evolved The benefits of creatine arenโ€™t limited to physical performance anymore. In recent years, researchers have started to uncover its role in cognitive function, mental fatigue, and neuroprotection โ€“ especially under stress or during sleep deprivation. A 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients found that creatine supplementation โ€œmay improve short-term memory and intelligence/reasoningโ€ โ€“ particularly in people who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or ageing . Another study in Psychopharmacology found that supplementing with creatine significantly improved working memory and information processing speed in healthy adults . We're also seeing promising links between creatine and age-related cognitive decline. Thereโ€™s emerging evidence suggesting it may support brain health in older adults โ€“ acting as a protective buffer against neurological degeneration . In short: creatine is no longer just a โ€œperformanceโ€ supplement. Itโ€™s increasingly viewed as a daily health essential โ€“ especially for your brain. Reason 2: Women are in โ€“ and rightly so Historically, creatine marketing catered almost exclusively to men. The packaging was aggressive, the messaging all about muscle mass, and there was a persistent myth that creatine would cause bloating or bulkiness. Itโ€™s no surprise women stayed away. But now? That narrative is breaking down fast โ€“ and the science is doing the talking. Studies show that creatine may be especially important for women โ€“ particularly through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Research published in Nutrients highlights that creatine supplementation can support muscle strength, bone density, and mood regulation in women during and after menopause . Itโ€™s also been shown to help maintain lean muscle mass and support cognitive function during hormonal fluctuations โ€“ making it a powerful ally for long-term wellbeing. And no, it wonโ€™t make you puffy. The โ€œbloatingโ€ myth comes from a misunderstanding: creatine draws water into your muscle cells (where it belongs), which actually supports performance, hydration, and cell integrity. This isnโ€™t about bulking. Itโ€™s about feeling energised, strong, and supported in your body โ€“ no matter your life stage. Reason 3: Itโ€™s not just for the gym anymore The old creatine image was all about barbells and bench presses. But modern life demands more than just gym gains. We want to feel good, stay sharp, move well, and perform in life โ€“ not just during workouts. Creatine helps with all of it. Whether you're training hard, working late, chasing your kids around, or trying to keep brain fog at bay โ€“ creatine supports energy production, improves recovery, and sharpens your thinking. Even endurance athletes, office workers, and biohackers are getting in on the action. One study found that creatine enhanced oxygen consumption and reduced fatigue during long bouts of aerobic exercise . Put simply: creatine helps you show up as the best version of yourself, wherever life takes you. Reason 4: Youโ€™ve got options now Hereโ€™s the good news โ€“ the supplement industry is finally catching up. Gone are the days of industrial-sized tubs and confusing dosing instructions. At Innermost, weโ€™ve reimagined creatine in a way thatโ€™s clean, purposeful, and fits into real life. At innermost, youโ€™ve got two simple options: The Power Booster โ€“ our pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate. Zero additives. Just high-quality creatine in its most effective form.The Strong Protein โ€“ our intelligent protein blend for strength and recovery, with creatine built-in alongside nootropics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and functional adaptogens. One blend, multiple benefits. Both options are designed for people who care about their health, performance, and clarity โ€“ not just their biceps. FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine isnโ€™t new. But the way we understand it - and who itโ€™s for - absolutely is. Itโ€™s not just about muscle. Itโ€™s about mood. Memory. Mental sharpness. Movement. And supporting your body through every season of life. Whether youโ€™re lifting, learning, leading, or just looking to feel a little more like yourself again - creatine could be one of the smartest additions to your daily routine. Read more
The Dangers of Silica
Ever opened a sachet of hydration powder, only to have a puff of dust cloud waft up into your nostrils? You're not imagining it. Most electrolyte drinks on the market contain silica - a synthetic anti-caking agent added to keep powders dry, free-flowing, and easy to manufacture at scale. Itโ€™s one of those behind-the-scenes ingredients that doesnโ€™t need to be thereโ€ฆ unless your priority is speed and profit margins, not people. Letโ€™s break this down. What is silica? Silica (aka silicon dioxide) is a compound found in sand, quartz, those little sachets that come with new shoes, and yes - in many processed foods and supplement powders. In this industry, itโ€™s added to prevent clumping and help powders flow smoothly and zip through high-speed packaging machines. Itโ€™s not added for your health. Itโ€™s added for efficiency.ย  And hereโ€™s the thing: silica is not inherently dangerous when eaten in small quantities โ€” it occurs naturally in some foods, after all. But when itโ€™s inhaled, itโ€™s a whole different story. Letโ€™s talk about silicosis Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by breathing in fine particles of silica.ย  Many of these powders are so bone-dry and ultrafine that you canโ€™t help but inhale a bit when you open a sachet. And while regulators have deemed it โ€œsafeโ€ for consumption, theyโ€™re not telling you what happens when youโ€™re breathing that dust in day after day. We think it matters. Why itโ€™s used anyway (and why we donโ€™t). Silica makes life easier for big manufacturers. When a powder is dry and ultra-fine, it runs like a dream through industrial machinery. That means more sachets filled per minute, fewer machine stoppages, and higher production yields. In other words: cheaper, faster, more profitable. Itโ€™s what most brands do - especially the ones backed by big investors who demand a return on their money. Thatโ€™s just the way it works. Innermost is proudly independent. Something we donโ€™t talk about often enough is that weโ€™re 100% self-owned. No outside investors. No pressure to cut corners to meet someone elseโ€™s margin goals. That means we get to put your health - not shareholder value - first. We created The Hydrate Blend to be 100% natural, functional, and free from synthetic fillers. No nasties. No shortcuts. And absolutely no silica. Yes, it might cost a little more than the cheapest stuff on the market - but itโ€™s better for your body, and your lungs. Letโ€™s call it what it is. Most people will never think twice about inhaling the powder that wafts up out of their electrolyte powder. But we do. Because we know the supplement industry loves to hide behind shortcuts and call it innovation. Loves to throw in cheap ingredients because theyโ€™re easier - not because theyโ€™re better. Loves to race to the bottom on cost while pretending theyโ€™re leading on health. Thatโ€™s not us. Thatโ€™s never been us. Weโ€™re not here to cut corners. Weโ€™re here to raise standards. And sometimes that means doing things the hard way - like formulating a hydration product without any silica in it, knowing full well itโ€™ll be way harder to do. But your health is worth the effort. Read more