Adam Crum

The Fountain Jet

Recently my wife received a home soda making machine by SodaStream, which she is going to review for her blog. Last night we put it together and started using it. I was so impressed by how simple it was, that I wanted to use it and review it myself. But why would a fitness blog want to review a soda making machine? The simple answer is, it doesn’t make JUST soda.

Let me start with how it works.This simple little device has a very basic set of instructions that anyone can follow;

1. Insert carbon tank into back
2. Fill included bottle with cold water, and insert in front
3. Press the button on top for carbon activation
4. Pull out bottle and add flavor
5. Enjoy

The good news about all the soda mixes that you can purchase for SodaStream machines, is that they lack high fructose corn syrup. Although it is still “soda-ish”, it is better than buying one from the store. For a full list of drinks, check out the manufacturer’s web page found here, but the one I am most interested in is the Energy mix which is very much like a Red Bull.

Energy Mix going in the Bottle

Most body builders can vouch for the benefits of caffeine, but some people don’t realize that besides it’s energy boosting ability, it is also a key component in burning fat. This energy mix not only contains the ingredients that I need for my fitness goal to burn fat while still lifting to build muscle mass, but it only costs 20 cents per serving. Compare that to a 12oz can from the gas stations or more at the gym.

Now besides the energy boost and fat burning power I am getting from my new energy drink, I have a new twist on a product I am already using. I have been using an N.O. powder for a few months now every morning before my workout. Although the fruit punch flavor is great, it is a drag having to chug down that 10oz. I know water is good for me, but bubbles are so much better. Now with the SodaStream, I can make my own sparkling water and use that instead of just plain water in my pre-workout drink.

My First Taste of SodaStream

I have to say that for home made energy drink, I am very impressed. It doesn’t have the caffeine content as a Red Bull or Monster, but the other things that it does have less of is fine by me. Check out this comparison data between the three. I can add caffeine if I really need it. I may even try mixing a caffeinated N.O. reactor into the energy drink for the ultimate pre-workout boost.

Overall, I am giving this product an A+ rating in my book. The product we got may have been free from the company, along with the flavor mixes (the  energy was included via special request from my wife, Thanks baby) and first carbon bottle, but I will definitely be purchasing more when it runs out.