A 25-year-old startup founder has introduced a high-protein smoothie that he claims boosts energy and supports gut health. Max Marchione, cofounder of the health-focused app Superpower, emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense ingredients to maintain focus during long workdays. The smoothie blends fruits, supplements, and whey protein, all rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall wellness.
Marchione’s startup, Superpower, recently secured $30 million in funding, with backing from notable figures such as Steve Aoki and Logan Paul. He believes that health has become a significant cultural trend among young adults. “Health is becoming a status symbol,” Marchione stated in an interview. “Twenty-somethings discussing their biomarkers is the defining culture nowadays.”
Operating a startup is challenging, requiring Marchione to work over 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This demanding schedule necessitates a carefully curated self-care routine. He has consistently taken a contrarian approach to wellness, exploring options beyond mainstream medical advice. His health journey began in his teenage years with the adoption of fitness wearables like the Oura ring, and he has since embraced various wellness trends.
Incorporating more unconventional methods, Marchione has experimented with blue-light-blocking glasses and mouth taping. He is also a proponent of peptide injections, particularly BPC-157, which he began using for recovery from a soccer injury, despite it lacking FDA approval.
Marchione’s daily smoothie serves as his first meal, delivering a substantial 50 grams of protein and 20 grams of fiber within just 400 calories. This blend includes fruits rich in antioxidants and other components that support gut health. Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy microbiome, potentially lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Ingredients for Optimal Health
The detailed recipe for Marchione’s smoothie, shared on his website, contains several key ingredients aimed at enhancing energy and gut health. These include:
– **Blueberries**: Packed with fiber and flavonoids known to promote healthy aging. Marchione opts for wild blueberries, which are nutrient-dense and conveniently available frozen.
– **Whey Protein**: Considered the gold standard among protein powders, Marchione uses whey derived from goat milk, which is easier to digest and has a higher mineral content.
– **Collagen**: This protein supports connective tissue, contributing to healthy joints, skin, and hair.
– **Colostrum**: A supplement sourced from the milk of newly birthed cows, rich in protein, vitamins, and antibodies.
– **Taurine**: An amino acid linked to energy and metabolism, with potential anti-aging benefits.
– **Cacao Powder**: Provides antioxidants without the added fats and sugars found in processed chocolate.
– **Acai**: A berry known for its high fiber and antioxidant content.
– **L-Glutamine**: An amino acid that supports digestion and immune function.
The smoothie’s high protein content aligns with research suggesting that to build muscle, individuals should consume approximately 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. For example, a person weighing 140 pounds would find a single serving of Marchione’s smoothie to provide more than half of their recommended daily intake.
To enhance protein absorption, Marchione adds digestive enzymes to his smoothie. He notes, “I find that if I don’t do this, I have brain fog from too much protein at once,” highlighting the importance of individual dietary adjustments.
Marchione’s commitment to health and wellness exemplifies a growing trend among young entrepreneurs who prioritize well-being alongside professional ambitions. As the health landscape continues to evolve, his approach serves as a model for integrating nutrition into a busy lifestyle.
