
Issue #44 | 02.05.26
Food
Salt & Swagger

Game Day Nachos That Pack the Protein
Most game day nachos are chips drowning in processed cheese. These are built different.
This recipe delivers 60+ grams of protein per serving without sacrificing the crunch, cheese, or satisfaction. Real food, zero guilt.
The Build (Serves 5):
Base Layer:
1 large bag tortilla chips (thick-cut, not flimsy)
1.5 lbs grilled chicken breast or steak, shredded
1 cup black beans
12 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
Jalapeños, pickled or fresh
Pico de gallo or salsa
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Cilantro
The Method:
Spread half the chips on a large sheet pan. Layer half the cheese, chicken, and beans. Add remaining chips, then top with rest of cheese and protein. Broil 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp. Top with sour cream, pico, jalapeños, cilantro.
The Numbers Per Serving:
Chicken: 40g protein
Black beans: 4g
Cheese: 17g
Total: 61g per serving.
Game day food that actually fuels you.
Because eating well is never just about the food.

Fitness
Built to Last
The Pre-Game Workout You Actually Need
You're going to sit for four hours. You're going to crush wings and beer. Might as well earn it.
But here's the thing—this 20-minute circuit works any time you need a quick, effective workout. Traveling for work. Short on time. Home gym closed. Doesn't matter. This gets it done.
Do 3 rounds, 45 seconds per exercise, 15 seconds rest between moves.
The Circuit:
Push-ups – Standard or on your knees. Keep your core tight.
Air squats – Full depth. Control the movement.
Mountain climbers – Drive your knees up. Keep moving.
Plank hold – Don't let your hips sag. Breathe.
Jumping jacks – Gets your heart going. Simple works.
Rest 60 seconds between rounds.
That's it. Three rounds takes about 18 minutes. No equipment. No excuses.
Whether it's before kickoff or a Tuesday morning when you're slammed—you don't need to be perfect. You just need to move.
Put the work in, then get on with your day. This is your fallback when time is tight and you still want to get after it.
Train with focus, fuel with purpose.

Drink
One Bottle To Know
Clear Water Distilling - Canela Cinnamon Whiskey
Forget everything you think you know about cinnamon whiskey.
The Story: Clear Water Distilling makes Canela with organic ingredients and real cinnamon—no added sugar, no shortcuts. While most cinnamon whiskeys taste like melted candy, this one earned 100 points at the 2024 Proof Awards. It's cloudy in the glass but clean on the palate.
The Pour: Authentic cinnamon warmth hits immediately—think cinnamon stick, not red hots. The spice is natural and forward without the thick, sticky sweetness that ruins most flavored whiskeys. Smooth enough to sip, perfect in a cocktail. The finish is warm and clean.
The Move: Sips beautifully neat or over ice, but it shines in cocktails. Try the Canela Cold Brew: 2oz Canela, 3oz cold brew coffee, splash of milk, .5oz simple syrup. Mix, pour over ice. Your new going-out drink when you need a kick.
The Mettle Take: The only cinnamon whiskey that doesn't taste like college. Award-winning, authentic spice, built for delicious cocktails. $40
Not the drink they expect. The one they remember.

News
The Feed
This Week’s Sharp Clicks
Best Beers to bring to a Super Bowl party, according to professional brewers.
Remembering the best Super Bowl halftime show ever. Prince, 2007.
The super fruit you are probably not eating.
Testosterone influencers are lying to young men - and making a fortune doing it.
Stay Sharp,
The Mettle Team

