by Jennifer Farnsworth
Michael Haggerty, co-owner of Incredible Nutrition in Saratoga Springs, said his new shop started as an idea to help his fellow Saratogians live a healthier lifestyle.
Haggerty said the main goal is to provide healthy and delicious alternatives to a standard diet, with a focus on healthy teas and shakes. They already have favorite tea flavors like the Whitney, a strawberry raspberry pink lemonade, Cranberry Blue Razz and Firecracker.
Haggerty, opened the business in West Hill Plaza at 99 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs. with Sarah Dauphinais and Cynthia Ward—a team on a mission to not only better themselves but others.
Haggerty said they knew they wanted to open a business in the city that they love, adding that when they saw their current location open up as a possibility, they knew they had to act.
“Once we saw the location at the West Hill Plaza, we knew it was the perfect location. Being right down the road from the high school, college, gyms and other fitness destinations, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” said Haggerty.
“Our teas have many benefits other than just being caffeinated. These include the daily dose of vitamins B6, B12 and C. They are also said to be thermogenic, meaning they jump start one’s metabolism which will helps burn calories.
He said the products can replace coffee or unhealthy energy drinks. With protein shakes being popular, Haggerty said they offer a healthy option that is also full of flavor.
“Our shakes are delicious. They are not your common protein shake. Everyone knows the homemade shakes with undissolved protein powder you must chew through with every sip,” said Haggerty.
The shakes are calorie friendly, ranging between 200-250, with around 24 grams of protein, 10 grams of sugar, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
“Instead of the quick fast-food that leaves you bloated and uncomfortable, our shakes are a tasty way to stay healthy. Some of our most popular shakes include Toffee Coffee Explosion, white chocolate Reese’s, birthday cake, and Samoa,” said Haggerty.
As with many new businesses, opening during a pandemic has brought unforeseen challenges. Haggerty said they signed the lease before COVID-19 hit, with the initial plan being to open in April of 2020. But with COVID-19 shutting down City Hall and many other businesses, the process took much longer then expected.
“Finally, we opened in September of 2020 and got to work. Since then, we have had many regulars and have been building our clientele. We are constantly sanitizing our tables and doors to keep our space as safe as possible. Our checkout system is touch free, so you don’t need to worry about touching anything in the process. Additionally, we offer online ordering so we can provide curbside pickup if needed,” said Haggerty.
Haggerty said with some gyms closed and sports cancelled, people are bored and constantly snacking, which has brought health and wellness to an all time low.
“As an athlete who has played hockey and other sports my whole life, canceling these activities has caused me to feel lazier and become out of shape. I have gained weight and lost a lot of my drive to be active. This is unlike myself and I’m sure many others are feeling the same way,” said Haggerty.
The business is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Information can be found online at incredible-nutrition.squarespace.com, Facebook and Instagram. The phone is (518) 886-8379.