Hey hey hey. Last Friday before Christmas! Thankfully I’m working from home again today which is nice. Means I could go to Spin this morning and miss out on horrific traffic.
Today I have another review for you guys. This is review of the ProBikeKit.com website of which I’ve reviewed before (find HERE for my Clif Sports Energy Bars review and HERE for hydration tablets). Like I’ve said previously, I like this website because it has a range of both cycling-specific and running-specific products, from accessories, bike kit, clothing and nutrition. Today’s post is again focused on nutritional side of things.
OTE Energy Drink Sachets (find HERE)
This is a box of 14 drink sachets (for £12.99) which are designed to maximise your workout. You add the sachet of power to a 500ml of water and drink during your workout. It has a balance of electrolytes which help keep you hydrated and also provides carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) to help fuel your muscles for 45-60 minutes. It has a neutral pH and is free from artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. It is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and is gluten and dairy free.
- Calories per 43g serving: 180cal
- Fat: 0g
- Of which saturates: 0g
- Carbohydrate: 40g
- Of which sugars: 8.2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fibre: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 304mg
- Calcium: 31mg,
- Magnesium: 10mg
Thought? They come in three different flavours: Orange, Blackcurrant and Vanilla. I chose Orange. When you first smell the powder it’s like “woah!!”. It’s really strong – kind of similar to sherbet? I assumed it would taste similar. However, the taste is subtle and not very sweet at all. At first I wasn’t keen but then after swigging more it grew on me. It’s pleasant. Sometimes overly sweets things can be really overwhelming – especially when you’re also chomping through lots of gels and/or jelly beans etc. during a race or workout.
I think it’s a great idea if you’re out on a long ride or long run and need some easy carbs and hydration that aren’t overly sweet. I probably wouldn’t have it during a short run or normal workout though as I wouldn’t need it but it’s ideal for endurance. And you could argue that you could have this instead of a gel as it’s got the carbs in there which means carrying less stuff during a run or ride. I’m a fan!
PowerBar Energize Wafer (find HERE)
This is a box of 12 wafers (for £10.99) which contain a C2MAX which is “dual Source Carb Mix contains a special of glucose and fructose sources ” (source). They’re individually wrapped wafers to help fuel you before or during your workout. They come in either Berry Yogurt flavour or Chocolate Peanut. They contain no artificial colours.
- Calories per 43g serving: 166cal
- Fat: 4.8g
- Of which saturates: 2.4g
- Carbohydrate: 28g
- Of which sugars: 14.4g
- Salt: 0.22g
- Protein: 2.8g
Thoughts? They’re a bit flaky in texture so I can’t imagine they’d be a great choice for eating during a workout (especially running – perhaps cycling though if you don’t mind a bit of crumbage?). They’re very sweet but this is due to the high carbohydrate content designed to give you a buzz of energy to fuel you on. It was deliciously chocolatey as well with really only a hint of peanut (I liked this as I’m not a peanut person really – Snickers are a no-go for me). It’s definitely not a snack I’d eat middle of the afternoon to acquit my hunger as I’m sure my blood sugar levels would spike, but before a run or gym session they’re ideal as a quick “pick me up” if you don’t have time to make something more elaborate. The ingredient’s list isn’t perfect but it doesn’t look too bad for what it is. They’re also very tasty which always helps! 😉
Like I said, I really like ProBikeKit.com. Especially since I’ve become a bit more of a cyclist. There’s a whole range of bits and pieces on the website at, I think, quite affordable prices.
What do you have if you’re in a rush before a workout if you need a quick snack?
Do you drink your carbs or eat them when doing a long run, or both (if you do at all that is)?
***Full Disclosure: I was sent these two products for free to review. As always, the opinions are my own***
I prefer to drink plain drinks (like nuun) and have actual food, as things like sweet drinks, jelly beans etc make my mouth feel weird after a while.
Maria @ runningcupcake recently posted…Avoiding the shops and visiting the spa
Yes too much sweet stuff can be a bit of a nightmare on a run. After three gels in a marathon I’m ready for something salty and savoury. I remember in Paris it made me feel a bit queasy because it was quite warm as well.
I’m not keen on eating during a long run so tend to carb up the night before and get out early. I tried jelly babies in my last half marathon and it was so sticky and gross!
Anything that requires actually chewing doesn’t work well for me as I struggle with my breathing then and get a stitch!
I don’t really have anything in particular, maybe sometimes a spoonful or two of peanut butter before a run and some gels for longer runs.
Sounds like a good plan! I don’t tend to eat before I run but I’ll always refuel in a big way afterwards ;-D
Greetings,
I read your article and found it informative and very helpful. I want to add more value in it. Calcium is a key factor for our bones and joints. And now no longer getting sufficient calcium to your weight-reduction plan may also bring about a silent disease “Osteoporosis” characterized through the lack of bone mass. It is crucial to word that calcium is vital for numerous physical capabilities and if we don’t get sufficient in our weight-reduction plan, our frame will take it from our bones to make sure every day mobile functioning, in the end main to weakened bones.
What’s your opinion about it?