Since I've been working on lengthening my runs I also have been looking for ways to keep myself properly fueled without using artificial sweeteners or high glycemic sweeteners. I've heard of a lot of different options using brown rice syrup or other low glycemic sweeteners like agave nectar but haven't seen them in Indianapolis. When I went to
Whole Foods and spied the Vanilla, Mocha, Raspberry and Strawberry
Clif Shot Energy Gels and found that I could have all of them and they were perfect size to fit in my hydration belt I just had to pick up a few! I figured I'd share my review for those of us who are looking for more natural and organic sweeteners in our energy gels.
I recently tried them in both Strawberry and Vanilla when we were camping on both of our long hikes.
These hikes were in 85+ degree weather with 75-80% humidity so I needed plenty of electrolytes and energy to keep me going! I was pushing myself pretty hard and followed up each gel with a lot of water. I didn't have any of the normal stomach problems with the gels and I actually really enjoyed the
cake batter-esque taste of the Vanilla gel. I found myself wanting more of it when the small pack was done! The strawberry tasted pretty heavy of brown rice syrup and wasn't something I'd want to eat on my own if I wasn't racing. I probably wouldn't pick up that flavor again except for the added benefit of
25 mg of caffiene.
Something I do really appreciate is the
litter leash which keeps the trash all in one nice package. There's no tab ripped off because it stays attached to the package. I bought both for $1.39 at Whole Foods and would stock up on the Vanilla for my upcoming long runs. I just wish that the Vanilla came with caffeine and I'd be set! I still haven't tried the Raspberry or Mocha flavors but I'm sure I'll use one on my 7 mile group run this upcoming Saturday!
What are some of your favorite low glycemic energy products? Have you found a lot of products that keep you adequately fueled without a lot of sugar? I'd love to hear about them as I'm always looking for better and more efficient ways to fuel my body for longer!
I recently tried them in both Strawberry and Vanilla when we were camping on both of our long hikes. These hikes were in 85+ degree weather with 75-80% humidity so I needed plenty of electrolytes and energy to keep me going! I was pushing myself pretty hard and followed up each gel with a lot of water. I didn't have any of the normal stomach problems with the gels and I actually really enjoyed the cake batter-esque taste of the Vanilla gel. I found myself wanting more of it when the small pack was done! The strawberry tasted pretty heavy of brown rice syrup and wasn't something I'd want to eat on my own if I wasn't racing. I probably wouldn't pick up that flavor again except for the added benefit of 25 mg of caffiene.
Something I do really appreciate is the litter leash which keeps the trash all in one nice package. There's no tab ripped off because it stays attached to the package. I bought both for $1.39 at Whole Foods and would stock up on the Vanilla for my upcoming long runs. I just wish that the Vanilla came with caffeine and I'd be set! I still haven't tried the Raspberry or Mocha flavors but I'm sure I'll use one on my 7 mile group run this upcoming Saturday!
What are some of your favorite low glycemic energy products? Have you found a lot of products that keep you adequately fueled without a lot of sugar? I'd love to hear about them as I'm always looking for better and more efficient ways to fuel my body for longer!