We spend so much time worrying about how much electrolyte drinks, chews and other nutrition we’re consuming when we exercise, but still don’t quite know when we have the right mix. Fuelstrip is a strip that tests sweat to help athletes analyze and detect levels of fuel depletion. The strip helps figure out when you need to guzzle some more drink or down another chew or two in order to balance out your hydration and electrolyte levels. Continue reading Gauge Hydration With Fuelstrips
Hydration is important. We know that. There’s a number of electrolyte drinks and products on the market, and ORAL I.V. has just joined the ranks. This product has actually made its way up the ranks. It was first released in the military and law enforcement community and has been used by SEALS, Force Recon Marines and SWAT teams, among other units.
ORAL I.V. comes in a liquid vial with crystalloid electrolytes dissolved in purified water. It doesn’t contain sugars, stimulants or artificial ingredients. It just contains a concentrated form of the minerals you need to stay hydrated. Of course this tiny vial is no substitute for water. You should continue to drink water before, during and after workout. But the ORAL I.V. helps boost the effectiveness of the water, to keep hydration levels up.
A pack of four 15 mL vials costs $11.99
Some of us are like sharks and can’t sit still. Of course this requires a boost now and then and fittingly the Sharkies are just the thing. These Energy Chews were created in 2003 by a triathlete looking for some organic food that could deliver energy and fuel. The Sharkies Turbo Energy Chrews are made of organic ingredients and are completely Kosher too.
There is no gluten, wheat or diary and of course these are vegetarian, but these are packed with electrolytes and caffeine to help keep us sharks going and going.
When we met with Clif Bar at Interbike they were very excited to talk about the new flavor, Chocolate Cherry, in their CLIF SHOT Bloks energy chew line. Clif Bar just released the flavor in stores. The reason they were excited about the Chocolate Cherry flavor? It’s difficult to put real chocolate in a chew. It takes a balance to get the chew to be, well, chewy. Continue reading CLIF SHOT BLOKS Adds Chocolate to the Chew
Louis Garneau has made a bit of a name in cycle fashion and cycling solutions, and now the company looks to expand to a new market to help fuel riders with Garneau Nutrition, which will launch with six flavors of energy gels, as well as an electrolyte sports drink. Additional nutritional products to follow in the near future.
First up is the LG Gel, which is made with natural ingredients and an optimum blend of complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, and antioxidants needed to meet the nutritional demands of athletes during racing and training. It will be available in six flavors, including Citrus, Concord Grape-Apple, Goji-Blueberry, Strawberry-Dragonfruit, Tropical Fruit, and Wildberry Pomegranate.
For those who want to experience the boost of energy without additives, it is worth noting that LG Energy Gel contains real fruit juice. This reportedly gives it a clean, simple, and natural taste with no chemical, bitter, or harsh after-taste. Continue reading LG Gels Up
Clif Bar revamped its recipe in those gel packets. The new Clif Shots blend organic fruit, cocoa and other natural ingredients to make a gel that claims to have up to 50 percent more electrolytes than Clif’s previous recipe.
In addition to more electrolytes, the new formula combines two sources of carbohydrate that efficiently work together. Those are organic maltodextrin and organic evaporated cane juice. The two deliver energy to the bloodstream in five minutes or less.
While the packaging looks somewhat the same, the new gels have a thinner consistency. Even when you’re thirsty bordering on dehydrated, the new formula will go down more easily and get you back into shape.
The new gels are available in varying levels of caffeine including 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg amounts. The later is the equivalent of two shots of espresso or one 12 oz. cup of drip coffee. Flavors include the Base Blavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry (25mg of caffeine), Mocha (50mg of caffeine), Razz and Citrus (25mg of caffeine). Turbo Flavors are Double Expresso and New Chocolate Cherry, each with 100mg of caffeine.
Electrolyte gels and drinks saved me last summer on a long and hot ride. But the gels – much like gummy bears – were a little difficult to get down. A syrapy shot will be welcome on my next long ride. It could mean the difference between bailing on a challenging and rewarding ride and making it the whole distance with energy to spare.