Carb Boom! and Honey Stinger Energy Chews Review Time

Happy Tuesday! Thank you so much for the encouraging words yesterday regarding my craptastic run this weekend. To know that I'm not the only one who has horrid runs, to know that bad runs are followed by good ones, and to hear your coping strategies is invaluable to me. So thanks for lifting my spirits!

And now onto some fun stuff: It is product review time here over at Chocolate Shoestrings

One redeeming thing about the above mentioned run was that I got to try out two (new to me) nutrition products. To my pleasant surprise, both were so good, I think they are going to dethrone my current favorite; Clif Shot Blocks!

I found both of these products at my local bike shop, btw. I haven't seen them anywhere else.... but that's probably because I live in a small town!

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews in Pomegranate Passion

Dang. I really like these little suckers! So tastey! Clif Shot blocks are in immediate danger of being overthrown as my top running nutrition.

These chews from Honey Stinger are, according to the website, a "natural energy gel made from a combination of pure Honey, pure water, Salt, Potassium Citrate and Vitamin B Complex." They contain an "ideal balance of carbohydrates for optimal performance before, during and after training. A near 50/50 Fructose - Glucose ratio gives ideal levels of glycogen to muscles and liver." Sounds good to me!

The guy at the bike shop explained to me that since it's made from honey, the sugars get absorbed into the body quicker, thus resulting in a faster energy boost. Who knows how accurate "bike shop dude" is, but I know honey's good for you, so I gave it a shot. And I'm glad I did!

Each chew is a little smaller than the Clif Shot Blocks, and are circular in shape. There are 10 pieces in each bag.

Taste: Delicious. Not too sweet, not too tart. No "fake" and icky aftertaste, just a nice, fruity burst of happiness right around mile 8 :)

Texture: Very easy to chew and swallow. Since each piece is smaller than the Clif Shot blocks, I found it easier and quicker to chew these Honey Stinger ones. Sometimes, I struggle with the Shot Blocks; I can't chew them small enough while running, and end up swallowing big chunks. And I know that will cause my body to digest/use it slower. So I think the Honey Stinger chews are superior in this aspect.

Verdict: I couldn't tell if Honey Stinger worked any "faster" than the Clif Shot Blocks, but all I know is that I'm headed back to the bike shop today to buy some more for the long run this weekend.

Nutrition at a glance: Serving size of 10 pieces (1 bag)
160 calories, 0g fat, 80mg sodium, 40mg potassium, 39g total carbs, 1g fiber, 24g sugar, 1g protein, 100% Vitamin C

Honey Stinger also offers energy gels, protein bars, energy bars.... and flavors galore! I am interested in trying the Cherry Blossom Energy Chews next. All the products are available on their website, and the chews go for $1.99/pack or $22.50 for a box of 12. I might have to invest in a box :)

Carb Boom! Energy Gel in Apple Cinnamon
I have been weary of energy gels ever since I had a bad experience early on in my training. (ie puke) However, I was getting tired of stuffing my pockets with countless Clif Shot Blocks. You need to eat a lot of Shot Blocks to get the same amount of calories as one Gel Packet. I don't know why I got inspired to try a gel again, but I did. And I'm glad I did!

Carb Boom! Sports Nutrition is a very new company; started in '08. They have a whole slew of products including energy gels, chews, sports drinks, whey protein, recovery drinks, etc. I tried the energy gel in the apple cinnamon flavor. That is Guppie-chan, my favorite childhood stuffed animal friend :)

The energy gels are all natural, and has a "blend of 22-25g of complex carbohydrates and just 2-4g of simple sugars to maximize energy delivery to working muscles." (according to website) Flavors range from Cranberry Grapefruit to Banana Peach to Chocolate Cherry and much more.

Taste: Wow. Crazy good. It tasted just like dessert! It was much better than the Hammer Apple Cinnamon Gel that made me puke. I actually enjoyed every last drop of this gel. Mmmmmm :)

Texture: Thick. I ate this gel during a quick pit stop at the car, so I wasn't eating and running at the same time. However, I think it will still go down easy even while running. It is smooth though, absolutely no grittiness or lumpiness. It was just like pureed apple pie filling :)

Verdict: I think I have been converted into the ways of the energy gel. I'm serious. This Carb Boom! stuff is delicious. And the best part? No puking! No nausea, no cramps, no "heavy" feeling in my tummy. I'm stocking up on some Carb Boom!s for the remainder of my training cycle.

Nutrition at a glance: 1 packet of Carb Boom! Apple Cinnamon Energy Gel (info from website) You can purchase these gels on the Carb Boom! website, and they are $29.99 for a box of 24, and if you get a second box, the second box is 10% off.

So there you have it folks. I'm excited about my little trip to the bike shop today to try out some bike shorts and buy some more of these yummy nutrition options for my long run this weekend. 18 miles! eeek! The rain had better stop by then! :)

Later gater!