Since my surgery, one thing I’ve been lacking is energy.
The reasons are obvious. My body has been through a pretty big shock, I’m not eating and drinking as much as I normally would, my sleep patterns have been off and I haven’t been getting regular physical activity. All of these things make for a pretty weary human being.
So when ENERGYbits asked if they could send me a sample of their all-natural algae tabs to try, I figured that it could only help and said “yes, please.”
That’s right, folks. Algae. Natural, organic, green algae. Spirulina, to be exact. No chemicals, sugar, caffeine, gluten, additives or animal products. I found the concept fascinating. Never did I think that algae could act as something to be consumed, let alone as an effective energy booster, but apparently, I would be wrong.
My ENERGYbits® arrived in a compact, reuseable travel container.
The directions said to take about 30 tabs (at one calorie each) about 10-15 minutes before a workout. I was hoping to use them for a longer run, but since it’s taking me a little while to get back to top form, I tried them in conjunction with my Yoga Meltdown workout instead.
I only took about 20 tabs, since it was a short workout (about 30 minutes). You can chew them or swallow them, and I opted for the swallowing route (a few at a time with little sips of water). There is a warning that they may taste “green” and they certainly have a distinctive smell to them, so I figured straight swallowing would circumvent that. There was a little aftertaste, but nothing unpleasant or offensive.
So how do these one-ingredient algae tabs work? According to ENERGYbits®:
“Made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.”
Since the protein in ENERGYbits® is already in amino acid form, it is absorbed instantly by the body. Athletes who consume ENERGYbits® get the benefit of immediate energy. The high levels of nitric oxide allow for the opening of blood vessels, which means tall of those vitamins and minerals can start working right away.
It’s pretty hard to argue with those laurels.
For me, they were great. I was really dragging this morning after a pre-dawn wakeup call, and I was honestly torn between napping and exercising. The ENERGYbits® gave me a nice boost to get through the dynamic power moves of Yoga Meltdown and I felt great afterwards. I didn’t get jittery like I would from a jolt of caffeine, and several hours later, I didn’t feel the kind of crash I would get from sugar wearing off. I felt peppy and more clear, as if I had had a solid night of great sleep.
Best of all, my stomach approved. I have a bit of a sensitive tummy, so the idea of trying something new can be frightening, (especially if I’m running far from home), but I didn’t have any kind of adverse reaction to the ENERGYbits®. A lot of other fueling products (protein bars, sports drinks and gels) are laden with additives and chemicals, all of which can lead to unwelcome issues. The peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about that makes ENERGYbits® keepers in my book.
Pricewise, ENERGYbits® come in at about $3.25 per 30-tab serving. This is comparable to single servings of energy drinks and protein bars and shakes. It is on the higher end, but ENERGYbits® are a quality product, so I think it’s worth it.
Want to give these algae tabs a try? Enter to win a sample of ENERGYbits®!
In the meantime, if you can’t wait and want to order some ENERGYbits® today, just enter the word “BLOG” into the coupon box when you place your order for 10% off any bag of bits.
This is a sponsored post for ENERGYbits®. I received one complimentary sample of ENERGYbits® for purposes of review, and ENERGYbits® will provide another sample for purposes of the above giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Giveaway ends July 20th, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST. Open to Residents of the US only. Winner will be notified by email and announced on www.runswithpugs.com. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. The product provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook and Twitter are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in the linked form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
They sound great! I usually just take a B12 or B complex when I’m dragging, but that only goes so far. Glad to hear you are getting back to your old self!
Kristen @ Medium Roast recently posted…Races, training & intern love.
Definitely for an energy boost before a long run. I’ve tried a sample before and they were excellent, it’s just hard to swallow (pun intended) the price tag for a full supply.
FiddleDeeAshley recently posted…June/July Runnerbox In-Depth Review and Giveaway
Can they be bought in the store? Whole foods? I need to try them.
Hey Jaycie! We’re only available at ENERGYbits.com
I’m so torn about trying these. I’ve been reading rave reviews. There’s another running blog I read that swears by sushi as his pre-race meal because of the seaweed and salt.
I think Energybits would really benefit my running, and High intensity interval training workouts. Lately I’ve been having low energy during my workouts. They feel sloppy and I could use a boost! It also helps me maintain my physique for dancing!
Mint D recently posted…13/15/2013
Progress thus far.
I would love to use these as an energy supplement. I currently take B complex vitamins and rely on my diet to provide me with protein, but these sound like a great pre-workout boost!
Jessica Johns recently posted…Healthier Popcorn Made With Coconut Oil (And a giveaway!)
I’ve been using Spirulina in my green drinks but the taste is really starting to bother me. I’m not sure if I’m using too much or if I just can’t handle it. Maybe these bits would be better for me!
Another product that I’m finding very interesting, but have never of (until now that is), so off to go google.
They actually sound like they would be an awesome product for long runs.
Matilda recently posted…Blogilates Recap
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I have heard of these…but never tried them. Swallowing 30 of them?? That just seems like a lot to me.
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…June Kona Kase Review
I have a sensitive tummy, too, so it’s glad to know they are easy on the digestion. I’m intrigued by something you can just swallow and not eat! I hate the taste of most energy things.
jan recently posted…Moonlight Chase 4 Miler
I’m glad to hear that they didn’t bother your tummy, since mine is sensitive, too… That’s good news! I’m always looking for fuel/energy supplements that don’t bother me.
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Top Ten Reasons to Follow a Runner’s Blog
It would be great for my workouts
I’m sensitive to caffeine, so these sound perfect! I was just searching online for all natural energy boosters, but didn’t find anything amazing. Then I read your review, and I think I’m sold. Even if I don’t win, I’m going to order some. Thanks!!
I’ve been wanting to try these!!!!
I loved my Energybits sample! I’m hoping to buy some once pay day rolls around 🙂
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…Pay It Forward
I work 50 hours a week, plus I’m in charge of my 2-year-old and 6-month-old every morning (I work at night). So I need all the help I can get energy-wise in order to make it through each day without crashing.
I’m really curious about these and would live try before I buy!
Ive been reading about these a lot lately. Good to hear an honest review. Thanks!
Thank you for the review. I have been hearing a lot about these especially for runners and people who workout in the kmorning or after work that need energy. This is my daily schedule and would love to try these to see if they improve my performance as well as give me more energy through out the day.
Thank you,
Shannon
Doing research on these myself! Would love to win sample! I follow on twitter both u and EnergyBits!
I am a professional beach volleyball player with a sensitive stomach, up to 5 matches a day, and always on the road to play. After reading about ENERGYbits, I need to try these!!!!!