All posts in NUTRITION

HDX Hydration Mix | Tested

by IBD Staff on February 18, 2013 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with

hdx hydration mix

HDX Hydration Mix, Healthy & Natural Powdered Beverage Drink

HDX Hydration mix is a powdered beverage drink mix made with natural ingredients that include electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to keep you hydrated. All you have to do is tear open a pack and throw it into your water bottle and enjoy. HDX is diabetic friendly with only 5 grams of sugar, it’s gluten free, and contains about 25 calories per pack. It tastes great, the not overly sweet flavor quenches your thirst, without that sticky feeling in your mouth afterwards.

HDX is a great option for those looking for an alternative to water, soda and especially Gatorade. You can throw it into a bottle while your out riding the cruiser or sitting at your computer. As for keeping you hydrated, who knows. Not to sure how you would accurately measure that without a lab and a few scientists anyway. Most serious cyclists, and mtb’s are going to shy away from using HDX during rides, only because it’s has so few calories. With that being said, carrying a few for emergency works, or mixing up a bottle after a ride.

HDX seems to have a solid platform, and they don’t make any outlandish claims to be the perfect drink mix. So, if you’re looking for something new, give HDX Hydration mix a try, it may be exactly what you’re looking for. Thanks to the crew at HDX for sending us some to test out.

If you would like more information on HDX, please visit HDXmix.com

FRS Energy Shot

by IBD Staff on October 20, 2012 in NUTRITION with



Portable and convenient, these small-in-stature shots provide big results of sustained energy. Take as a shot or add to water for the perfect boost anywhere.

Orange
Enjoy the refreshing taste of fresh squeezed oranges in this Orange Healthy Energy shot that is thirst quenching, energy sustaining and packed full of immunity boosting antioxidants.

Low Cal Peach
Enjoy the creamy smoothness of fresh-picked peaches in a Healthy Energy shot that features all the benefits of powerful antioxidants and performance enhancing sustained energy.

Check out FRS.com for more information.

Proanox

by IBD Staff on October 2, 2012 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with



It’s always challenging to write reviews on sports supplements, with so many options on the market and every company claiming to have the perfect blend of “stuff” to help you perform at a higher level. Where does on even begin? Well, I keep it simple, only try products with all natural ingredients. That way if the product doesn’t work, no harm no fowl.

On my quest to find the “perfect supplement” I came across ProAnox, a supplement company that takes the natural path to supplementation. Their product uses all natural botanical products and no genetic engineering, and comes in little individual packages containing capsules. Each pack contains nine capsules, which represent one dosage. ProAnox recommends that athletes take one packet in the morning and one in the later afternoon with or without food. The system is what ProAnox calls “Extreme Antioxidant Systems” which is an anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant, and mitochondrial biogenetic product all wrapped into one. No protein, only one gram of sugar (per serving), one carb (per serving), and 28 calories and all natural.

I tested out ProAnox for 30 days, and didn’t feel any noticeable improvements. My energy did not increase, nor did my strength, nor did it shorten my recovery time. Taking 18 capsules daily was hard to swallow (literally and physically), plus feeling bloated and retaining water was not very pleasant either. ProAnox just didn’t work for me. That being said, ProAnox does seem to have an honorable platform, and doesn’t make any ridiculous claims to overnight success. So, if you’re supplement shopping, give ProAnox a look or two, it’s all natural, they’re great to work with, and it may give you the edge you have been looking for.

If you would like more information, please visit Proanox.com. Thanks again to the crew at ProAnox for allowing me to test out their product.

Skratch Labs

by IBD Staff on September 27, 2012 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with



What’s in your bottle?
Today, every cyclist seems to have a different mixture of “stuff” in their bottles. I even fall into that group, it use to be just water, then water and a shot of oj (for taste), and even the dreaded Gatorade (talk about a sugar high), even tablets and various powders. Each mixture leaving me feeling like crap during or after my rides… de-hydrated, stomach cramps, gas, etc. Not to mention most of those products are full of artificial ingredients, chemicals and tons of sugar.

So… when I heard about Skratch Labs drink mix, and how it was made with real all-natural ingredients and tasted great, I knew it was time to try some. I dropped the crew at Skratch an email and they were kind enough to send me, a pound of Lemons & Limes mix, a dozen or so single sticks of various flavors and their glass storage jar, thanks guys. The next day I mixed up my water with Skratch “secret drink mix” and head out on 80 mile ride. Here’s how it went:

First off, Skratch labs tastes great, it’s not too sweet, and didn’t leave my mouth feeling sticky from all the sugar ( only 9 grams of sugar per serving). It also did a fantastic job of keeping me hydrated.

Second, it was easy on the stomach. No gas, or blotting, during or after the ride, which was a relief. I hate being uncomfortable on long rides, it make them so much longer and harder.

Third, it tastes great, which for me, is the most important and worth repeating. I have a hard time drinking something that tastes bad, and I’m sure most of you do too.

Bottom line is, Skratch Labs drink mix works great and is worth looking into if you have encountered some of the same ill-effects with other options available on the market. Great product, Skratch will be in my bottles from now on.

For more information, visit SkratchLabs.com and order some for yourself.

Achiva Energy

by IBD Staff on August 28, 2012 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with



In today’s market there’s no shortage of energy drinks, gels, and powders, the shelves at your local bike shop are loaded with options. So, what do you choose… how do you know what works and what’s a gimmick? Well, I hate to tell you that there is no easy answer. I can tell you, that I prefer products that are natural and have the healthiest ingredients… no whey… no artificial sweeteners… no artificial colors.

That’s where Achiva Energy comes in, their a “convenient natural energy” company, that produces a line of energy drinks and beans using a special mixture of chai seed, coconut water powder, unrefined demerara sugar, and other natural flavors.

The Test:
Ride every day, 150 miles for the week, alternating between road and mtb. Try each product individually and see what happens.

The Results:
The energy drink, which comes in a powder form is to be consumed 15-30 mins prior to your workout and once added to water takes about ten minutes to set up. Set up?? Yes, once set, the water has what I call a “gritty tapioca consistency” which is actually very tasty and easy on the stomach. The flavor is just right… not too bland… not too sweet, come in few different flavors and produce no gasy or bloated feeling which was great. However, I was not able to feel any benefits of the drink either. No increased energy or edge while riding.

That being said, I did have more success with the beans. Instructions for the beans are as follows; consume one pack with 8-12 ounces of water every 45-60 minutes. The beans come in a variety of flavors, and remind you of a soft sugary coated jelly bean. Very tasty, and again easy on the stomach. Following the instructions, the beans provided me a noticeable increase in energy, especially when climbing. It felt like I had an extra kick or burst of energy that was not there before. I will be packing these little energy beans on future rides, they are small and fit perfectly in your shirt pocket.

Recap:
I believe Achiva Energy makes a great product… it’s natural, with no artificial flavors or colors. It does contain some sugar, but it’s un-refined, which I’m ok with. If you looking to make a change from your current energy drink, or want to try something different, check out Achiva Energy. Thanks again to the crew at Achiva Energy for the samples, I’ll have to order some more beans.

For more information, head over to AchivaEnergy.com.

Vega, Electrolyte Hydrator

by IBD Staff on July 14, 2012 in NUTRITION with

PUSH HARDER, LAST LONGER… TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.



Electrolyte Hydrator provides immediate and sustained energy, hydration and electrolyte replenishment. It is a natural, alkaline-forming drink mix, free from sugar and artificial sweeteners, and is formulated with all the essential electrolytes your body needs to stay hydrated during workouts. Best of all, it has zero calories, and tastes great. Just add to your water bottle and go!

Electrolyte Hydrator is plant based and an essential part of the Vega Sport system, which provides you with Prepare (Pre-workout supplement), Sustain ( During workout supplement), and Recover (Post-workout supplement).

For more information on Vega Sport system visit VegaSport.com

Uber

by IBD Staff on July 2, 2012 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with



It’s Sweet. It’s Salty. It has big pieces of fruits and nuts. It’s Uber!!

The folks over at LÄRABAR, believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat. And what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it’s in a whole, natural state. Their newest offering is a delicious fruit and nut bar called Uber.

Kudos to the creative genius(s) at Larabar, the Uber is by far the tastiest energy bar we’ve eaten to date. The perfect blend of sweet fruit and salty nuts, makes for a healthy and wholesome snack while out riding. Uber is available in four great flavors… Banana’s Foster, Cherry Cobbler, Roasted Nut Roll, and our favorite Apple Turnover. Each bar has around 200 calories, 20 or so carbs, plenty of protein, and uses all natural ingredients. So, be sure to add Uber to your grocery list, you won’t be disappointed.

Want more info? Head over to Larabar.com

Larabar

by IBD Staff on June 14, 2012 in NUTRITION, REVIEWS with



Are you looking for an alternative to sucking down gels during your ride? Why not endulge in a healthy energy bar that tastes great. Larabar produces a line of bars made from 100% real food… all gluten free, with a few vegan and kosher options too. Don’t be fooled by their size, with an average of 200 calories, 20+ carbs and 5 or so grams of protein, Larabars are sure to satisfy the hungriest of beasts. Throw a few in your camelbak next time you hit the trails, or stuff four or five in that lil’ jersey pocket. Keep fueled and enjoy the ride with Larabars, we do!

For more information about the original fruit and nut food bar visit LaraBar.com, tell them IBikeDaily.com sent ya.