ENERGYbits review and giveaway

I’ve been hearing about ENERGYbits for months, but I really wasn’t sure what to expect.

I knew the bits are 100% Spirulina algae – and a power food with more than 60% protein. In short, it means consumed ENERGYbits quickly turn to glucose after taken…. And as a result give you a steady stream of energy sans chemicals.

I knew they were completely natural – organic, vegan and gluten-free. All of which really appealed to me since so many seemingly healthy products add chemicals or sugar to the mix.

And I knew people raved about them.

Enter the ENERGYbits social media team, who were kind enough to provide me a sample to try and a second sample FOR ONE LUCKY READER! (More on that below.)

My sample tin contained enough bits for two tests.

20130630-205238.jpgENERGYbits in my hot little hand

I decided to test two scenarios – a long run and at the start of a potentially long work day. After all, these would likely be two scenarios I’d be using said bits.

I tested both out last week, and I wasn’t disappointed.

A serving size of ENERGYbits is about 30 tabs. Each bit is a speck smaller than an Advil. They went down pretty easily for me when chased by water. I split them into two handfuls.

On the run
I swallowed a handful of bits at about 30 minutes before my long run last weekend, a hilly 6-miler in Mendon Ponds Park in suburban Rochester, NY. Since this was my first attempt in swallowing bits before exercising, I was a little concerned they might not stay down. (They did, for the record.)

I knew I’d need a little extra oomph as I ran Saturday since I tackled rolling hills with my running pal Traci and a large community running group. For me, it was the first week of my fall marathon training plan, hence the short mileage.

We headed off and I felt great. I was chatty, which as my running pals know, is a sure sign that I am feeling strong.

As we hit the halfway point of our route, I was still feeling fantastic! I was strong, steady and on a mission. I actually passed our group’s pacer twice. He politely  reeled me back in with some wit and a smile.

Once finished, I was still feeling good. Yes, of course I felt like I ran 6 miles, but I felt as though I could keep running. Since the skies were about to open up, we drove back home. And the skies opened up moments later.

I had an abundance of energy though, so I ran errands!

On the job
I ate the bits at the start of what ended up being a rather long work day. I’d love to tell you I has super strength and laser-like focus all day, but I’d be fibbing. I DID however, not feel tired or interested in a second cup of coffee. I also didn’t snack all morning. I felt very full, which is not my norm.

Ask my colleagues, I’m a snacker.

So… score two for the bits.

bitsA tin of bits, hanging on my keyboard

I was pleased with my test experiments and am definitely planning to buy more ENERGYbits. The lone drawback is the price. It’s $115 for a bag of 1,000 tabs. That said, that settles out at 33 servings of bits for about $3.50 per serving.

When I do the math it seems way more reasonable.

Plus, discount codes are aplenty. For a 10% discount, type BLOG into coupon box at checkout.

Still too rich for your blood? The company offers a sampling program. Just reach out to them via Twitter and tell them of your interests (and that the Scoot A Doot chicks sent you). Or send a note to Jonathan at jlevitt AT ENERGYbits.com and he’ll share the details.

The giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a sample tin of ENERGYbits. Just click on the Rafflecopter image below to enter.

rafflecopterenergybits

Click the pic to enter

Scoot a Doot’s ENERGYbits giveaway begins 7/2/13 and ends 7/10/13 at midnight. Winner will need to provide their name, address and email to us so we may pass it along to ENERGYbits.

What do you eat for fuel before a long run? Have you ever tried eating algae? Tell us in the comments!

40 thoughts on “ENERGYbits review and giveaway

    • I wish you could’ve seen me with the calculator Heather. it was hilarious! And definitely reach out to them via email. They may provide a free sample pack. And who doesn’t like that?

  1. I’m training for a sprint distance triathlon and am just starting to need to find foods I can eat along the way. I’m interested in giving these a try!

    • There are definitely days (when I cover major breaking news) where I don’t have any chance to eat. This would totally save me! Those all sound like great uses

  2. Did you say that there are 30 pills to a serving? I would be worried that it would take me forever (and a gallon of water) to get those down. I’m not a great pill-taker. I have been curious about spirulina for a while though. hmmmmmm

    • Yes, the company suggests you take at least 30 pills before exercise. I was worried about swallowing them (read: gagging down) too but I wasn’t hard at all. I did it with two handfuls and several mouthfuls of water. Not a problem

    • its not a dumb question at all! I didn’t chew them, I swallowed them with water. I may try chewing one (just to see) once I order a new bag. I’m curious too….

      I can tell you that they do smell a bit like algae.

  3. I usually just eat a banana. Since I started drinking Nuun I haven’t had to refuel on runs of 8 miles. However anything longer and I usually have a cliff mocha gel with caffeine with water. I would love to win the energybits. I do think they are a little pricey so winning some would be a great way to try them!!! I am always looking for something that is better and natural to use on runs!

    • In my past training I always ate a banana or PB toast before long runs. They seemed to work well for me- some days better than others. Am curious to see if the bits might step up my game. Time will tell! And yes, a sample tin is the best way to try them out 🙂

  4. I usually fuel for long runs with Honey Stinger chews. Gels give me the icks, and I tried Clif Shot Bloks, but they upset my stomach. I’d love to give the bits a shot!

    • My running partner Gary loves the Honey Stinger chews. I just bought some to try out as well. (and I’m not a huge fan of Cliff blocks either. I ended up using them while hiking. They were fine, just BIG)

  5. I generally only have trouble with energy in the late afternoon and early evening, and those usually aren’t times that I run or work out. But I do struggle with being hungry frequently, so I snack a lot (greek yogurt, bananas and other fruit, healthy snack bars) throughout the day. These definitely sound interesting as a way to keep hunger at bay while also getting protein. For my long runs, I’ve only tried gels so far, but I’m doing a lot of experimenting to see what works best for me.

    • I’m a snacker too but it sounds like you’re a much healthier snacker than me! (hellloooo, vending machine fritos! my downfall.) Best wishes on the giveaway Ben! and good luck on your run tomorrow!

  6. Most energetic? Usually right after a workout! I’m just wound from the adrenaline. So for me, that’s mid-morning by the time I’m done. Least energetic? About 2-3 in the afternoon, before I get my nighttime second wind after dinner, much to my girlfriend’s chagrin

  7. I am usually most energetic after my morning coffee (there is a two hour window with lots of energy). I would love to try these on a long run especially for the two marathons I am currently training for. Great giveaway!!

    • Oh yes, I am with you on the coffee. I love coffee way more than I should ever admit. Which two marathons are you training for (and wow!! impressive!)

  8. If they are 60% protein, they don’t quickly turn to glucose. That is actually the benefit of a protein source over a gel. Not sure where you got that information 😉

  9. Never tried algae before but I want to try new options, the caffeinated gels are messing up with my tummy. I am trying out the cliff gels non caffeinated RAZ and that has been good so far.

  10. Pingback: We have an ENERGYbits winner…and ambassador! | Scoot A Doot

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