ENERGYbits Review & Giveaway!!

I'm doing the Elf 4 Health Challenge (which I will detail in a post tomorrow) and today's challenge is "Pay It Forward."  So, what better way to pay it forward than hosting a giveaway!!

ENERGYbits sent me a sample of their very unique, new product to try.  They also sent me a TON of information on the product.  Here's some of the highlights I found interesting:

• no caffeine, chemicals, or sugar, or any artificial substances
• 1 calorie per tab
• ONE ingredient - organically grown spirulina algae
• 64% protein - they are a FOOD, not a supplement

Right when I read about ENERGYbits, I was super excited to try because of the no-calorie aspect.  I'm a girl, what do you expect?  There is nothing else that offers as much no nutrition and protein for so few calories.  If you've been reading my blog while I was training for the Chicago Marathon, you'll probably know that I really do love my chocolate-flavored GU Energy Gel because it's like having dessert while running and tastes delicious.  However, even though I've been fairly lucky with it, I am still nervous every time I take a GU gel while running because I never know what effect it will have on my stomach due to all the sugar.  ENERGYbits provide a constant steady stream of energy without stomach distress.

I was sent a sample of about 75 bits.  The instructions said to take a least 30 as one serving, which I did the first time, right before a normal 6 mile run.  With 45 left, I decided to spread the remaining bits across 2 runs - another normal run and the Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot.  In retrospect, I probably should've tried to use the 45 all right before one run to see a bigger effect.

One evening right after getting home from work, I pulled out all my ENERGYbits information, read it carefully, and took the bits as instructed - swallow a serving of 30 bits with water about 15-20 minutes before the workout, do not chew.  Actually, you can chew them but it's not advisable due to the taste.  After opening the can and getting a whiff of the bits, I made sure to swallow them as quickly as possible.  They smelled very strongly of seaweed/algae.

I chose this night to try the ENERGYbits because I was STARVING when I got home from work.  And as the information said, the bits are actually food and contain protein, which I figured should help with my hunger.  My stomach was still rumbling and grumbling for about the first mile of my run, but that soon subsided.  I think that is definitely attributable to the bits because normally when I get hungry during a run, there's no stopping my stomach until I get food in it!

The second time I tried ENERGYbits was a similar situation.  After work, I was going to meet a friend for dinner at 8pm.  I managed my snacking a little better throughout the day, so I wasn't STARVING by the time I finished work at 5pm, but I was still hungry and didn't want to eat a real meal because I needed to run and wanted to save my appetite for dinner anyways.  I really was not looking forward to this run because it was one of the first considerably colder days in Chicago and I was worn out - who isn't at 5pm after a workday?  But I took about 25 ENERGYbits and headed out in the cold for a 6 mile run.  I also hadn't ran in a few days, so I thought this run would be even more difficult.

But when I got out there on the lake path, I felt like a new person.  I was proud of myself for just getting out in the cold after work to get the run done.  I noticed I had a considerably higher level of energy than right when I had gotten home from work and even wanted to continue to run longer, but I couldn't cancel my dinner plans.

I saved about 20 bits for before the Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot last weekend.  This wasn't as much as the recommended amount to take, but I still think it helped.  I meant to also bring a GU Energy gel with me for during the race, but of course I forgot it at home.  I didn't end up taking any type of food or supplements during the race, so I am glad I had the ENERGYbits beforehand!  If I hadn't taken those and had no fuel along the race course, I really would've been in trouble.  I'm still not sure if I'll be able to swallow the bits WHILE running, but I suppose it's something I'll have to try in the future!

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If you'd like to buy your own ENERGYbits, you can use the code BLOG to receive 10% off!!  But you can also WIN a sample right now!!  Here's how to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (each way will get you 1 entry, for up to 4 entries per person):

1 - Leave a comment below telling me what you use to fuel before or during your workouts.  If you aren't a runner/worker-outter, just tell me your favorite food :)

2 - Follow me on Twitter and/or like the CSmith Run Facebook page and specify that you did (or already do) in your comment.

3 - Tweet "I want to win a sample of @ENERGYbits from @CSmith_Run! #PoweredByBits"

*Entries must be submitted by 11:59PM Wednesday 12/11.  Winner will be chosen at random and announced Thursday 12/12.


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Every week ENERGYbits has a Twitter chat and you can join Tuesdays at 8pm EST.   See below for the info on tonight's chat and use the hashtag #PoweredByBits.

GOOD LUCK!!