Neal's Meals: Food Favorites from our Staff

Hopefully, on our last post on how to choose ride nutrition we drove the point home that there are endless options to be had. So, to help out a little, we asked some members of our staff to give their favorite nutritional items. Like I said before, everybody's stomach is different but this might give you a little insight into a few products.

Staff Favorite : EFS

"Electrolytes are especially important during the summers here in Florida. Having a mix with a high concentration of Sodium and Potassium without a ton of sugar or calories keeps my stomach happy and energy levels consistent. If you have issues with cramping on long rides, this is definitely worth a try!" - Neal, bike sales & nutrition guru

Across the board, everybody in the store uses or has used EFS products. Be it exclusively, or in combination with other supplements, this product gets nothing but praises from all our staff. One of the best things about it, is they make a full line of products, from drink mixes and gels to recovery powders.

For more info on our favorite product, click here

Accel Gel
Jason's favorite

"Accel Gel tastes better and has a better consistancy than other gels I've tried. To me, it's all about the flavor." - Jason, floor manager 

Accelgel contains their patented 4:1 carbs/protein ratio, which aids in getting the energy into your body faster. It also is an all natural product so it is a little less of a question as to what you're really digesting.


Hammer Fizz
Kim's Favorite

"Hammer doesn't put artificial ingredients in their products. The fizzes are a good variety and the added kick it gives makes me want to drink more and stay hydrated." - Kim, bike sales

Hammer is a staple in nutritional supplement world. The Fizz product shows how they got there. A small capsule you drop into your water which, like an alcaseltzer, fizzes to blend with the water (hence the name). This not only infuses your water with electrolytes but reduces cramping and adds a little bit of a, "kick" as Kim puts it, which can make an energy blend more exciting to drink. Also, all Hammer products are kosher and the fizzes are gluten free as well as vegan friendly.

For more information on Hammer Fizz, click here

ProBar Bolt Chews
Mel's Favorite

"It's yummy! and they work with my gluten-free diet." - Mel, apparel/accessory specialist

ProBar products look like they might challenge EFS for the top pick soon. The Bolt series from Probar is full of electrolytes  complex carbs, B vitamins and caffeine from yerba mate. All ProBar products are organic. You can literally see the nuts and berries within the bar itself!

For more information about ProBar products, click here

Recoverite
Thijs' Favorite

"I tried different recovery methods and most of them upset my stomach. I have a sensitive digestive system and Recoverite never messes me up. Throw some chocolate Recoverite, whole milk and ice cream in a blender and have yourself a nice cool down after a ride." Thijs, fit tech & bike sales

Recoverite is completely dedicated to after-ride nutrition. Making sure your body has the fuel it needs to rebuild is the focus of their 3:1 carb/protein ratio. This mix also works on boosting the immune system during the body's rebuilding.
Also, falling in the long line of many of the Hammer products, no artificial flavors, colors or added sweeteners.

For more information on Hammer's Recoverite, click here

Skratch
Andrew's Favorite

"If I take in too many carbs and sugars I start feeling like I ate a brick. Skratch's mantra of 'don't drink your food' helps me stay away from the upset stomach while still getting nutrients in my body." Andrew, fit tech & bike sales

Skratch is a fairly new product that has gained a large pro rider following. Developed by Allen Lim, PhD and Biju Thomas (pro cyclist chef), they began a different mantra than most drink mix's follow. But don't bother reading what I have to say, I'll let Allen Lim show you!


For more information about Skratch products, click here

Honorable Mention: Clif

Clif Products were another nutrition line that many of our staff hold in high regard. All Clif products have been organic for 10 years. They are dedicated to being a low-impact business that is very open about what you are putting in your body. This makes learning your limits much easier.
I like to think that the commitment to organic products is why their food tastes so good but I don't know for sure. One thing I do know, is as far as nutritional supplements and health food goes, it's delicious!

For more information on Clif products, click here




Hopefully all our insight helps find your preference. If you still have questions, stop by the shop and talk to our staff! Everybody has a story of bonking or feeling great on a ride and most the time, it's because of something they ate.