review

I read about PocketFuel on a blog. They are GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN, SOY-FREE, CORN-FREE and made from 100% natural, WHOLE FOOD ingredients.

I checked and they don’t sell them in my area. I hate to order things online if I am not sure if I will like them. So I emailed PocketFuel and asked them when PocketFuel would be in my area.

Guess what? They sent me a whole bunch to try.

What is PocketFuel?

PocketFuel Nut Butter blends are made from 100% natural, whole food ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. Each blend is a slow burning, easy to digest fuel providing a natural & sustained energy boost to help your body to thrive and reach its maximum potential…

These blends are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

They are also a rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and sodium. These electrolytes are absorbed efficiently into the bloodstream, speeding fluid to your cells to refuel, rehydrate and replenish your body. Quick absorption is essential for warding off fatigue, cooling the body and achieving peak performance

The nut butter blends come in these flavors:

Crunchy Banana Blueberry
Chunky Coconut Cherry
Chocolate Espresso
Chia Goji & Honey
Pineapple Coconut
Chocolate Smackaroon
Chocolate Haze
Vanilla Haze

PocketFuel has also released another product – the Cold Brew Coffee Energy Shots. They are available in three flavors – Vanilla, Mocha and Java.

So during my 8 mile run on Sunday, I decided to try one of the Pocket Fuel nut butter blends. I chose Vanilla Haze.

Before using the fuel, you’re told to “Squish and Squeeze”, which really is a great advice – it loosens up the consistency a bit and makes it really easy to “eat” even on the go with no water around.

It tasted great. And it went down really easy. I had no problems digesting it. (This is very important with fueling during a long run or race.)

PocketFuel comes in 4 different sizes – 1.15 oz, 1.8oz, 3oz and 20oz. I brought the 1.15oz packet along for a my run – fit perfectly in the pocket of my jacket. (It would also fit in my race belt or skirt and shorts pocket.)

The 1.8, 3 and 20 oz pouches are flexible, durable and comes with a screw lid which makes it possible to reseal the pouches and save some for later. The pouches are also reusable – just wash the pouch and fill it up with more Pocket Fuel from a 20oz pouch of your favorite flavor. Pocket Fuel is obviously thinking about reducing waste with their slogan being: “Reduce – Reuse – Refuel.”

I have only used PocketFuel while out running, but I could see it used before playing tennis, going for a hike or walk and any activity where you need energy. They taste so good!! I would eat them as a snack and/or fuel for all my runs except that I don’t actually need fuel for short runs. You could combine with a banana or a bagel or add them to a protein shake.

I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

If you are interested in knowing more about PocketFuel Naturals, check them out on their website, on Facebook, Instagram or connect with them on Twitter.

If you would like to try PocketFuel, I am willing to share these two:

Enter below using Rafflecopter. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Running! Have you tried PocketFuel? What is your favorite fuel for running?

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Disclaimer: I was sent samples of PocketFuel for free, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone and they have not been controlled or influenced by PocketFuel or anyone else.

As previously discussed, energy gels are my preferred choice of fuel when I run. I usually take one before any run that is longer than 40 minutes. If I am running a half marathon, I carry them with me to take during the race.

During my first 5 half marathons & training runs, I only bought GU (vanilla or chocolate). During my 6th half marathon & trainings, I tried Power Bar gel and Cliff Shot gel and although they are more liquidy, I do like them too.

Recently, I read about Huma Chia Energy gel on a blog but could not find it in a store. So I contacted the company. They sent me samples and asked me to write a review.

First a little background on how Huma Chia Energy Gel is different than the others.

GREAT-TASTING

ALL-NATURAL

TRADITION

So Huma sent me 2 samples. I tried the Strawberries first before a 4 mile run and then the Apple-Cinnamon during a 5 mile run.

I liked them both. They tasted good. I preferred the Apple-Cinnamon. But I had no digestion problems with either of them.

It is hard to say if they gave me more or less energy. I would have to do the same run at the same time. Every run feels different (so many factors figure into a good or bad run.)

POSITIVES:

all natural ingredients (this is an important one)
the taste
no caffeine (if using later in the day)

NEGATIVES:

cost – more expensive than the others
availability – not available in all states so you have to order online (& pay $4.99 shipping)
flavors – only 2 (and not my favorites)
does not contain caffeine (which I often need in the am before a race)

So if you are looking for a healthy alternative to your current energy gel, I would advise you to try Huma!!

Happy Running! Have you tried these gels? If so, what do you think?

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**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. I contacted Huma and they provided me with two samples of Huma chia energy gel to try for my honest opinion.