Energy Bits Review and GIVEAWAY!

Hello friends! So, as you know I’ve been doing a bit of running lately – reaching my goals and setting new ones. What I may not have told you is that before these long runs, I took something called Energy Bits.

Now, at the sight of the name ‘energy’ you might assume that it has caffeine in it – and like most caffeine products, has a rush and a crash. Wrong! Energy bits are made of 100% organically grown spirulina algae.

Yes, that’s right – algae like the stuff that grows in ponds and lakes (clearly I didn’t pay much attention in biology). It’s known to be the most nutrient-dencse food in the world – having the highest concentration of protein, chlorophyll, beta carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins. Just one serving of Energy bits has 3 times the amount of protein in a steak.

Some of its health benefits include:

• Increased energy
• Reduced blood pressure
• Prevents muscle inflammation (omega-3)
• Prevents fatigue (iron)
• Replenish mineral imbalances (electrolytes)
• Build immune system (chlorophyll)

They have over 40 nutrients and are just 1 calorie per tab, with a recommended serving of 20-30 tabs. Spirulina is a nitrogen-based algae, and since nitric oxide opens up your blood vessels, it supplies a steady, natural flow of oxygen and nourishment to your brain and body. (That’s why they’re such a good pick-me-up)

A little history lesson..

Algae was first introduced to Asia and Japan during WW II by the American government to prevent mass starvation. The Japanese loved its protein and nutrient profile so much that they then spent a decade learning how to grow it for mass consumption and it is now a multibillion dollar industry in that country. They add it to virtually everything because it fortifies it with protein, omega-3, and antioxidants.

Algae has been sold in the USA for 50 years, but not well. That’s why the awareness of algae is so small – only some olympic athletes or elite groups like NASA are aware of it and its benefits. It is safe to use and is not a supplement. It is a crop!! It is not made in a lab – it is grown and harvested. 

Energy bits contain NO banned substanves or any other additional ingredients. They are great for anybody, whether you are active or not.

My review:

I took energy bits twice so far – a full serving before my first 5 mile run, and a half a serving yesterday for my second 5 mile run. My muscles didn’t feel as fatigued as they usually do, and I drank less water than I thought I would need – since I usually get really thirsty by the third mile, and that always slows me down/makes me want to stop. I truly do feel a difference in my energy level through these long runs, and I can’t wait to use Energy Bits again for my next run!

• They have a very green smell and taste – so take them like a pill, don’t chew them!!
• They are a little pricy, but for people who want a natural source of energy that won’t wreck their body, it’s definitely worth it.

Not only was the company kind enough to send me a sample to review, but they’re also allowing me to do a…. (drum roll please)

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Here’s the rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My first 5-mile run – reaching my goal

Hello folks! Hope you are all having a fantastic week. This past sunday, Kayla and I set out for a run – my longest run yet – just about 5 miles.

Anytime I run, I get a little nervous and excited beforehand. Some things I get nervous about are whether or not I’ll get too tired, or even if my sports bra will give me enough support. (valid concern, right?) I made sure to have some carbohydrates with my dinner to have energy for the longest run I’ve ever done. About 15 minutes before my run, I took some Energy Bits.  (review and giveaway to come soon! hint hint..the fact that I’m even able to post about a 5 mile run says that the definitely work!)

Starting out – Mile 1

We started our run around 8 pm. We did about a half a mile fast-walk for a warm up, and then began running. I had this little water-bottle fanny pack type thing since I feel like something that holds me back from running longer is getting really thirsty by mile 2/3.

About halfway through this first mile, we both really had to pee! Luckily we were approaching a restroom. The park we were running in had benches and water fountains along the path as well.

Mile 2

I felt much better after emptying my bladder! I kept my pace up and was still able to see Kayla in front of me. I had my music, my water bottles, hat, and the path in front of me. What more do you need in life? Except for maybe food, clothing, shelter…minor details. :p

Mile 3

At this point, I could barely see Kayla – partially because it was pretty dark out and because I can’t see crap without my glasses. I had made peace with the fact that Kayla is just able to run at a faster pace for longer distances – and that’s fine. She’s been running longer than I have, so I shouldn’t make myself resent running by pushing harder than I’m able to handle. That’s the whole idea behind the name of my blog – run 2 your own beat. I’ve always been different from others in some respect, and whenever I find myself getting frustrated at falling behind, I tell myself ‘run to your own beat’. I’m okay with not being the fastest – I just kept running, knowing that I’m doing something great for both my mind and my body. Also, it had gotten really dark out, so we were pretty scared!

Mile 4

Somewhere between miles 3 and 4, my right ankle would hurt every time I would step on it. I don’t know why, but I always get worried that I’m going to injur myself, especially when running on an uneven surface. Regardless, I still kept running. My pace had definitely slowed down, but I still kept running nonetheless. The only time I really stopped was to figure out where we were going.

Mile 5

By the time we hit mile 5, I have no idea what kept me going – mentally, that is. Part of it might have been the rape-y looking pick up truck that we passed during our last mile, or the fact that the fastest way to get this path done was to just keep running – and that I did. I wanted the run to be over because it was so dark out, and I wanted to contemplate what I had learned about myself through this experience.

I learned:

1. I should never run at night. Seriously, ever.
2. I am capable of running 5 miles non stop – eventually. Heck, I can run a half marathon too! All it takes is training, patience, and listening to my body.
3. I know that I am now able to run a full 5k without stopping, which means…I’ve accomplished my goal of running a 5k by the end of the summer!!!
4. I want to get my distance pace up a little bit. Right now, it’s around 6.3 mph (ish) and I’d like it to be closer to 7 mph consistently throughout a run.

I’m so thrilled to be able to say that I ran 5 miles. The feeling right after I finished is almost emotional. I was never a runner – even when I played field hockey as a kid, I played goalie because I didn’t like running very much. Then in middle school, I could never keep up with the other girls on the team who were much more athletic than me. I’m still astounded that I am able to push my body further than I ever thought possible.

Keep an eye out for my post with the Energy Bits review and giveaway 🙂

Questions for you:

What are your current fitness goals?

How do you push yourself to achieve them daily, and long-term?

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