When I started running competitively a few years ago, I began experimenting with different energy gels to get ready for my first marathon. I found a few that I liked and some that worked noticeably well. In others words, after taking the gel I really felt the surge of energy. I continued and, still to this day, use these gels for marathons. But, lately, I’ve found that I need to combine the gels that give me a “sugar spike” with a more sustained energy to carry me all the way to the finish line without a crash towards the end of the race.
In addition, I also suffer from chronic migraine disease and one of the triggers for me is too much refined sugar. Most gels contain those sugars as some the first ingredients. From what I have been told by my neurologist, and have read in many articles, inflamation can induce a migraine attack. Refined sugar has been thought to cause inflamation and so avoiding too much sugar for someone who suffers from migraines is essetial in keeping them under control. After researching different sources of fuel for endurance events, I found Chocolate #9 Agave Slo-Burn Energy the only certified low glycemic index energy gel. I have been using this product for about eight month’s now and could not be happier. My migraines are much less severe and infrequent and, while I am doing a multitude of things to control them, I am confident that these gels have contributed to my success.
Not only are they good for migraine sufferer’s but essential for diabetics, people trying to maintain and control their weight, and anyone who wants to reduce inflamation…who wouldn’t want to do that? Reducing inflamation increases recovery time and overall health and well being. Because they are slo-burn energy, the company claims, and I agree, that you are less likely to “bonk” on an endurance event.
Here are just a few of the highlights of Chocolate #9 energy gels from the company…
1. Sweetened only with organic agave
2. Contains no refined sugar or high glycemic index sweeteners
3. Reduces negative effects of repetitive insulin “spiking” during sustained excercise
4. Suitable for most diabetics- used by Team Type 1
5. Is vegan, low fat and gluten free
6. Tastes great
7. Contains no mystery ingredients, colorings, or preservatives
8. Less Stomach distress
Another major reason I love Chocolate #9 it is so palatable that I often use it pre- and post run on a variety of “real” food. Here are some examples…
1. Spread on a whole wheat bagel with sliced bananna’s.
2. Over plain greek yogurt
3. On a waffle with peanut butter
4. In a protein shake
5. On crepes…. “Strawberry, Chocolate #9 and creme fraiche crepes”
and many more recipes… If you’re interested in seeing them, please comment below.
Here are a few photos of my pre-run fuel….
So, enough of the review and on to the good stuff! The good people at Chocolate #9 have sent me a box of 15 gels for one lucky reader to win! All you have to do is “like” the Run Wiki Facebook page. Follow runwiki on Twitter and, let me know you did both in the comment section below this post. That will enter you into a random drawing on January 8, 2012. If you re-post on your Facebook page you will be entered twice..so SHARE the news about free chocolate! Now is the perfect time to start trying energy gels for spring marathons and it is so easy to enter… but, if you would rather just buy a box for yourself, you can do that right here… Chocolate #9 Agave Energy Gel
