I was getting some #Inspirational from Ashley of The Pavement Princess and Linz of See Sharp Run on Twitter one night when @EnergyBits joined in the fun. I commented I could use a bit of energy and they offered to give me a sample. Of course I said YES, I LOVE free stuff and have been intrigued by the Green Bits of Spirulina Algae.
A few years ago I heard all about the benefits of Algae as a super food and was excited to try energybits – 100% organic spirulina algae tablets. Yeah that is it, no other ingredients, just pure algae. With my family’s heart history, I am always looking for ways to get my plant based healthy proteins and at 1 calorie a bit, that is a total win for someone trying to drop some weight like me, or anyone just watching weight!
WHY ALGAE YOU ASK? The energybits website has you covered! Read here…. Some amazing stuff – really, read it if you are at all intrigued. Its been around and used by tens of millions of people in Asia for over 50 years and Olympic athletes and NASA astronauts rely on algae for nutrition and energy needs.
What kind of stuff do you get from Algae you ask? Here you go – holy cow packed full of goodness.
Just a handful of these bits give a person all the nutrition and protein they need for one day – in a heart healthy plant based form.
While these bits are little pill looking thingies, they are NOT a supplement, it is a FOOD. What is “food”? – well its grown and harvested in nature, not made in a lab like supplements are. The algae used in energybits is grown organically and harvested, just like other crops. The bits contain NOTHING else but algae.
From the info I got from energybits with my sample, these bits are rapidly becoming the fuel of choice for runners, athletes or anyone who wants to be energized naturally – without sugar, caffeine, chemicals or other ingredients giving some stomach distress. They have the highest concentration of protein in the world and claim to deliver a steady stream of energy.
I got my bits and laid them out on my Waterford since hey its food you know, just to get an idea of the daily suggested dose of 30. They come with a tin you can take with you and count out your daily dose.
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| Don’t be alarmed. This is a DESSERT plate, size of a saucer plate. |
I have to say, when I opened up my tin, I smelled the sea. I am not saying it was overwhelming or made me ill – that was just was my reaction. You see I was a tad hesitant to try. I do NOT like “fishy tasting fish” or some sushi with a stronger fish taste – if that makes sense. I once tried Trader Joes Roasted Seaweed and ICK…it had that taste of the sea I don’t like.
The suggestion for the energybits is to swallow them – that its an “acquired taste”, though they claim some chew them like nuts. I had one bit that was broken and decided to chew it…ICK! Hey, I was warned and I smelled them. My teeth turned green, but that went away quickly with some water. Now you have to swallow 30 bits so here is a comparison of size next to my glucosamine, a shiny penny and well an Ibuprofen tablet. Really they aren’t big.
I work at preschool and decided to take 10 at snack time to see if it would stave off that desire I have to munch on the processed stuff moms tend to bring to our classroom. It worked, I was not hungry and had no desire to eat the mini blueberry muffins or cheezits served up that day. I was kind of blah that day mood wise and I noticed on my drive home I had had a definite mood swing – UP in a good way. I was feeling good and ready to run. That was the most surprising thing to me, I mean I think I put the good stuff in my body and it was happy AND then I was happy. I swallowed 20 more bits on my way home to prepare for my run – I did like 5 at a time with water no problem.
Got home did 50 squats for my monthly squat challenge and changed into my running stuff and hit the road. I run intervals – 1 minute run, 1 minute walk and decided to tackle the hills in our neighborhood – normally a route I avoid. I did about 4 miles and maintained ALL my intervals…not once did I decide to walk during a run interval – even up hill. My pace was good considering it was in the upper 70’s and I had not been training much due to trying to heal my tendinitis. My breathing still not perfect, granted not used to hills, but my legs felt strong. I was also really concentrating on my form and strike, not thinking I was ready to be done. I had no issues with my foot or ankle after the run. None. Normally I avoid the hills in my neighborhood because they affect my feet and ankle and I can get shin splints, but that did not happen. I did a total of 220 squats that day too, which I had no issues with getting done.
I was worried about burping up that fishy taste, you know like can happen when you take a Fish Oil Gel Cap….NEVER HAPPENED.
The next day I had NO soreness….in my calves, shins, ankle, quads or hips from the squats. That was surprise #2. Usually after my hilly runs, my shins are a bit sore to the touch – NOT AT ALL this time.
Fast forward 2 days…this run I was very tired on the hills…I for certain did NOT have as much energy. Pace was about the same, but I stopped on one interval to walk up the hill, cuz “I just didn’t feel like I had it in me”. Also, did 230 squats that day. I was sore after the run AND the next day.
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| Thumbs Up! |
SO Cliffnote version, I do believe they made a difference. Enough that I am definitely going to incorporate them into my running. I mean I am no elite athlete, just a 48 year old mom trying to get in shape and maintain my heart health – a middle of the pack start waive kind of gal. Fueling the body with good stuff to help energize and feed the body what it needs, is a no brainer for me. I have been trying to move towards more whole and natural foods and ingredients, this certainly fits the bill. I had a great run on them AND that day was not craving any junk. I didn’t overeat and dare I say, I noticed a mood shift.
WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE you ask? I got 2…..
Downside #1. These are not cheap.
Health comes with a cost now doesn’t it but then again, the only cheap food out there is the over processed unhealthy stuff. And maintaining health now outweighs costly medical bills later. The GOOD NEWS, I can save you 10% on the purchase price! Just enter the word “BLOG” into the coupon box and a discount will be instantly applied. For pricing and to order, click here.
Compared to other products on the market for health, per serving a bit more then some, but you know less than others. Here’s a little comparison for ya:
Downside #2 – You have to swallow 30 bits per serving.
Sure these are small and I was fine with them. And you COULD be one of those that acquires a taste to chew like nuts, so you get your chewing sensation. Honestly, I had no issues with 5 at a time and getting them all in…but wanted to point this out if you were of the non pill swallowing tribe.
While I tried the energybits product. They also offer other products to meet other needs: recoverybits for cold prevention, detox or hangover helper; vitalitybits for wellness and longevity; and skinnybits for weight loss and appetite. Here’s a chart to know which ones are best for your needs…and the “BLOG” coupon should work for any of them.
If you decide to give any of these bits a try, let me know how you like them. I have to add, they are a very fun and upbeat group if you are on social media follow them, really a nice bunch. You can find them on twitter @Energybits, or via facebook as Energybits.
Thanks energybits for giving a a free sample to review. I was asked to share my review with my readers in exchange for the bits, but the opinions and experiences expressed here are my own.
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I’ve heard a lot about these, I’ve been wanting to give them a try! I’m of on injury right now, but when I get back into running I think I am going to give these little energybits a try. Nice review!
Aww, thanks! I liked them alot – can ya tell? 🙂 GRRRR to injury, hoping you get better soon! I would send an email to energybits when you are back and want to try them!
Yes! Email me at [email protected] and we can set you up with a sample. Hope you’re healed up soon!