Are You Moving It?

National nutrition month not only encourages everyone to eat well, but also encourages everyone to move it! You don't have to be a marathon runner to enjoy running. You don't have to be an elite cyclist to enjoy riding. You don't have to be a pro of any sport to enjoy playing any sport. Just go out there, have fun, and move to the rhythm of your soul!

The "Bad News"

I recently discovered some personal "bad news". The bad news is that I have somehow become caffeine sensitive. Whenever I would drink chai lattes or have a good amount of chocolate in one sitting, my head would start to feel tight and heavy. Even the nerves in my head would strangely feel pinched.  

The good news is that when I stay away from caffeine containing beverages and food items, my head feels completely fine. However, once in a while I will enjoy me some good chocolate. The way to overcome the horrible side effects I experience is that I take four capsules of activated charcoal. The charcoal somehow gets rid of the ill effects that my head runs into.

I never ever thought that staying away from caffeine would make me feel one hundred percent better and more alive. I'm thankful I discovered this. Don't go on living life with just getting by even if you don't feel good. Take a look at what you eat and drink. Determine what causes you to experience feeling suboptimal in some kind of way. It's amazing how we can feel so much better by eliminating stimulants, like caffeine, from what we eat and drink.

Let's Do It! Celebrate National Nutrition Month One Day at a Time

March is National Nutrition Month!  This year's theme is "Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle"! 

One of the ways to celebrate is to have a "Meatless Monday".  If you didn't see my tweet earlier today and you are reading this just now...why not at least have a meatless dinner for this evening?  You can start with having a bean, rice, and cheese burrito with some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions along with an orange or apple.  The best beverage to go with any meal is pure and refreshing water. It's a simple start and it's a good start!  


 

Livening Up Your Dishes with Pickling Spice

Out of the blue, a friend mentioned pickling spice to me. I didn't want to admit I never heard of it, but was amazed he used it in his dish. I just automatically assumed, due to its name, that this particular spice was for...well...pickling. What else would it be for I thought? I went along with the flow of the conversation and Googled it later. Sure enough...that's what pickling spice is for!

However, pickling spice can definitely be used for cooking just like my friend did for his recipe. It can include at least mustard seed, bay leaves,  black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and other spices and seeds. Pickling spice conjures up a delightful flavor that does very well in casseroles, soups, and other dishes. One thing I would do, as suggested by my friend, should you choose to use pickling spice is to grind it up before putting a dash of it here and there in your culinary creations.

If you haven't tried pickling spice in your recipes at home, give it a try today!

******
What has your pickling spice experience been like?

Our New Lunch Practice at Work

I am one of those who believes variety is the spice of life!  Of course, that would include food!  How boring would it be to eat the same rotation of food year after year?  How can our bodies truly benefit from the various nutrients offered in different food groups?

To make things interesting for us at work this year, two of my colleagues and a staff member decided to "potluck" our lunches once a week. We pick a theme and everyone brings a food item that has to do with the chosen cuisine. This gives us a chance to try new recipes and  to try food items that may be completely new to us.  So far, we have done Filipino, Swedish, Mexican, and Hawaiian!  It's been so fun and has been a great bonding experience for us!  Wish I thought about taking pictures earlier and reporting on each theme we have had so far.

Wish I plated this nicely, but we loved our Swedish meal with Swedish meatballs, braised kale, mashed potatoes & lingonberry jam!

My suggestion to you is try "potlucking" your lunches at work once a week.  If that is too often, try every other week or once a month. Picking a different theme each time and just doing it gives everyone something to look forward to. Part of the joy of life is eating well, so why not venture out in trying new foods with your buddies at work! 

********
If you have already been having potlucks at work, what has your experience been?

A Good Nutritious Mistake

I decided that today was going to be a day in which I would have to buy lunch.  My plan was to get a chipotle veggie burger at the student pavillion and then take my lunch over to the tables in front of the Loma Linda market to join my student and colleague.  After waiting a good fifteen minutes in line for my veggie burger to be made, I was happy to be on my way to eat lunch with the gals.

Lo and behold, for some strange reason, I dropped my beautiful, amazing smelling veggie burger!  Ughh!  I had waited a while for the sandwich to be made only to lose it completely to the ground.  I continued to walk on over to the ladies.  I informed them of my veggie burger demise and said I would get something else at the Patio Pantry beside the market.

Avocados from my tree.

By this time, my blood sugars had plummeted some more and I was sad to "lose" my veggie burger.  As I ordered my sandwich, I was sure I asked for an "egg salad sandwich" on wheat bread.  The guy started making my sandwich with wheat bread and then continued to smother on a thick layer of avocado on both pieces of bread. Although I do like avocados, I'm not crazy about it.  At this point, I was too tired to say anything, but thought maybe they are now grotesquely adding avocado to the egg salad sandwich.  I then found out he was making an avocado sandwich instead of an egg salad sandwich.  Since I was too distraught now to say anything, I went along with the sandwich and paid for it.

I joined my friends at the table shaded nicely by a big tree.  Much to surprise, this sandwich turned out to be way, way better than what I had pictured for the day.  He also put red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a light layer of mayonnaise.  Of course, he placed a couple slices of cheese.  The mistaken sandwich turned out to be so delicious and wonderful!  The sandwich also came with carrot sticks and orange slices.  Wish I had gone there first.  Anyway, I never thought an avocado sandwich would be so delicious and delightful even though I already how nutritious it would be! The next time someone makes you a different sandwich than what you ordered, go along with the flow.  You might just be surprised.

********
What great tasting sandwich have you had lately?

Nutrition Bit by Brittany Johnson, RD

In the fall, I teach a course called "Capstone Nutrition and Dietetics". It is a course in which the students gather all they have learned over the time they have been with us and produce four projects. One of those projects is to tape a brief nutrition infomercial called "Nutrition Bits".  The students write their own scripts, while I tweak and make any necessary adjustments.



Our students in the bachelor and master of science degree in nutrition and dietetics program have the option of taking their Registered Dietitian exam prior to their last year with us. One of those brave students was Brittany Johnson who took the plunge.  Towards the end of last summer, Brittany successfully became a registered dietitian. Brittany is one of our amazing students who shows great leadership and communication skills. Having zest for life herself  and helping others live healthy lives are two of Brittany's many passions. Take a look at her "Nutrition Bit" down below.

Why Should We Even Care About Vitamin A?

Does the thought of having night blindness, called nyctalopia, scare you? Basically night blindness is having difficulty seeing when lights are low. I wouldn't want that and I'm sure you wouldn't either. We want to see! You also would not want this, having foamy patches on the conjunctiva of your eye. There is a fancy name for this condition called Bitot's Spots. In addition, there is another situation of the eye that would be uncomfortable to have, that would be having dry eyes. Can you prevent all this from happening? There is a good possibility you can.

Vitamin A deficiency can place you in any of the above conditions. In order to prevent yourself from being deficient in vitamin A, indulge in pre-formed vitamin A called beta carotene. Beta carotene is the precursor to vitamin A. Your eye health will be in tip top shape when you have an adequate daily intake of beta-carotene rich foods such as pumpkin (tis the season!), carrots, dark leafy greens, spinach, orange juice, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. The beta carotene will be better absorbed well in your body when you don't dip down too low in your fat intake. Without adequate fat, you won't be able to absorb vitamin A as well as the other fat soluble vitamins that our bodies need.

So as you are enjoying your pumpkin soup this season, just know that your eyes are thanking you, so that you can see the world clearly!

References:
Mahan, L. K., Escott-Stump, S, & Raymond, J. L. (2012). Krause's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 13th Edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier

Wedner, S. H., & D. A. Ross (2008). Vitamin D and Its Prevention. International Encyclopedia of Public Health. P. 526-632.

******
What is your favorite pumpkin dessert or entree? 

Not a Fan of the Word "Superfood"

Image courtesy of worradmu @ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There are so many articles calling certain food items "superfoods". If any of those foods were truly "super", then really...that particular food item should completely prevent...heal...or even cure...medical conditions.The reality is that when any one food item is featured in the "super" light, it is because it is rich in two or three nutrients..not all vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and phytonutrients known to man all in one package.


When articles call certain items "superfood", this can lead some individuals to think that he or she should eat that particular food item every day or at least in most of their meals to reap the benefits of that particular food item. This can drive someone to limit their intake of eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans. Limiting food intake to the same food choices day in and day out will keep many from gaining the benefits other food items have to offer.

The key is to venture out on a daily basis when it comes to choosing food for your meals. Eating different food items from day to day...or at least from week to week...can certainly add "spice" to your life and keep your health in check.

******
For the fun of it, what has been your favorite "superfood"?

Backpacking Trip

Without a doubt, I love the great outdoors! Needless to say, camping is definitely fun and enjoyable, but what's even better than camping is backpacking!!  Backpacking takes you to places where the scenery is just absolutely gorgeous and the lakes are pristine and clean.

Our awesome group!

Early this month, we hiked up in Kings Canyon National Park. Our trip consisted of a 3 night stay up in the beautiful mountains. We started from Onion Valley in which the elevation was already about 9,200 feet. Then we hiked up, with some switchbacks, to Kearsarge Pass in which we immediately gained 2,560 feet of elevation and ended up at 11,760 feet. Yep, this was a difficult hike needless to say! From Kearsarge Pass, we proceeded to hike a few more miles to beautiful Charlotte Lake where we stayed a couple nights. The lake itself was peaceful with majestic mountains all around. The awesomeness of God was everywhere!

Bullfrog Lake

We then made our way to Bullfrog Lake where the guys continued to fish.  Several different types of trout were caught. Then we decided to spend our last night at Kearsarge Lake where the scenery there was different, but gorgeous and amazing in its own way.

Kearsarge Lake

Since we had to bring enough food for our 3 1/2 day trip, I am absolutely thankful for the different companies that make freeze-dried food! Freeze-dried food makes any backpacking trip delightful! I enjoyed the lasagna with meat sauce, fettucini with alfredo sauce, teriyaki chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, corn, and huevos rancheros. They were also delicious and repleted us well from all of our hikes. Thank you freeze-dried food companies!!

Just like any endurance sport, hiking up switchbacks is one major endurance activity. Hikes of this caliber also require the right nutrition and hydration plan in order to feel good, have energy, and have good blood sugar levels to keep everyone in good spirits!

Our backpacking trip was a great way to end the summer by being in the midst of God's beautiful creations!

******
What is your favorite freeze-dried food?

The Almost Pizza

I am part of a women's small Bible study group. We rotate having our weekly study at each others' homes. In addition, to the leading the study, the host also provides dinner. Since we have been meeting faithfully for the past fifteen years, everyone has gotten over their bashfulness of preparing some type of meal for our study.

Last week, it was my turn to host.  I wanted to provide something easy, but delicious and nutritious. What came to my mind was mini pizzas. However, there are times...because I am a flexitarian.. that I want to provide an entree that is total vegetarian (some call it vegan, although not appropriate term since we still wear leather and silk and eat honey). So, I proceeded to dry run my mini pizzas using cheese substitute.

Well, I forgot to buy pizza sauce, so proceeded to make the "pizza" without any pizza sauce...hence the name "almost pizza". The result was not disappointing! I mixed just enough Vegennaise with Daiya cheddar style shreds. I spread the mixture across Rudi's whole wheat English muffins. Sprinkled some chopped tomatoes, green onions, and cashews on top (oh, and also chopped olives...just not pictured, because I ran out when I made them again.) I placed the topped English muffins on a cooking sheet in my oven for about 15 minutes or so or until shreds were melted at 415 degrees. And voila! You have a delicious, very low in saturated fat "almost pizza" that is very tasty. The combination of the Daiya shreds and Vegennaise is amazing! The only thing is that, this "entree" is not low in sodium, so mindful moderation should still be practice here. Not only will your kids loves these, but so will you!

I served the "almost pizzas" with a salad and soup and the gals were satisfied. So, just in case you're looking for an easy lunch or dinner idea for your family or friends, try the "almost pizzas".

Disclaimer: I was not paid by Daiya or Vegennaise companies to write about their products. All thoughts are mine and I regularly use their products, just because I like them.

******
What recipe have you developed that became your favorite after leaving it out an ingredient accidently?

"No Added Sugar" Challenge Update

My choice of dessert for lunch has been a sweet apple.

My friends and I are halfway through our challenge! We have been at it for three weeks. We meet every Tuesday for a lunch check-in meeting in which we bring our own food. Have we been perfect? Absolutely not. We all have all unofficially allowed ourselves one cheat day per week. Well, all but one. However, in the big scheme of things, my friends have been doing so well. I am proud of each of them.

For Shani, who loves to eat sweets throughout the day all day long, the progress and success she is making comes in the area of decreased amounts of sugary foods per day. She has stayed away from the doughnuts, etc, but has allowed herself to have frozen yogurt with her nephew and niece on her recent vacation. This is a far cry from where she started.

For Danelle, sugary drinks has been "her thing". Through this challenge, it made her realize how many times she goes to Starbucks previously. It was just a habit for her to go always without really thinking about it. Now she has cut way back and is hardly going. She is also realizing she is saving money! Danelle has found other alternatives of drinks, such as unsweetened teas, that taste good to her.

The group in general has become aware of how easy they all take in a sweet here and there without being mindful of what they are doing. This challenge has brought awareness to each of them. Again, no one has been perfect through this journey so far, but there is progress in decreasing everyone's sugar threshold for taste and crave. That is taking place slowly, but surely. The real challenge will be to continue the current behavior beyond the end of this "challenge".

******
How are you doing with your sweets intake?

Gave That Homemade Energy Bar Recipe a Try!

Last week, I posted on my Facebook and Twitter accounts a link to the "Homemade Energy Bars" video by Runner's World Nutrition Editor, Joanna Golub. Well, I made the energy bars yesterday and it was delicious and satisfying! I wasn't the only one that thought that, but so did my running/biking/yoga buddy, Danelle, my Mom, and Tom all gave it a thumbs up. It is definitely a great "bar" for any pre or post workout/run/ride snack.

I used Laura Scudder's Old Fashioned Peanut Butter since there is no added sugar. The only "sugar" which is added in this recipe is honey and for the amount it calls for in relation to the dry ingredients, it really is not that much. The editor said to bake in the oven for 15 minutes. I baked it for 25 minutes. I wanted somewhat of a crunch. Next time, I'll put it at a higher temperature like 375 degrees instead of 350 degrees and then maybe it might be okay for 15 or 20 minutes.

If you make this, I would highly suggest letting it completely cool off and even refrigerate before devouring. This way, it keeps together very well, especially after refrigerating. Otherwise, it will come apart if eaten too soon. 

You can find the video at this link. Click here.

 

This homemade bar is power packed with nutrients (high in protein for sure) with a satisfying flavor! One more thing, it is very, very easy to make. Enjoy!

******
Any homemade energy bar recipes you would like to share with us?

Nutrition Bit of the Day

For the past three weeks, I've had the privilege of supervising one of our dietetic student's community rotation at Drayson Center, the wellness center of Loma Linda University and Medical Center. My student, Staci Sellas, did a phenomenol job, in conducting one on one nutrition counseling sessions with clients of all ages. In addition, she taught a workshop on wellness and weight management.

Because Drayson has a digital "bulletin board" especially dedicated to nutrition information, I had Staci work on a series of "Nutrition Bits".  The following is one of the "Nutrition Bits" she worked on, which is a tip you can keep in mind on a regular basis.

 

(Sorry, that last food item listed is "guava", which I didn't realize I cut off converting the file.) So, just a little reminder to have a vitamin C source at every meal to make sure iron is adequately absorbed, especially if you're a vegetarian. Having adequate iron in your blood can make a difference in our energy levels and feeling good overall.

******

What "new fruit to you" have you tried lately?

San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon 2013

I'm backtracking here. Going back to a couple months ago. It was an overcast day while the  weather was perfect with a slight humidity. Overall, it was a great day for a marathon!

I wasn't planning on doing a full marathon this year, but one of my students said she did a full marathon back during winter quarter. That talk planted a seed in my head. I went back to ask her how many miles she trained up to.  She said nine!  I thought...that's crazy, but oh well...she did it! However, it was two months before June 2 and I was beginning to feel like I was going to miss out on my tradition of doing San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon, besides if my student can do it with little training, I thought I could do too!. 

Although I didn't train as I normally do, I believe doing the cross training of power yoga, mountain biking, and running got me prepared to do this run. Because I didn't read up on the course ahead of time, I was greatly surprised that the entire course was backwards! It was more of a challenge, especially having to tackle highway 163 towards the end of the run. Oh well, it definitely made it more interesting needless to say.  Despite training less, I was very pleasantly surprised to PR.

In a previous post, I talked about going back to using gels this year. My saving grace on this run was the Accel Gel. Having that constant influx of protein every third mile stabilized my sugars well and I felt really good on this run.

This year, one of my students that just graduated completed her first full marathon with us.  My other friend, Danelle, who usually runs with me, completed another half marathon and also PR'd.

For San Diego Rock 'n Roll 2014, we've already started recruiting our other friends and my other students. We want this to become a growing tradition! It's a great event to be a part of, especially because the community of San Diego supports it so well with all their love!

******
What half of full marathons have you participated in this year?

Product Review: Chobani Greek Yogurt

I am amazed at how hard Chobani works to create new flavors periodically. There are so many flavors to choose from now! My favorites are "Key Lime Crumbles" and now "Nutty for Nana". I have a special liking to a little crunch texture, so these delicious products provide just the right amount of crunch.

In addition, I appreciate the amount of protein Greek yogurt provides, as do any Greek yogurt products. However, Chobani does not use milk protein concentrates and animal-based thickeners like other Greek yogurt manufacturers do. Chobani does not like to use artificial flavors or sweeteners and loves to use real fruit with no preservatives! The added plus to their products is that they use 5 live and active cultures that include 3 probiotics. All good for a healthy gut.

I've enjoyed tasting the free samples provided by Chobani, but because I am on a six-week no added sugar challenge with my close friends, I've only had to try a couple spoonfuls of each new flavor. So if you'd like to add variety to increasing your protein intake, stocking up on calcium for your bones, or if you'd like to build a healthy gut flora, try Chobani's new flavors today!

Disclaimer: I was not paid by Chobani to write this review; however, I was provided with free sample products.

******
What is your favorite Chobani flavor?

My Health Scare

To be honest, I've had a few major personal problems that has actually made it difficult to keep up with my blog. I'm hoping to resume consistency. One of the major difficulties I've experienced recently was a heath scare.

Towards the end of the school year, I had completed my annual mammogram. The results in the mail said there was an area of concern and that an ultrasound had to be done. I've been told the results usually end up begin benign and that the MDs just want to make sure. Because of my teaching schedule, I had to postpone the ultrasound and it got postponed even more due to a back-logged schedule of others having ultrasounds completed. 

During this "unknown" period of some kind of unrest, I still had to finish up the school year and run my 3rd full marathon. Finally the ultrasound appointment came. I got scared when for the first time in having an ultrasound completed that an MD came walking right in. That wasn't a good sign. The radiologist said that they are still unclear of that certain area and that a biopsy was the next step. I was beginning to be more alarmed, disappointed, fearful, and sad. Two aunts on my mom's side had breast cancer as well as one aunt on my dad's side. The stakes are high for me. 

There was some more waiting that took place with my MD taking an eternity to write the order for my biopsy. I must admit, I gave in to milkshakes at this time...my drug of choice for "comfort". The order for the biopsy finally came and then came the biopsy appointment.

Before the biopsy, I was told that they wanted to take another ultrasound to see if they still needed to do the biopsy. I was hopeful I didn't need one since family and friends were praying for my health. Low and behold, they came back saying I still needed the biopsy. After the biopsy...there was still MORE waiting time. Now I was really crying for being so anxious being in the waiting game.

During this waiting period, I prayed a different type of prayer. I did ask God for no breast cancer; however, if it is breast cancer, I asked Him to help me get through the journey that would lay ahead of me. I never prayed this type of prayer before. I would pray it "my way", but "His will be done". This time, I sincerely prayed His will be done, because I knew God would help me get through the difficult journey. I did come to being at peace waiting for the results.

Finally, after calling and calling and calling my MD's office, I received the news...the news that the results were negative! Oh, I have been thanking God big time!!  At least for now, I don't have breast cancer and pray I never will.  However, what I learned from this journey was truly to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5 and 6.

Going through this scare, incapacitated me so much that I was so numb. I was not able to work on my dissertation or own my blog.  I have learned to keep leaning on God even more. Many thanks go to my parents, relatives, and friends who kept praying and supporting me. I've also learned to be more grateful for my MDs who didn't want to take any chances by going ahead and taking all the proper tests needed.

Thankful to God and thankful for my sunflowers in my garden.

For future difficulties that will come up, lean on God to help get you through each day. It is the only way to go.

******
What experiences of waiting have you had lately?

The No-Sweets Challenge Begins Tomorrow!

My yoga buddies decided to celebrate my birthday last Thursday, even though there were already plans to celebrate it today. No worries. I am not complaining! However, we all happened to be at the same yoga class on this particular Thursday and also planned for the celebration at Cafe Rio afterwards.

During our meal, my friends started to talk about sugar intake. We were specifically talking about added sugar intake and not the much needed complex carbohydrate food sources. Being the registered dietitian of the bunch, I piped up and mentioned how my ignorant mind back in my twenties thought that eating added sugar was causing my acne. So, I decided to cut out all sweets for at least four months. Although the plan didn't zap out my acne at that time, what did happen was a pleasant transformation of my taste buds. I use to love eating ice a lot back in the day, but ever since the cutting back of sweets for several months straight, I now... cannot... to this day, take more than a few bites when it comes to desserts of all sorts and sips of sugary drinks.  I'm satisfied with just a few bites and sips, because my tastebuds cannot take more than that. My tastebuds have been re-trained. I am absolutely satisifed with just a little bit. This story encouraged my friends that we should go on a challenge together, since one of them ate four doughnuts in one day the day before and the other loves her sugary drinks.

Now, I don't need this challenge to decrease my sugar threshold, but I'm thinking I need to give my buddies support. So, tomorrow will begin our six week "no-sweets challenge". All sugary desserts will be temporarily avoided as well as sodas of all kinds. Only fruits juices that are 100% will be allowed, but because we are also endurance athletes, sports drinks, gels, and chews will be allowed with choosing the items with the lowes added sugar content. Fresh and dried fruit will be allowed. Canned fruit is allowed if packed in its own natural juice.Since Greek yogurt is not really considered a dessert, but a food item that is healthy, that will not be eliminated and will most likely stick to the plain flavor.  I

Shani purchased for each of us a little notebook from the 99 cents store. We are to log what we eat for the next six weeks minus portion sizes. If one of us is tempted to have a sweet dessert, she must call one of the other gals in her moment of weakness

Will see how my friends do as well as me. You are more than welcome to join us starting tomorrow! This is not to deprive us of sweets permanently, its just an attempt to lower everyone's sweet tooth threshold!

******

What is your sweet tooth addiction that you would like to overcome?

Nutrition Bit: Oatmeal by Robert Esparza, Dietetic Student

Most days of the week, oatmeal is an important part of my breakfast meals. Let's revisit the goodness of oatmeal and be reminded why it is good for us. Here, one of my dietetic students, Robert Esparza, shares with us some nutrition bits about oatmeal.

Robert Esparza will be graduating with his MS in nutrition and dietetics a month from now.  Loma Linda University will be soon proud to call him an alumnus.  Robert has been an outstanding student with great work ethic and will make a wonderful contribution to the world of nutrition.



Enjoy the goodness of oatmeal and make it a part of your healthy lifestyle!

If you are interested in becoming a registered dietitian, please visit Loma Linda University's website. www.llu.edu/nutrition.

******

What is your favorite morning cereal and why?



Product Review: Accel Gel

Variety is the spice of life and that includes changing up sports aids for my palate. Last year, I was really into using solely sports chews and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I'm the type that eating the same thing over and over can make my taste buds get into a state of burn-out.

For my long runs this year, I have put back in the gels. I still do not like them one hundred per cent, because of the "stickiness factor". However, I have been feeling really good on my long runs taking Accel Gel on a schedule. What I love about this product is that it has 5 gms of protein in every pouch. However, it is one of the lower ones in carbohydrate offering only 20 grams of carbohydrate. The recommendation is to take in 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate every hour of your run or ride. The supplemental protein in the gel certainly stabilizes blood sugars better, making me feel really good from start to finish.

This may not be the gel for you, but it is worth giving it a try. Your run or ride may be more enjoyable if you infuse your activity with a few grams of protein every hour. If "Accel Gel" is new for you, start slow and see how your digestive system handles it.

Cheers to your next long run or ride!

******

What is your favorite sports gel, chew, or beans and why?