Best Foods For Long Rides/runs?

[GeoffCJ]

I did an 87 mile ride bike ride Saturday. Felt pretty good, but I definately need to find better foods for maintaining my energy. I used to do the whole cliff bar/powerbar thing, but Lara bar's don't seem to have the same staying power....

Any suggestions?

Geoff

[donya68]

I did an 87 mile ride bike ride Saturday. Felt pretty good, but I definately need to find better foods for maintaining my energy. I used to do the whole cliff bar/powerbar thing, but Lara bar's don't seem to have the same staying power....

Any suggestions?

Geoff

I agree about the Lara bars (yummy but not so sustaining). I think bananas are miraculous (great pre- or post-ride as well as during). I know they can get mushy if it's really hot out, but otherwise you can't beat 'em. You can make your own trail mix, too (walnuts, raisins, etc). It's a bummer not be be able to just grab a powerbar, but a little prep goes a long way.

Happy Trails! (and let me know if you discover any good gluten-free power foods)

Donya

[2wheels4eyes]

Just got back from a fast, hilly, windy 50 miles where I kept up with the guys and decisively dropped the other girls on the ride...

Don't know if this is partially responsible for my success but, halfway through I chowed down on 2 leftover pancakes with jam & p.b. sandwiched between. The pancakes were made with Bob's Red Mill gluten-free Pancake mix, which was pretty tasty for Sunday brunch and then after overnight refrigeration held up well in my jersey pocket the next morning. They were slightly cakey/crumbly in texture but the pb&j kept things mostly together.

My other favourite on long rides is p.b. sandwiched between 2 ginger cookies. I individually wrap a few of them and they're great 2-bite snacks on long rides.

But then, my stomach can handle dense food while riding (I used to messenger in Toronto--hello, street vendor veggie dogs) and my wallet cannot handle the wonderful but spendy gels and goos and things. I do pop for a Lara Bar once in a while but I find pancake, ginger cookie, etc. p.b. sandwiches hold me better anyway.

[dally099]

hi, im a runner so i totaly understand, i find that peanut butter is your best friend, lara bars are okay for post run but not for pre thats for sure. i also like cottage cheeze, i find i function better is i eat something fairly dense along with a carb, im still tinkering on pre run food as im new to all this stuff, pancakes with pb and j sounds great though!

[pturse]

I did a half ironman last year. On the bike I brought along boiled potatoes w/a little salt on them. I cut them up into smaller pieces and put the in a zip lock and they worked out fine.

Pre runs and stuff I do the pancake w/peanut butter OR gluten-free frozen waffles with peanut butter.

I also tend to do Snickers minis if it's not too hot outside.

[bicicleta]

gluten-free pancakes with a small amount of peanut butter and jam are always a tasty treat on the road, I've found.

[kml55]

I ride 50 mile bike rides every weekend and i have found a locally made product that is amazing! They are full of electrolytes and they are 100% gluten free---they are called "Sharkies" and they come in 3 flavors.

[sdsdsm1971]

Hey Geoff,

Not to be a buzz kill, but Cliff Bars have gluten in them. I know on the wrapper it says they source from non wheat or something, but on the Cliff Bar web site, it says they are not gluten free. I've been on the search for the perfect gluten-free sports bar. I like Balance peanut/honey/yogurt bars. They last well on long rides.

Dee

[GeoffCJ]

Hey Geoff,

Not to be a buzz kill, but Cliff Bars have gluten in them. I know on the wrapper it says they source from non wheat or something, but on the Cliff Bar web site, it says they are not gluten free. I've been on the search for the perfect gluten-free sports bar. I like Balance peanut/honey/yogurt bars. They last well on long rides.

Dee

Dee,

Thanks. When I said "I used to do the cliff bar thing" I meant before my diagnosis. I have had the CLiff Nectar bars, are those not gluten-free? I've been using Lara bars mostly, but I'll have to look for the Balance bars....

Geoff

[TriHarry]

I am in full training for Ironman Louisville, my first Ironman, as well as my first long race since being diagnosed in December. I will have to agree that the Lara Bars are just not enough on a 5 hour ride ...

I have been using the Pure Fit Bars, they taste alright and have a lot more nutrition. They are great in the heat, they do not melt and hold up really well. Best all around bar in my opionion.

Open Original Shared Link

I also use the Zone Perfect bars, I have called the company and a couple of the bars are gluten-free, I have been using the Fudge Graham and never had a problem ... just be careful in the heat, they can get messy.

Open Original Shared Link

Give them a try ... hope that this helps.

[kitty76]

Oh great I am so glad I have found this blog!!!!!! I am gluten-free for 3 years now but recently had to switch to the SCD Diet. I am doing great now actually best ever(Health wise). I used to run distance and now just middle distance, 21 - 15 kilometers. I am so burnt after training I hit my "wall' sooner now and my recovery is slower. I run and cross train in the pool so I am doing about 30-40 miles running and 6 miles swimming a week with one strength training day. Fruits and veggies don't do me like they used to, and protein is great but I'm hungry!!!!!!!!!!!! and tired. Advice anyone please?

[Cherry Tart]

I think the best thing out there is the Bumble Bar. Great flavors (chocolate, Chai w/ almonds, and apricot are my favs) and all flavors are gluten free. They have alot of Omega oils, nuts and dried fruit. They are light and tasty, yet satisfying....a nice change from those heavy meal replacement bars

Open Original Shared Link

[WGibs]

I'll put in another vote for PureFit bars. I can't do the straight carb thing and prefer a bar with substantial protein. Another bonus is no sugar alcohol, which alot of the protein bars have and which I found irritates my tummy.

I find it interesting how many people can do PB on the go! I cannot eat PB before running at all!

[Guest hightop girl]

I'll put in another vote for PureFit bars. I can't do the straight carb thing and prefer a bar with substantial protein. Another bonus is no sugar alcohol, which alot of the protein bars have and which I found irritates my tummy.

I find it interesting how many people can do PB on the go! I cannot eat PB before running at all!

I just did a brick, 45-50 mile bike then 8 mile run... it is obvious I need to figure out the nutrition piece. I guess Diet Mountain Dew just wasn't quite enough. Where do you find bumble bars and pure fit? Can I get them at the grocery store or do I have to order them? I am trying to stay away from to much sugar, but holy cow... a girl can only give up so much.

[MaryJones2]

I think I am the only person on the planet that doesn't like Larabars. For long rides I take along a few individually wrapped Jennie's Coconut Macaroons. (Nutrifacts: Cal-270, Fat-14g, Chol-0mg, Carb-34g, Sugars-29g, Pro-2g, Sodium-20mg, Fiber-5g)

I saw another bar at costco the other day called Mrs. May's Trio that I want to try. I was going to look around for a few individual bars because I don't want to be stuck with a metric ton if I don't like them. Open Original Shared Link

[WGibs]

I just did a brick, 45-50 mile bike then 8 mile run... it is obvious I need to figure out the nutrition piece. I guess Diet Mountain Dew just wasn't quite enough. Where do you find bumble bars and pure fit? Can I get them at the grocery store or do I have to order them? I am trying to stay away from to much sugar, but holy cow... a girl can only give up so much.

Well, an easy switch would be to use gatorade instead of diet soda. Is there a reason you are avoiding sugar? You need fuel for workouts like that and that's what sugar is.

As for PureFit -- you can go on their website and use the store locator to find a dealer near you. In my area, they are sold in very random places -- a Mexican market, and a few other corner groceries, but not Whole Foods, TJs, or any of the running/outdoor stores. You can also order them -- a sampler pack or by the box (15 bars). You might want to try a sampler (ordered from the website), but if you decide you want a full box, Amazon has better prices.

I don't really like Bumble Bars, and don't think they'd work as exercise food for me at all, but I see them at Whole Foods and REI.

[Geargirl]

<I saw another bar at costco the other day called Mrs. May's Trio that I want to try. I was going to look around for a few individual bars because I don't want to be stuck with a metric ton if I don't like them. http://www.mrsmays.com>

By all means try the Mrs. Mays - they are delicious!!! I keep them for snacks in my car, on my bike, in my purse......Everyone that I have shared them with LOVES them (even my non-gluten-free friends).

Clif Nectar Bars are gluten-free - says so on the label. They are similar to Lara bars. But I agree that they aren't much for sustaining you through an endurance session. Love the pancake & PBJ idea. Will try that next week at the TREK 100 ride in WI.

Thanks for all the tips so far about which gels & powders/drinks are gluten-free. I was beginning to panic reading maltodextrin on most labels....but I'm in Chicago USA so should be ok.

You guys are great - keep sharing the info.

Virginia

aka Geargirl

[SacGFGirl]

I think I am the only person on the planet that doesn't like Larabars. For long rides I take along a few individually wrapped Jennie's Coconut Macaroons. (Nutrifacts: Cal-270, Fat-14g, Chol-0mg, Carb-34g, Sugars-29g, Pro-2g, Sodium-20mg, Fiber-5g)

I saw another bar at costco the other day called Mrs. May's Trio that I want to try. I was going to look around for a few individual bars because I don't want to be stuck with a metric ton if I don't like them. Open Original Shared Link

I know what you mean about not wanting to buy things in bulk if they're not any good, but I lucked out today at Costco and they were sampling the Trio's and they're quite delicious, so I bought a box, and it only comes to 80cents a bar which is a really good deal. I normally buy boomi bars (you can get the Costco discount if you call and provide your membership number, and if you've never tried them you really should) but these trios will be a nice change.

[kbtoyssni]

I've been having the same problem with crashing and getting hungry on rides - I'm going to whip up a batch of pancakes for PB&B pancake sandwiches. This is the trouble with getting in shape - when I could only do 10-15 miles food wasn't an issue! Do any of you bring Gatorade with you instead of water? I was thinking of trying that. I'm in Minnesota where it's generally hot and humid.

[IMWalt]

Just saw this and thought I'd add my ideas. I frequently ride 60-80 miles and take along my homemade rice-krispie type treat. I use Erewhon brown rice cereal and whatever else I have. I throw in coconut, raisins, chopped nuts, crushed Rice Chex. I wrap them in plastic wrap and store in my Bento box on the bike. I can take one out, unwrap and eat while riding. Works great. I also eat them before/during long runs. Also, I second the PB and J on leftover pancakes. I always make extras and eat them that way.

Walt

[Happy Holly]

PureFit Rocks!

I have been using them for about six months now. They are perfect. I can eat them before a long run and during my endurance races.

Only problem is that I can only find them online and have to order a lot at once.

Does anyone know if there are any stores that carry PureFit?

I'll put in another vote for PureFit bars. I can't do the straight carb thing and prefer a bar with substantial protein. Another bonus is no sugar alcohol, which alot of the protein bars have and which I found irritates my tummy.

I find it interesting how many people can do PB on the go! I cannot eat PB before running at all!

[Happy Holly]

Gatorade? I seem to be the only Celiac that I know that cannot use the powder Gatorade. I can use it once or twice, but if I use it several times a week, my mood starts to crash. I start heading for a time of depression. As soon as I stop the Gatorade, I'm fine again. The liquid premixed Gatorade doesn't seem to have the same affect on me. I have noticed that the powder Gatorade has dextrose in it. I'm wondering if it's wheat.

I've been having the same problem with crashing and getting hungry on rides - I'm going to whip up a batch of pancakes for PB&B pancake sandwiches. This is the trouble with getting in shape - when I could only do 10-15 miles food wasn't an issue! Do any of you bring Gatorade with you instead of water? I was thinking of trying that. I'm in Minnesota where it's generally hot and humid.

[zkat]

Gatorade? I seem to be the only Celiac that I know that cannot use the powder Gatorade. I can use it once or twice, but if I use it several times a week, my mood starts to crash. I start heading for a time of depression. As soon as I stop the Gatorade, I'm fine again. The liquid premixed Gatorade doesn't seem to have the same affect on me. I have noticed that the powder Gatorade has dextrose in it. I'm wondering if it's wheat.

Gatorade is Gluten Free, I drink it a lot. Dextrose is another name for sugar. It is very high on the GI index, so it could be insulin that is causing the crash and burn.

As far as fueling for long rides/runs - I am training for a marathon and currently at 40 miles per week. Any run over 8 miles, I use Cytomax Gels and Cytomax pre-mixed drink. Both are gluten-free. I used the Accelerade Gels - they are also gluten-free, but the dairy bothered me too bad.

I also make sure to fuel up before heading out - usually Glutino Bagel, with sun flower seed butter and syrup (my allergy, food intolerance modified Waffles and PB)