5-Hour Energy shots. Monster Energy Drink. Red Bull. Energy "sports chews." The list of drinks and supplements promising "endless energy" is, in fact, endless. Unfortunately, too many such products depend on excessive doses of caffeine, brown rice syrup (sugar under a different name) and various Franken-gredients to keep us going.
But what if, as is often the case, the simplest and most natural things is the best thing? What if the best extra punch of energy boils down to a single ingredient that has been around for hundreds of millions of years? What if all we need is algae?
Yes, algae. It is the single ingredient in ENERGYbits, little dark green "bits" of 100% spirulina algae. The people behind ENERGYbits sent me a sample as part of my FitFluential Ambassador role, but these opinions are all mine - as is and will be the case for any product reviews. If I think something is crap, you'll know it. If I think it's worthy, you'll know it.
ENERGYbits are worthy. On two separate days, during which I taught two intense workouts (cycle, bootcamp) and sandwiched my PR/marketing "day job" in between, I took the minimum recommended 30 little "bits" - once in the am before workout #1 and then in the late afternoon before workout #2. I barreled through both workouts, felt peppy all day, and my appetite was about half as strong as usual.
Crazy, right? The team at energy bits tells me that the higher energy/less hunger reaction is actually pretty common among users, thanks to the algae's super food benefits. Long deemed one of the most nutritious foods in the world by the United Nations, NASA and Olympic athletes, spirulina algae is packed with 40 nutrients and within its little package has a higher concentration of protein than steak. No wonder NASA has declared that "1 kg of algae has the nutritional equivalent of 1,000 kg of fruits and vegetables." And big surprise that the super-competitive Chinese government makes algae a staple of the countries' Olympic athletes.
Each ENERGYbits tablet has 1 calorie, so a "serving" of 30 sets you back a mere 30 calories - nearly two-thirds of it protein. Plus amino acids, B and other vitamins, and minerals like calcium, potassium, etc. Most importantly, there is nothing BUT algae in ENERGYbits. No sugar, no fillers, no caffeine. Just the goodness of this power plant. I am told some people chew these, but this is algae, people, so don't expect amazing taste. Do your taste buds a favor and swallow them like vitamins with water.
If I have one "gripe" about ENERGYbits, it's just that I wish the price point were lower for accessibility to the masses. NOTE: You can use the code BADASSFIT for a 15% discount off the normal price of $115 for 1,000 tablets, which will last you a long time.
Still not cheap, I know. Then again, for a 30-day supply of ENERGYbits (assuming you take them every day, which isn't necessarily necessary), some of us could swap that daily $4 fancy coffee habit and break better than even.
In this Badass Journey, it's all about what investment you want to make, and where. I don't spend my cash on sugary coffee drinks topped with whipped cream or Super-Sized fast food meals, but I am willing to invest a few dollars every few days in a powerful punch of nutrition. And for me, ENERGYbits fit the bill.
Want a free sample? In the comments box below, tell me what you'd do more of with an extra dose of energy. I will randomly select a winner and send you the goodies. Your comments will publish once I verify them, so fear not if they don't show up below right away!
Coming up: A new playlist and cycling mix to roll through with power. Warning: Does.Not.Tickle!