You might recall that I purchased a Clif Shot for my 10 mile race last month. I brought it along with me ‘just in case’. I didn’t end up using it because I found that the Gatorade did me just fine in that race.
I couldn’t really see myself buying these on a regular basis because they are quite over-priced for what it is. At running room, they work out to be about $2 for a single or $1.35 per for a box of 24.
After checking out the ingredients, I figured I could make a homemade version of the Clif Shot for much less.
Ingredients: Organic brown rice syrup, Cocoa powder, chocolate liquor, natural flavours, sea salt, potassium citrate, magnesium oxide.
Calories: 100
Here is what I mixed together for the homemade version:
Ingredients:
- Just less than 2 T Organic brown rice syrup
- 1 T carob powder
- Tiny pinch of sea salt
Calories: 110
Directions: Spoon a tablespoon of organic brown rice syrup into a plastic baggy. Next, spoon the carob powder and salt in. Zip the baggie closed and then take your fingers and kneed the ingredients so they blend.
To Use: Bite the corner off the bag and squeeze gel into your mouth. Easy as that!
Probably one of the least photogenic foods I have put on this site.
Bring it with you on any run or workout over 1 hour where you feel like you will need a boost. I had mine at mile 6 yesterday. It was the first time I have ever had any sort of energy gel, but I really loved the taste of this one. The carob powder is key- I felt like I was eating chocolate fudge or something. Now the only thing lacking in my homemade version is the potassium and the magnesium, but my guess is that if you properly fuel yourself before workouts this won’t be a major issue.
The best part of all is the cost of the homemade version. It works out to being just 50 cents per ‘shot’ vs. $1.35-2 for the Clif shot.
I was quite pleased to find that my stomach wasn’t upset after taking it either. I had a noticeable surge in energy after mile 6 that carried me another 3 miles. I will definitely be bringing this homemade gel with me on future long runs.
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Yesterday was also quite a productive day on the business front! I got several Glo Bar orders done…
I also worked a lot on the Glo Bakery shopping cart. We are using Zen Cart for our shopping cart provider and I am really liking it so far. It is quite user-friendly once you figure out where everything is and the support forum is super helpful. Eric tells me that anytime a company makes their software open-source (no purchase required), you will find a huge network of people willing to help others out. Zen Cart = 2 thumbs up.
Check out the shopping cart homepage so far:
[sorry I lost this image guys!]
How fun is that?! I’m such a proud mama. :D I can’t believe how close we are to shipping to the US!!!! It is finally coming together guys!
On that note, I am going to get to work this morning on it some more and package up my orders to be shipped out tomorrow.
Last night Eric and I had anniversary dinner #1 and it was fabulous (pics to come). I think we are going to Fresh today for lunch and it feels like Christmas. hahaha! Stay tuned for all the pics.
Enjoy your day!
Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.
-Henry Steele Commager
I can’t wait to buy Glo Bars!
I am SO excited for you to start shipping to the US! I can already tell that Glo Bars are going to become my new go-to snack and will be especially useful while at work.
AH! I want to dive into those Glo Bars and swim around! They look so amazing!!
Yay for making your own energy gel! That’s such a good idea!
Such a great idea to make your own shots! :D
I will definitely give these a try when I work up to some more mileage.
The Glo Bakery site is looking awesome!
I don’t like the taste of anything Clif-related, so these shots look like a great idea! can’t wait for US shipping to become active!
What an awesome idea – I’ll have to try that!
I don’t understand . . . the gel you made cost you $.50? Is that because of the carob powder? I know carob is expensive. How did you determine the cost? Thanks!
Nope it’s because of the organic brown rice syrup…its expensive- $8 CAD here.
thank you for sharing your recipe! i’m spending a fortune on cliff products during my marathon training. so excited to know you’ll be shipping to the us. i can’t wait to try your glo bars!!
Hi,
I also make homemade gels including crushed Chia seed, honey and lemon juice (plus a few scrapes of the rind too). They’re really palatable and easy top handle (same idea with the zip lock bag). I was really pleased to see this alternative – its easy to get bored of one thing; no matter how yummy it is ;-) Happy running!
Hey Angela!
I am a new reader, I found your blog from one of the many other food blogs I read :) I love it so far, can’t wait to read up a little more.
I just started my own blog, so I hope you will stop by sometime! http://www.foodieinthecity.wordpress.com.
Enjoy your Sunday!
ran my first race today (just a 5k), and about 10 min before it started i ate 2 honey taffy candies as my breakfast was wearing off. i think they definitely helped, because it was honestly the best run of my life. i was fast (for me), had a perfect rhythm, barely broke a sweat, and was smiling the whole time. i think any source of simple sugars is effective– all that matters is the ease of delivery! i can’t say i will ever be tempted to try these fancy goo packets. it just seems like a lot of money for pure sugar.
Love your recipes, always!!
CAN’T WAIT UNTIL YOU CAN SHIP TO THE U.S.!! :-D
i just thought of this: what about honey packets? i am not ashamed to admit that i always take 2 at coffee shops when i only ever need one. they are self contained like individual ketchup & mustard packets, and would be easy to rip open during a run.
That rocks that you made your own energy gel! In all my years of running, I’ve never thought to do that. I normally don’t do the gels and stuff, but this is a good tip to file away.
How awesome that you’re getting your zencart going! Wow creating a website and an e-commerce one at this is a total PITA! I am so impressed you are doing it by yourself!!!! I couldn’t even figure out wordpress properly and use blogger. The thing is, I actually have a couple degrees and consider myself fairly competent on a computer and am a super heave internet user, but anything related to code, programming, HTML, Style sheets, all that crap just really annoys me and I waste so much time and get so frustrated at it. Rock on for makin’ it happen!!!!!!
Congrats Angie on all your new adventures!
Happy Dining!
You ALWAYS have a trick up your sleeve – great idea for the homemade gu! :)
I am so happy Zen cart has been a success for you! I can’t imagine how stressful that could be if it wasn’t! Love your home-made Clif goo :)
Angela,
I am really loving your site now that I’ve been reading it daily for a couple of weeks! My favorite posts are when you develop some new raw experiment- like today’s energy gel, or the vegan chia pudding you had a while ago. I really love your ideas, and your site has become the first I check when I log in! Thanks!
I cannot find the link to your bakery anymore is it just me are is it missing from the blog?
wow i looove the homemade energy gel idea!! and congrats on being so close to shipping to the U.S. I know i personally can’t wait especially after trying one of your Glo Bars at the Healthy Living Summit! have a great day :)
I can’t wait to buy some of your glo bars! They just look so amazing. And you are genius for creating your own shot blocks; so talented in the kitchen!!!