Larabars, Cliff Bars, etc.......Energy Bars

[Miranda]

I've tried a few diff things.

Lara bars, and Cliff shot blocks for lytes are my two mainstays on the bike.

If I drink anything other than H2O, I just wanna puke.

My fav Cliff shot blocks are: orange w/half shot caff, margarita w/extra sodium... meh, sometimes cherry w/full shot caff.

Lara bars also come in mini sizes for about 100calories in a multi flavor box.

[azfiddle]

I like shot blocks during rides- sometimes I will eat gels, but don't really like them, and don't keep them in the house. We have started buying them by the box when they are on sale.

Sometimes I'll bring a baggie with things like dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, pretzels, peanut-butter filled pretzels etc, but I have to be stopped somewhere for those. Same with Luna bars. A whole Cliff bar feels like too much for me, but I split one with my husband today and it was a good choice. On longer rides I have sometimes packed peanut butter or nutella, on the new "sandwich thins" and eat just a fourth at a time.

Non- cycling - I sometimes bring 1/2 Luna bar to eat as a snack before lunch, or if I know that there is a possibility that I will have to delay a meal, I will carry a whole one for emergencies. However, I have discovered that whatever I pack for lunch - I will eat it! So I try not to bring extra food "just in case). I've tried a few Larabars- they are very dense- so 1/2 at a time is enough for me.

[GR82CYCLE]

One reason I choose Larabars over the others is due to the ingredients. The ingredients of the Larabars are readable/natural. I try and find the ones with higher carbs., protein, fiber and lower in sugar. which makes some flavors better than others (not necessarily just based on taste). I don't eat them on a "regular" basis.

[Karma007]

One reason I choose Larabars over the others is due to the ingredients. The ingredients of the Larabars are readable/natural. I try and find the ones with higher carbs., protein, fiber and lower in sugar. which makes some flavors better than others (not necessarily just based on taste). I don't eat them on a "regular" basis.

The mini-sized ones and a piece of fruit are a perfect snack!

[nscrbug]

I use the mini Larabars on longer rides, because I like the fact that they are 100 calories...so no guesswork involved. I also like the fact that they're small and fit in my top tube bag easily and they hold up fairly well in the heat. They definitely are calorie dense in that you don't get much for those 100 calories (literally 1 bite), but they seem to sit well in my stomach. I sometimes will also use the mini Clif and/or Luna bars, as well...I like to switch it up to keep from getting bored with one type of bar.

[angelaslc]

I love LARABARS!! I like the simple ingredients. The Blueberry Muffin Larabars are only 190 Calories for a full bar.

I also like Shot Bloks.....95% organic is good enough for me and I prefer Strawberry flavored. I don't like any of those other gels or power bars.

For long rides I will probably try Pro-bars which are all natural and more of a meal replacement. I'm going to pack some roasted sweet potatoes like some of you suggested and see how those work for my long ride this weekend.

I only drink water while riding or exercising. Before and after I drink coconut water to replace my electrolytes.

I avoid caffiene - I need to pee enough as is. Caffiene makes you need to pee more often. Also caffiene and sugar make you lose more minerals like Magnesium which can cause cramping.

I haven't seen the mini Larabars yet....maybe I'll have to order them on-line....