Disclosure: I received Vega Sport Protein Bars in exchange for my honest review as part of the Fuel Your Better campaign by Vega Sport and Fit Approach. All opinions are my own.
You may remember the rude awakening I had last month at the Lincoln Presidential Half. Someone, who shall remain nameless, convinced me to stray from my tried-and-true pre-race fuel. I did, and was the beneficiary of horrible stomach cramps before, during and all the way home from that dang race.
Since then, and a couple of stern emails from my coach, I’ve been much more careful with the way I fuel for training and racing. The truth is we all pretty much know WHAT to do, but maybe some of us (me) get a little lax sometimes and don’t actually do it. Color me guilty as charged, post race especially. I’m usually pooped, my tummy is on edge, and none of the post-race food looks good to me. Or I found some friends and am too busy gabbing to eat. Those of you who’ve met me know what I mean. So, time passes and I get some water down, maybe sports drink if I’m lucky, but not sufficient protein, carbs and calories for optimal recovery. What is optimal you ask?
The body is particularly receptive to nutrients in the 30-minute window immediately after exercise, as the enzymes and transporters in our muscles responsible for glycogen and protein synthesis are highly active at this point.
A drink plus protein and carbs totaling 40-50% of calories burned during your workout is optimal in that 30-minute window. Here’s where I’ve been going wrong. Until now. Enter #FuelYourBetter with Vega Sport Protein Bars.
I took a Vega Sport Protein Bar to my race the very next weekend and ate it as soon as I crossed the finish line and fished it out of my bag. Each vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO bar contains:
- 240 calories, 30g carbs
- 15g of complete, plant-based protein
- 2.5g branch chain amino acids
- 2g glutamine
- 1g Omega 3
I was pretty surprised when my long run the next day went really well. That almost never happens the day after a race.
I packed a whole posse of Vega Sport Protein Bars for the Flying Pig 3-way. I thought I’d never love a bar as much as I love the Chocolate Coconut flavor, but wow the Chocolate Mint is a winner too.
They’re soft and fudgy with an organic dark chocolate shell. What’s not to love?
Since I’ve been religious about refueling with Vega Sport Protein Bars in that 30-minute window post workout, I’m experiencing less muscle soreness the next day and am feeling overall more energized and ready to go. Let the record show, Vega Sport Protein Bars are not new to me. I’ve been a fan for a long time now. I’m just being more strategic with my timing when I eat them, and it’s paying off.
Are you good about topping up glycogen stores in that 30-minute post-workout window? What’s your go-to recovery food?
I love things like this that I can just grab and go!
I need to just DO IT! and order…
I’ve seen these Vega sports bars all over FB…do you really think they are better than anything out there? I re-fuel with Luna protein. I’ve had pretty good luck with those. I can’t eat bananas anymore, they make my throat itch….
I have yet to try these. They sound delicious, though! I have for some time often come home from a workout and done a swig of chocolate milk, only to read recently that the whole chocolate milk thing doesn’t really apply to women!
I’ve seen a lot about these bars, but haven’t tried them. I usually eat a banana or nuts after a run although I don’t always feel like eating after a long run.
I’m awful about eating after a run (or before or during…) – usually my stomach is a bit of a mess and I can’t imagine eating anything. Maybe I will get some of those bars and try them:)
I’ve never tried those bars. I like the Quest bars because they have fiber on top of protein. They fill you up for a while.
Post workout, I’m a breakfast girl: cereal with milk, or toast and pb.
I’m terrible about eating in the recovery window, even after a really long, tough bike ride. I really need to get better about that. These look/sound pretty tasty!
My favourite post-run food has to be eggs on toast. Protein on carbs – perfect!
It depends on when I workout or ran as to what I might have afterwards. If it is late I don’t like to have anything too heavy or I’ll have stomach issues. If it’s early then I might have something like this or a smoothie.
I LOVE Vega and have found everything that they make to not only taste amazing, but to be so good for you. Definitely my favorite go-to fuel as a runner.
I usually exercise in the evening, so dinner is my “replenishment” but if I know that I won’t be eating right after my workout, I pack a protein shake or banana to have 🙂
I have tried the Vega protein shake powder but not the bars. I was afraid they would taste a bit too plant like. The chocolate coating does look good though. Glad they worked for you!
I am a huge Vega fan! I’ll have to try these bars!
I had no idea Vega made protein bars, too! I’ve tried their powders and drink mixes and love them!
I am usually a fan of the banana / peanut butter / eggs / turkey sandwich school of recovery (not all at once)! For me, it was always a good excuse to go out to eat, especially after a race / long run!
depends on the day and the time of the run, but i am usually pretty good about eating 30 mins post workout. need to check out all the ingredients in the vega bars!