Cheap alternative to energy bars and drinks

DollyTheSheep

Looking to get back into walking (then possibly some running) and just wondering what cheap alternatives people opt for against expensive energy products such as Cliff, High5 and SIS products that cost a couple of quid a go.

I always thought the energy bar thing was a bit of myth, but many years ago back in the Lakes on a walk, I was absolutely knackered in one of those stone shelter huts with a group of work colleagues. I ate my High5 bar I bought on a whim and was absolutely amazed at the kick in energy and feeling better just 5 to 10 mins after.

So whether it is a melting Snickers, banana or some cheap cordial juice. I am interested to hear...

maddiemay

Too ancient to do any distance walks now, but having enjoyed, lakes, moors, dales and coastal paths over the last 40 years everything was very much old style i.e. banana, Kendal Mint Cake, nuts and raisins, even a flask of less than hot tea was very welcome.

whatever you choose, have fun.:D

BananaRepublic

High5 bars are basically dried fruit and some sugar and a bit of oil. Take along some bananas, or dried fruit bars. Lidl and/or Aldi do some dried fruit and nut bars (no added sugar or nasties) that cost peanuts (excuse the pun) and IMO are as good if not better than the more expensive Nakd bars. I thought they were lovely. I used to run 10 km twice a week, I never once took water along, or foodstuffs. Nor did I wear expensive running clothes, just cheap stuff. The only expensive thing I had was running shoes, and I gave up after 25 years due to bad knees. Recent research suggests that the expensive shoes I had promote knee injuries ... :rotfl: Just goes to show that fancy marketing is often boll... errr ... not entirely truthful.

DollyTheSheep

Will check out the fruit bars from Aldi thanks (5 pack)

https://www.aldi.co.uk/apple-%26-banana-fruit-bars/p/066621139644601

BananaRepublic

I tried the choc orange and the date and cashew. The pea based snacks are lovely too. As are the small packs of nuts that look like those very expensive ones.

SallyGreen

Try bananas or dark chocolate.
Some times I use detox teas because 90% of them contains caffeine or guarana. And they really help me to lose weight. But pay attention that it's not really good to drink them every day.

parking_question_chap

Bananas coated in peanut butter are all you will ever need.
Unless really working up a sweat in which case hydration tablets are going to be beneficial.

WobblyDog

I don't buy expensive sports-oriented food and drink. I just buy whatever variety of cereal bars are on special offer in the supermarket, but avoid chocolate-coated ones that melt in hot weather. I also carry small bags of salted peanuts, which I find helpful in hot weather when I sweat a lot, and plain water doesn't really replace electrolytes. I'm quite fond of jelly beans as well, they're quite robust in a rucksack.

DollyTheSheep

I saw Snickers bars when I was waiting in the cue at SportsDirect till. It was a "Protein" version but I suspect it is the same. Seen in a few places people saying how good snickers are for walks and workouts to get the energy back up

BananaRepublic

I recently suffered severe cramps in my right calf, requiring a three week break in exercise. Reading around, and talkng with people, turns out that a lack of salts can contribute to cramps. I also had dark smelly urine, a sign of dehydration. Several people recommended water with hydration tablets, though the tablets are silly expensive. On numerous cycling forums many people say hydration tablets significantly reduced recovery times.

Bear in mind that I do at least 6 hours skating a week including some ice hockey. When I ran 10 km twice a week, I didn’t bother with hydration tablets, or carrying water, and had no issues. You probably don’t need them for short runs, and modest walks.

choille

Bananas are good for leg cramps. I can get them when I eat crisps & I thought it was too much salt that caused it but probably dehydration.