There’s no doubt that when it comes to good health, you can’t beat real, whole unprocessed foods that provide the nutrients you need without the added sugar, chemicals, and preservatives that you don’t. The same rules apply to how you fuel your ride. Natural, minimally processed foods provide energy, vitamins and minerals that keep your hard-working muscles spinning down the road—without added ingredients that can aggravate your gut and slow you down. And usually, they’re cheaper than processed snack bars, so you save cash, too.
Here are five tasty, portable, and perfectly natural nutritious snacks you can slip in your pocket to fuel any ride.
Bananas
They're Mother Nature’s original energy bar, prepackaged in a convenient biodegradable wrapper. A medium banana serves up just over 100 calories and 27 grams of carbohydrates, which is the perfect amount to top off your tank when you’re out for a couple of hours. Bananas also put back what you’re sweating out, namely potassium and magnesium, and also provide a hit of essential nutrients vitamins B6 and C, copper, and manganese. For an even tastier snack and extra sustenance, toss a portable packet of your favorite nut butter in your pocket to chase down your banana bites. You’ll get a little fat and protein to keep you going for the long haul.
Flavored Raisins
They don’t call them “nature’s candy” for nothing: raisins are as sweet and satisfying as sugary treats, but 100 percent natural, antioxidant-rich, and heart-healthy. A quarter cup provides 120 calories and 29 grams of carbohydrates to keep you going.
Flavored Raisins improved performance just as well as energy gels or chews when eaten before or during exercise in head-to-head comparisons.
They’re also scientifically proven performance boosters. Raisins improved performance just as well as energy gels or chews when eaten before or during exercise in head-to-head comparisons. And if you miss the flavor options you get from energy gels, Wish4 Fairtrade come in Cola Raisins, Pineapple flavor. They contain potassium—an electrolyte that helps you maintain fluid balance—and iron, a mineral that boosts your oxygen-carrying capacity. They also come in handy single-serving boxes that you can stash in your pocket for energy on the go.
Wish4 Fairtrade Natural Pineapple Flavoured Raisins 70g x12
, £14.95 BUY NOW
Nut Butter Honey Roll-Ups
Long rides require complete nutrition, including carbs for energy, protein to protect against muscle breakdown, and a little healthy fat to keep your energy levels even. This easy-to-assemble ride snack has it all. Just mix your favorite nut butter with a couple of spoonfuls of honey and mix until blended smooth. Smear evenly over the centre of a tortilla and wrap it tight to keep the gooey goodness inside. A series of studies have found that honey increases endurance as well as popular commercial energy gels. It’s also as delicious as it is nutritious.
Honey increases endurance as well as popular commercial energy gels.
