With the competition for sports nutrition heating up, Shotz has a range of tasty and convenient products that will appeal to all athletes of any sport and ability.

Shotz Energy Gel

What sets Shotz Energy Gel apart from many energy gel products is the smooth liquid/gel texture making them easy to digest without any untastely after taste.

Shotz Energy Gels are not sickly sweet and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream without sitting heavy in the stomach.

Shotz Energy Gels are very low in sugar with only 2.5 grams of sugar per 45 gram sachet.

Available in six great flavours that include Berry/Banana, Cola, Lemon/Lime, Wildberry, Cola/Vanilla and Wildbean, there is sure to be a flavour for everyone.

Shotz Electrolyte Tablets

Shotz Electrolyte Tablets come in a convenient tube and are available in Lemon and Orange vanilla flavours. There is no need to measure scoops and no mixing or shaking.

The Shotz tablets are possibly the ultimate in portable hydration. Drop one Shotz tablet into your water bottle and away you go. The  Shotz flavour is mild and refreshing without a sugary aftertaste.

The aim of the simple solution is to be less dehydrated and better equipped to combat the negative effects dehydration has on your performance.

It should be noted that the  Shotz Electrolyte Tablet has no carbohydrate and therefore no energy. It is designed purely for hydration.

Shotz Energy Bars

The Shotz Energy Bars are a nutritional energy bar with complex carbohydrates, protein and whole grain to keep pace with the body’s fuel needs and to satisfy hunger.

The Shotz Energy Bar are a healthy, low fat, low sugar energy packed snack. The formulation is moist and chewy which can be easily consumed during high intensity activity.

Available flavours include: Apple Berry Blast, Choc Almond Ammo, Choc Mint Missile and Sticky Date Explosion.

The Shotz range of nutrition proved to not only taste great but provides the nutritional needs that the body requires during exercise and activity. Personally, I found the Shotz Electrolyte Tablets to be very unique and most convenient.

Take a close look at the Shotz range and give them a try.

For more information visit the Shotz website.

Sharkies organic fruit chews are packed with real fruit juice, whole grains, and carbohydrates for an energy boost that lasts. Naturally occuring minerals and electrolytes replace those during vigorous activities like running, soccer, biking, hiking or snowboarding. Sharkies are gluten free, wheat free, vegetarian and provide a natural source of electrolyte.

Unlike jelly babies and other lollies, Sharkies contain no gelatin and don’t contain high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or further refined sugar. Complex carbohydrates make up half of the ingredients, which keep children and athletes from “sugar crashing” and sustains energy.

With Sharkies, half the product is brown rice syrup giving it complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and provides the silky smooth texture that is easily chewed and digested. This added to the simple sugars from the fruit and organic cane make Sharkies a functional, healthy alternative to lollies. Each package contains 140cals and 36g of carbs.

Sharkies are packaged in convienient 45g packages that slip easily into a cycling jersey pocket and are currently available in three great flavours: Berry Blast, Citrus Squeeze and Fruit Splash. They can be purchased in boxes of twelve for AU$33. So, for under $3 per individual package you can get that energy hit without the nasties of traditional lollies. Sharkies are manufactured in the USA.

Sharkies can be purchased from the Australian website with free postage within Australia.

The plan is to bring you an honest individual review of each product that we have tested during the harsh Australian summer conditions (hey I live in Perth).

When we received the Endura range I sent some of these bars to triathlon friends in Victoria and Queensland as I wanted some really good solid independent feedback.

The Endura Energy Bar is available in a chocolate flavour and offers high-energy carbohydrates and protein with a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, including a patented form of magnesium Meta Mag that’s highly absorbable and easily digestible. Endura Energy Bars supply more than a 1000 kJ of energy, and are the perfect recovery bar.

As with all sports supplements Endura advise that this food is not a sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a nutritious diet. It should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise program. Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women: should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision.

We have been putting in some intense training over Summer and there is no question that the energy bar has helped with our recovery process. The chocolate flavour is very light and doesn’t leave you wanting to rid yourself of that sweet taste that sits in your mouth like other products. In fact this is the same across the entire range of Endura products thou more of that in future reviews. The bars are free from from added wheat/ gluten, grains, yeast, eggs, colours and artificial flavours. The bars retail for around $4.50 or cheaper if you purchase in a box quantity of 10.

You will find the bars available in most bicycle, triathlon or running shops or take a look at the Endura website.

The Jelly Belly brand name is this year celebrating 10 years of involvement in cycling as a title sponsor of the US professional outfit though the brand is not as well known in Australia.

I took it upon myself to speak with Rohan Brown who looks after the brand in Australia to find out a little more about these flavoured beans that tantalise your taste buds. Rohan knew that words wouldn’t do the job so hence the samples arriving in the mail.

With the Jelly Belly beans there is simply; no mess, no coating on the inside of my mouth, it’s easier to portion the beans, the taste is great, and they perform very very well. There are 4 calories per bean, or about 100 calories per single serving (25 beans).  They have approximately 1 gram of carbohydrate per bean and zero fat.  Jelly Belly beans offer a satisfying burst of flavour for a modest calorie investment.

The Jelly Belly range is available in a variety of flavour options; official, sour or smoothie blend.

You will find your nearest stockist on the Jelly Belly website also you can  follow the professional cycling outfit on Twitter.

For a limited time Winners Bars have packaged the Cadel Evans Range of Energy Bars & Gels for AU$60

24 Cadel’s Mountain Mix Bars
12 Lemon Lime Energy Gels
12 Berry Burst Energy Gels

Cadel’s Mountain Mix combines the goodness of berries, nuts, currants, seeds, dates and grains in a light and delicious energy bar. Box of 12. RRP $24

Winners Energy Gel Berry Burst provides a fast, great tasting energy boost when you really need it. 24 × 40g sachets. RRP $48

Winners Energy Gel Lemon Lime provides a fast, great tasting energy boost when you really need it. 24 × 40g sachets. RRP $48

Winners Cadel’s Mountain Mix and Energy Gels are used and recommended by champion cyclist Cadel Evans.

For more information and to purchase the special pack visit the Winners Bars website.

The Appalachian Trail Cookies are the masterpiece of quintessential chef Michael Pfab.
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon pastry flour
pinch salt
pinch baking soda
pinch ground cinnamon
2 cups old-fashion oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1/3 cup M&M’s

Blend butter, brown sugar and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Add coconut, flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix only until blended. Fold in oats by hand, then mix in raisins, peanuts and M&M’s. Spoon out in equal portions on parchment lined baking pan. Bake at 180c (360F) degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes approximately two dozen.

Calories per serving: 157
Fat: 7 grams
Carbs: 21g
Protein: 3g

I am a convert to the cookies and with only 7 grams of fat per serving they are perfect to burn off over that weekend ride.