Monday, August 8, 2016

August 2016 StrideBox

The August 2016 StrideBox arrived in the mail today and it has something I've been really eager to try. Want to try StrideBox yourself? There is a $5 coupon code at the end of this post! Here's the August box:

Contents:

  • RxBar Protein Bar (Chocolate Sea Salt): This bar has seven ingredients - dates, egg whites, almonds, cashews, cacao, sea salt and natural chocolate flavor. It has 12 grams of protein and I'm looking forward to sampling it.   
  • Verdict: the texture of this bar was very dense and I felt like it was sticking to my teeth and I couldn't swallow it. The flavor was disappointing, too. 
  • GU Energy Stroopwafel (Salty's Caramel): I'm a fan of GU gels (for long-run fueling); I'm a fan of Honey Stinger waffles (for pre-race energy boost). How can this not be good?! This is the item I've been really eager to try.
  • Verdict: this wasn't as sweet as honey stinger waffles, and without the moisture of the honey it was somewhat dry. on the bright side, it didn't crumble the way honey stinger waffles do. I'll stick to the sweetness of the crumbly honey stinger waffle.
  • Nutrigardens Beet Boost Drink (Tart Cherry): I'm intrigued by the performance boost some runners seem to experience from both beets and tart cherries. This is a convenient powder to add to water or smoothies and try both out at once.
  • Verdict: I added this to 12 ounces of water and drank it that way. It was good - not too overwhelmed with beet or tart cherry flavor. It wasn't sweet, but it didn't need to be. I would buy this again.
  • Buff Bake Protein Peanut Spread (Red Velvet): A packet of peanut butter with protein and chocolate chips - yum! And no nasty red food coloring - the "red velvet" color in this comes from beets. Other ingredients include coconut oil, chia seed and flax seed. The overall calories are similar to a serving of peanut butter, but with the addition of the whey protein it has relatively more protein and less fat than peanut butter. And a bit more fiber, too. 
  • Verdict: I had this on a biscuit for breakfast. The taste was similar to hazelnut butter - not sweet like Nutella, more like Justin's hazelnut butter. The consistency seemed similar to Justin's, too. I would buy this again.
  • The Chia Co Chia Shots (White Chia Seeds): A chia packet for on-the-go. I've been trying to eat more chia ever since reading Born to Run. 
  • Verdict: I stirred these into a Chobani yogurt. I liked them in the yogurt, but next time I'll pre-soften them in a true liquid. The yogurt was too thick to fully soften them. But they still gave it a nice crunch.
  • Aloe Up Sunscreen (Pro Ultra Sport SPF 30): Sunscreen is so important. Skin cancer runs in my family so I try to wear it consistently whenever I'm outside. 
  • Verdict: I gave this sample to a women's shelter that was in need of small personal care items. I have rosacea, so I stick to mineral sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) to minimize my skin's reaction to sunscreen. 
  • Bonus items: a coupon for 10% off at Sporthooks.com, a recipe for chocolate trail mix power balls, and - of course - the monthly sticker. Each month there is a clever and colorful sticker in my StrideBox. I put them on the outside of my running fuel "tackle box" for decoration and motivation. They make me smile.

Want to check StrideBox out for yourself? Use code xdqrqm for $5 off your first box (and I'll get a $3 credit on my next box). Check them out here.

Questions:
  • Do you subscribe to StrideBox?
  • Have you tried any of the products in the August box?

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