photo credit: Marathon Foto

By Linnae O’Neil – UnTapped Community Manager, seasoned marathoner, and maple enthusiast.

There are countless benefits to fueling with real food – simple ingredients that are easy to digest, naturally occurring minerals and antioxidants, and versatility when looking to have variation in snacks and fueling.  The malleability of UnTapped’s all-natural product line is something I love not only when I’m looking to fuel my long runs, but across all aspects of cooking with real ingredients.

Don’t get me wrong, the simplicity of having a lemon stroopwafel on hand in my car pre-run or the UnTapped salted raspberry gels when I’m training is truly topnotch, but the capability to incorporate them into how I pre-fuel and refuel is beyond. If you’re looking for ways to put a little pizzazz (safely) into your fueling needs, here’s some alternate suggestions for how I like to incorporate UnTapped beyond the packet.

Pre and Post Exercise Nutrition

Before exercising I’ll often have a bowl of yogurt topped with (you guessed it) a drizzle of salted cocoa maple syrup, some berries, and my favorite maple stroopwafel granola recipe.  Go crazy – throw in chai, coffee, or even raspberry stroopwafels to this granola to customize it with your favorites.  More of an oatmeal pal?  Stir in a coffee UnTapped packet for a little hit of caffeine, some extra antioxidants, and the easily digestible carbohydrates that are maple syrup.  I find either of these options really hits the spot 60-90 minutes before I go out or even 2 hours before a race on race day.

I don’t know about you, but post-exercise I often find the stress of a high-intensity workout leaves my appetite at a challenging point.  I know I need to refuel, but I’m not usually craving anything.  However, what I am is thirsty.  I’ve found refueling via liquid calories to be incredibly beneficial. On hot summer days my absolute favorite way to get some carbs immediately post-run is to mix the Lime Mapleaid into a soda water.  Trust me here – so simple, but it’s like a way better maple Sprite.  Forget a shower beer – a shower seltzer (with electrolytes and carbohydrates) is where it’s at. 

And in the winter?  You absolutely cannot go wrong with a hot mug of Ginger Mapleaid to warm you (and your cold hands) up and in the evening, feel free to upgrade to a Space Heater. And when you’re ready for a snack, Lentine Alexis’ No-Bake Superseed Bars are an absolute MUST to have on hand. Trust me, these won’t last long in your house. Pre or post run, these are a great way to get some carbs in quick without opting for a pre-packaged processed bar.

You truly can’t go wrong with any selection from UnTapped, so I suggest the Sample Pack to try one of everything. 

Happy fueling!