Throughout high school, I became a bit more aware of what I was eating, and how I was feeling after consuming certain foods. I saw an allergy doctor because I was having stomach problems when I started running my sophomore year. He determined that I had a gluten intolerance, and was sensitive to a few other foods, but I really never made an effort to cut anything out of my diet. I didn't have a full blown allergy to anything, so why eliminate it? I loved pasta and bread, and as a growing teenager, I pretty much ate anything in sight. My mom always stressed the importance of eating a balanced diet, so every meal was coupled with fruit or veggies. And throughout high school, I kept eating bars. I would always bring them to school, and began to realize that they might be the reason for my stomach problems (as I was consuming them at the end of the school day before running).
When I started doing triathlon halfway through high school, nutrition became even more important. I was getting up at 5 a.m. a few days a week to get a workout in, going to school from 730 a.m. to 230 p.m. , then squeezing in another workout before swim practice from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Then I would head home to battle hours of homework and studying. Eating right was essential in getting through the days and performing well in school and sports. But even still, I never truly understood nutrition and I never found that perfect bar that would give me energy while keeping my stomach happy.
Now, several years wiser, nutrition is a huge part of my life. Not only do I love eating, but I love putting food into my body that I know will make me healthy and strong. Being in Boulder makes this relatively easy, and I am so lucky to be in a place where health and wellness are so strongly valued.
About seven months ago I joined the Apex triathlon crew in Boulder, and started working with Grant Holicky. This was when I was introduced to Breeze Bars for the first time- a company that Grant's wife, Breeze started a few years ago. I had heard about the bars around town, but had never taken the time to try one or see what they were all about.
I slowly began adding them to my routine- first I started using them on long rides, then I tried having them before swims, then I took the chance of eating them before running. And finally, after years and years of consuming bars, I found my prince charming. Being able to run shortly after consuming a bar (with no stomach problems) was nothing short of a miracle for me. I thought for sure that it was just beginner's luck, but again and again, Breeze Bars came through. They are now something I can rely on to fuel me and keep my tummy happy. Sigh of relief!
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| My favorite flavor- Chocolate Cranberry. Maple Almond is close in second. |
I recently started working for Breeze Bars in their gluten free kitchen on Sunday mornings. I make bars with Breeze and a few other employees, and absolutely love every minute. I get to see all of the quality nutrition going into the bars, and see that the ingredients are truly what you read on the label. I can see why these work for me and so many other athletes- it is all goodness!
For so long, training nutrition has been hit or miss. Some days I don't have stomach problems and feel great, and other days are just miserable. Sure, there are other factors to contribute to how we feel during training, but ever since I implemented Breeze Bars into my routine, my training has truly been more consistent. It is a refreshing change to focus solely on my training, and not whether my stomach will decide to rebel.
BREEZE BARS: EZ nutrition that will make your stomach happy, and probably you happy as well!
Get a Breeze Bar! Or 2, or a box. :)
Jessica
