The maple craze isn’t entirely new to runners; we've long been indulging in a few maple syrup covered flapjacks in the hours after a long run.
With the movement toward all-natural fueling, however, newer products like Untappped Maple Syrup packed gel pouches and refreshment options such as Drink Maple waters can be seen as alternatives to engineered gels, chews, and sports drinks.
Why are these smart options? Maple waters and syrups are packed with natural antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, a ¼ cup serving of pure maple syrup, in addition to offering you 216 low glycemic calories, also provides upwards of 100 percent of your daily value for manganese, a mineral known to play key roles in how cells react to oxidative stress, in carbohydrate metabolism, and also bone health.
As a source of energy, maple syrup is comprised primarily of sucrose, meaning that it fuels your system with a blend of glucose and fructose. Runners will love the blended energy system; research has found that when athletes consume a blend of sugars during exercise, they absorb and use more grams of glycogen-restoring fuel per hour, without the threat of GI distress.
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Caveat: Remember that maple syrup, like many natural sweeteners (such as honey and agave) is still a simple sugar. While it may be a better choice compared to more engineered and processed foods, it still contributes to overall sugar intake. Simply because it’s all-natural, it’s still not a free for all. (Remember, daily added sugar intake should be limited to ~37.5 grams for men and 25 grams for women.)
Here are some unique fueling options that include real maple (not just flavoring) to incorporate into your fueling plan. These top choices were tested and used on the run, so you know they actually work along with giving you that fall feeling.
Related video: Feel good for fall with this hearty soup.
On the Go Award
Former professional cyclist Ted King and his team developed their own line of Untapped Maple Waffles, reminiscent of Dutch stroopwafels. After 10 years of racing, Ted was simply tired of choking down lab generated sports food. His gut told him that whole foods might provide the same nutritional lineup—electrolytes, antioxidants, minerals, and so forth—and could better deliver on taste. Heck, they can even be viewed as an indulgent reward during a hard effort.
Recovery Award
Packed with the protein and live active cultures you’ve come to expect from Greek yogurt, Chobani launched Chobani Maple Greek Yogurt earlier this season, making it a seasonal flavor that can do wonders for your recovery. When on the shelves, it’s stocked with 12 grams of muscle-rebuilding protein and 18 grams of glycogen-restoring carbohydrate. If you can still find it (or discover another brand that uses real maple, not the fake stuff) top it yogurt with some dried fruit and a handful of high-protein adult cereal and you’ll be well on your way to full recovery.
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Hydration Award
Loving the health and rehydration benefits of maple water, but wishing there was just a little bit more flavor? Maple Guild’s new tapt. infused tree waters might be just what you’ve been looking for. In addition to providing rehydration and refreshment for a reasonable amount of calories that will fit easily within your daily needs, these flavorful waters come with a mix of naturally occurring and fortified vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Snack Awards
Your search for high quality craft jerky and meat sticks just might come to an end once you try Field Trip Maple BBQ Pork Jerky, a maple-infused serving of tasty lean protein. One 2.2 oz. bag packs 20 grams of satiating, high-quality protein along with about 420 mg of sodium—that’s conveniently within the range of the sodium loss many runners experience when they sweat during an intense workout.
Survive your long run and want to celebrate with something salty, sweet, and indulgent? Maple fans in dire need of flavor (and some sodium) will love Kettle Brand Maple Bacon chips. Non-GMO and gluten free, you can further avoid any feelings of guilt by pairing a serving with a protein-packed sandwich on whole grain and a side of vegetables.
