The opportunity to test out Ultima Replenisher couldn't have come at a better time for me. My old favorite had changed their formula, and I was in the market for a new electrolyte drink. I was a little weary at first of trying Ultima, as it has stevia – an ingredient I am very sensitive too (and not a fan of) and seems like I taste it (or maybe just more bothered by it) more than others – which means I was afraid I wouldn't like it. I spoke with some others that use Ultima, and are also stevia sensitive, and after hearing their thoughts and recommendations, I decided to opt in (and thankfully was chosen, because now I know how awesome it is).
Lucky for me, the stevia didn't bother me at all, and I do believe I've found my new favorite. Ultima sent me a box of Raspberry sticks (20 come in a box) as well as a small canister of 30 servings of Lemonade (so nicely packaged, too). I love that from the small canister you can get 30 servings. Plenty of bang for your buck, plus, doesn't take up much space in the cabinets. The sticks are awesome to put in your purse/bag and for on the go. I can easily store one in my Orange Mud pack when I'm out on a run if I need to re-fill my bottle, or for post-race water bottles. That's what I did for Rock 'n' Roll Chicago. I had the 5k Saturday and the 10k on Sunday, and of course it's always crazy hot and humid that weekend, so I wanted to make sure I was hydrating properly Saturday so be ready for Sunday's race. I tossed in the Raspberry powder into a bottle of water post-race, and it was delightful.
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| After a trail run, I mixed up the raspberry for my first test of Ultima. It was very refreshing and I was pleased that I didn't notice too much stevia :) |
I'm not one of those ladies that just glistens a little when working out. I'll step outside in humidity and start dripping in a minute. You'll find me wearing tanks, t-shirts, and shorts in temps as low as the mid-40s. I heat up quickly when I start to run, and so in the summer, my clothes are usually pretty drenched a few miles in. Super attractive, right? Whatever - I like to keep it real with you all ;)
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| See that small patch of light color? Yeah, my shirt was almost completely drenched. |
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| See what I mean? Uber sweaty. |
Obviously with all the sweating I do, I'm losing electrolytes, so it's important to drink something other than water. I've found that I enjoy drinking Ultima before my run, but it is crazy refreshing as a post-run drink, too. A great way to replace what you've lost during the run. I mix it up, toss in some ice, and chug away. It's so yummy and tastes amazing after a run in this crazy summer weather (so hot and humid! Seems like all of my runs have been done in 80 degrees + with about 80% humidity or more. Woof.). Electrolytes will help avoid cramping, which is a sign that your body is low on them. It's important to consume electrolytes in a consistent manner so you can go into your workout or training session adequately hydrated. Start out with everything your body needs rather than try to add them in during the workout, which is usually too late.
Symptoms of dehydration include: headaches, fatigue, leg cramps, sluggishness, and even hunger (what often appears as hunger is the body signaling for hydration; another reason why people say to drink water if you're feeling hungry, because you might just be thirsty instead.)
Side note - it's important to get these electrolytes year round, not just in the summer. Even in winter, when you might not sweat AS much (I still sweat plenty haha, just not as much as in the summer heat and humidity), you'll still need these vital minerals.
Some tips from me to you:
What are the 6 electrolytes you're looking to help replace in your body after all the sweating?
Ultima's new formulation includes MORE of these electrolytes. They increased the amount of magnesium, potassium, and sodium. You can see the comparison in the below image. They've also reduced package size by 45%, so more environmentally friendly. Scoop size has decreased and it's made to mix with 16oz rather than 8oz. I never had the old formula, but I like what they've done with the new one.
Symptoms of dehydration include: headaches, fatigue, leg cramps, sluggishness, and even hunger (what often appears as hunger is the body signaling for hydration; another reason why people say to drink water if you're feeling hungry, because you might just be thirsty instead.)
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| After hiking Mt. Abraham it was time to rehydrate and get ready for race day. Always fun when it matches your nails. |
Side note - it's important to get these electrolytes year round, not just in the summer. Even in winter, when you might not sweat AS much (I still sweat plenty haha, just not as much as in the summer heat and humidity), you'll still need these vital minerals.
Some tips from me to you:
- Use a shaker bottle. That whisk ball thing helps mix the powder into the water really well
- Mix and then add ice (doing so beforehand will cause the powder to clump and not mix as well)
- No blender bottle? No problem. I also stirred with a spoon, let it sit a minute or two, and then stirred again. Sometimes one stir works – just depends on how cold the water is. The colder it is, the more likely you'll get clumps (very small balls of powder), but if you let it sit for a minute, they usually dissolve without any issue.
- You can also just use a water bottle and shake it up. This worked well too, and I noticed a lot of the other BibRave Pros used this method.
What are the 6 electrolytes you're looking to help replace in your body after all the sweating?
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Sodium
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| Ready to go for Mad Half! Ultima is in my gear check list. |
Ultima's new formulation includes MORE of these electrolytes. They increased the amount of magnesium, potassium, and sodium. You can see the comparison in the below image. They've also reduced package size by 45%, so more environmentally friendly. Scoop size has decreased and it's made to mix with 16oz rather than 8oz. I never had the old formula, but I like what they've done with the new one.
What's in Ultima?
"Ultima contains a perfect balance of all 6 electrolytes plus support minerals that work together to provide complete hydration without stomach upset so you can feel and perform your best. Ultima is sweetened with stevia leaf and made with real fruit flavors that taste delicious. This formulation contains Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) which supports a healthy immune system, protects the cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Calcium to support muscle contraction and nerve function. Phosphorus to deliver oxygen to muscles, Selenium as an antioxidant support, Zinc for recovery and neuron support, Magnesium for preventing muscle cramps, Potassium for cardiac muscle support, Sodium for muscle contraction and nerve function and Chloride for osmotic pressure support."
Ultima Replenisher is Non-GMO, Vegan & Gluten-Free. Zero Sugar, Zero Artificial Flavors, Zero Calories, 100% Awesome!
Ultima recently changed their formula. Here's some info from the website about it:
"Each serving of Ultima now has increased magnesium, potassium, and sodium — all very important electrolytes — and zero calories. By removing virtually all of the maltodextrin (except for the tiny amount that the natural flavors use as a carrier) we were able to create a formula that will hydrate without added calories. We care about what you put into your body as much as you do. With all 6 electrolytes plus support minerals, real fruit flavors and plant-based colors, vegan, nonGMO, no caffeine and gluten-free — we’re happy to be your go-to choice for healthy replenishment so you can feel and perform your best."
"Our News is Good For Your...
Health:
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| Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 5k. |
"Our News is Good For Your...
Health:
- 12 X more Magnesium
- 3 X more Potassium
- Zero Calories / Carbs
- Removed most Maltodextrin
- Non-GMO, Gluten-free, and vegan certifications pending
- 100% bigger drink size!
- Same price
- Same number of servings
- 40% less waste due to smaller packaging"
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| All the fun colors! Ultima uses natural flavors and fruit/vegetable extract for coloring. The bright colors in raspberry, cherry pomegranate, and orange comes from beet juice! Top: Lemonade, Raspberry Bottom: Cherry Pomegranate, Orange, Grape |
I loved the raspberry and lemonade so much, but I wanted to try the other flavors to find my favorite (and then order a 90 serving canister!). I ordered myself two of the variety stick packs, which come with all 5 flavors: orange, lemonade, cherry pomegranate (a new flavor), grape, and raspberry. While they are all delightful, cherry pomegranate is my favorite. Since it's a new flavor, it's been selling out quickly, so I am patiently waiting for the 90 serving canister to come back in stock. I think just about everyone can find a flavor out of the bunch that they would enjoy, if not all of them.
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| Love drinking Ultima after these hot, humid summer runs. |
Do yourself a flavor (haha) and order yourself some! I have a 35% off + free shipping code for you to use = BIBRAVE2016. Ultima is already very reasonably priced, but it's always nice to save some extra cash, isn't it?
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| Ultima Variety Pack. |
Cost of different products (before 35% discount):
20 count stick packs - $19.99 (about $1 per serving)
30 serving canister - $19.99 (about $.67 per serving)
90 serving canister - $39.99 (about $.45 per serving)
Obviously, going with the 90 canister is your best option price wise, but for traveling and on the go purposes, I really do enjoy having some sticks on hand too. Whatever you choose, I'd say the price is pretty comparable to other electrolyte drinks/supplements on the market.
You'll want to buy online for as long as the discount code is valid, because hello, free shipping and save some dough (no expiration date as of now, but if there is one, I'll update the blog), but just so you know, you can also find Ultima Replenisher at local stores such as Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Earth Fare, Sprouts Farmers Market, and more. You can go to the store locator on the website, input your address or zip code to find locations near you. I found some stores or workout studios that I wouldn't have thought to look at. Pretty cool.
The person (people) running their twitter and instagram account are very interacrive and helpful. I've bothered them with questions, such as when certain flavors will be back in stock, and they always get back to me quickly. Super helpful.
Speaking of out of stock, they've had a few things come and go out of stock quickly, especially the Cherry Pomegranate flavor, which is their newest one. It has been super popular, and so goes out of stock just as quickly as it comes back. Snatch it up if you see if in stock! They currently have the individual packets, but not the 90 serving canister. Just a heads up if there are certain flavors/sizes you want, but they aren't available at the moment - they'll be back! Just keep an eye out on the website.
Enjoy cooking, baking, or finding new fun recipes? Check out the recipes using Ultima: http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/recipes/
You'll want to buy online for as long as the discount code is valid, because hello, free shipping and save some dough (no expiration date as of now, but if there is one, I'll update the blog), but just so you know, you can also find Ultima Replenisher at local stores such as Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Earth Fare, Sprouts Farmers Market, and more. You can go to the store locator on the website, input your address or zip code to find locations near you. I found some stores or workout studios that I wouldn't have thought to look at. Pretty cool.
The person (people) running their twitter and instagram account are very interacrive and helpful. I've bothered them with questions, such as when certain flavors will be back in stock, and they always get back to me quickly. Super helpful.
Speaking of out of stock, they've had a few things come and go out of stock quickly, especially the Cherry Pomegranate flavor, which is their newest one. It has been super popular, and so goes out of stock just as quickly as it comes back. Snatch it up if you see if in stock! They currently have the individual packets, but not the 90 serving canister. Just a heads up if there are certain flavors/sizes you want, but they aren't available at the moment - they'll be back! Just keep an eye out on the website.
Enjoy cooking, baking, or finding new fun recipes? Check out the recipes using Ultima: http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/recipes/
Ultima Replenisher will be sponsoring #BibChat over on Twitter on Tuesday, August 2 at 8pm CT. Join us for some fun chatter along with a chance to win some Ultima for yourself!
Connect with Ultima:
*All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I am always honest with you! Have a question? Just ask :)
