EAS recently sent over a complimentary set of EAS Myoplex Strength Formula bars for Heather and I to sample. Cookies N’ Creme and Chocolate Mint represent my most favorite and most hated flavors of ice cream respectively but I did not let that sway my appraisal of these bars. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by both flavors and even prefer the Chocolate Mint ever so slightly.

Although I’m not a big… oh, how can I say this accurately, exerciser, I have historically been a fan of engineered nutrition. As you might have already observed, I lead a very intense lifestyle and many times don’t get appropriate nutrition through natural means like regular meals and my most covetous object of desire – sleep. For me, as on-the-go, hunger satisfying solutions, “bars” are effective.

Don’t let my nearly universal endorsement of bars lead you to believe that all are good though. My criteria for differentiating a good bar from a bad one are:

1. Satisfaction – After eating this bar will I reach for another bar within an hour? If the answer is No, this bar is satisfying.
2. Taste – Does it feel like I just opened a roll of nickels in my mouth or licked a Coloforms playset? If No, this bar tastes good.
3. Nutrition – Does it have enough good stuff to balance out the bad? If Yes, I’ll eat it.

The Myoplex Strength Formula bars definitely satisfy. Take a look at this naked Cookies N’ Creme bar next to my iPhone (in USB dock)! The consistency is thick but not overly chewy and the size and weight are balanced well.

The title of this post is a homage not just to this bar but to all nutrition bars that taste good. The taste, or more specifically, the flavor of bars has come a long way over the years and these EAS bars represent the next evolution.

The Cookies N’ Creme is smooth and buttery. It masks the usual metallic or Flinstones’ Kids aftertaste you expect and might even give you the impression you’re eating dessert.

The Chocolate Mint achieves the same effect by being, rich but cool with a generous layer of white mint within. It almost makes me rethink the place Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream holds in my current ranking system.

Don’t look at my messy desk. Concentrate on the smooth, silky finish of Cookies N’ Creme.

If you’re interested in sampling a free EAS product yourself head on over and request one.

The day turned out to be quite snacky. The thing about running longer distances (13 today – woohoo), for me at least, is that while I am hungrier, I can’t fit any more in my belly than usual. This means eating regular meals and a few extra snacks.

Snack Number 1 was a Mini Bag of Popcorn.  It was way too salty. I love popcorn, but really prefer it plain.  I also have a terrible habit of eating the unpopped kernels, which I enjoy on the way in; but give me such a stomach ache. Luckily, I remembered that this time and threw the kernels away.

After work I couldn’t make dinner fast enough. I had leftover soup from Friday night, but I added kidney beans for some extra fiber, leftover corn on the cob and sweet potatoes with cinnamon.

I would say this next thing was a snack, but it was really part of dinner – an Ezekial Tortilla w/ Pecan Butter. Just love everything about this.

And then, my final snack was delicious BackCountry Cookies. I actually froze this a week or so ago and pulled a couple out for dessert. I microwaved them for less than a minute and they were perfect. I really love all the City Girl Country Girl cookies!

And now, I’m done!

Music Question

Ashley left a comment asking what kind of music I listen to when I run. This is an important and fun topic!

I posted a list of some of the songs on my iPod here. Since then, I’ve gotten a few more great ones:

• Jack Johnson – Upside Down
• Soulja Boy – Kiss Me Through the Phone
• Flo Rida – Right Round
• Kid Cudi – Day ‘n’ Nite

To me, running music doesn’t necessarily have to be fast. The ability of a song to absorb me and help me ignore the desire to STOP or give me a little extra running attitude is sometimes just as important on a running playlist as one that pumps me up. Check out InTheGym.net for lots of good playlists and song ideas. Also, Melissa posts about music a lot and has a list of songs in her sidebar.

Fun Blog Giveaway: Cupcake Earrings made by Christie. Check out how to earn an entry.