Hammer Gel Hammer HEED Lemon/Lime, 80 Serving

After reading about the downside of PowerAde, Gatorade and the like, we purchased this product for when we play golf in the AZ heat. It works really well. Most sports drinks are filled with sugar; Heed uses Xylitol which the body doesn't recognize. Some consumers have reported that it doesn't have much flavor ... and some have said they have mixed it with other sports drinks (yikes!). The flavor IS very mild, but very nice, and it keeps you going in the heat.

Just now (4-2-17) I discovered that this review has been placed with reviews of Hammer Gel. I have never used Hammer Gel. I use the powder. Everything below is about the powder product. I will add that I have now used the powdered Melon, Lemon-Lime, and Strawberry. I find the taste of all of them acceptable. I mix it before I walk, and often finish it several hours after my walk. Sometimes I finish it the next day. I have not noticed any change in taste.Since November 2015 I’ve usually maintained a 28-day average of over 15,000 steps. For the first seven months I didn’t lose a pound, and I was having cramps in my hamstrings. I was drinking one-half to one gallon of Gatorade a day — the more cramps, the more I drank. Then I noticed the high sugar content. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t losing weight? So I went online looking for a sports drink that would replace the electrolytes that I was sweating out (in hot and humid Houston) without the sugar. In the course of this search I discovered that Gatorade does not have magnesium. Maybe that was the reason for the cramping?I came across Hammer Heed and decided to give it a try. I started with the 80-serving Strawberry (because that was the only one I could find). I was apprehensive in ordering it because of some comments about the taste, but found it to be pleasant enough. (If flavor was my biggest concern I’d pour for a scotch.)Immediately the cramps stopped, and I began to lose weight. I’m now on my second 80-serving canister, this time Lemon-Lime, and again I find the flavor acceptable.I’m pleased to have found a sports drink that is low calorie (110), low sugar (2g), that keeps my energy up for walks of 20K, 25K, 30K steps and more. I got a Fitbit 12-15-15, and today (10-26-16) was given the “Japan badge” for walking 1,869 miles, the length of Japan. And I’ve lost about ten pounds. I’ll probably stick with the Hammer Heed.

I've been using this stuff for years and love it. The flavoring gets me to drink more than just plain water, and the carbohydrates seem to help keep my energy up during lengthy periods of exercise (without causing all the flatulence that Gatorade or other sugary sports drinks seem to cause). Highly recommended!

HEED is my go to electrolyte drink. Though a little bland in taste it is much easier on the stomach than Gatorade or similar which is great for the longer races. It is also my family's go to drink for hydration when fighting stomach bugs or when you're nauseous (my kids and nephews love it).

One of, if not, the best energy drink for biking under 3 hours. Love the low sugar and minimal taste. I wish they made a smaller size. This bottle will last a year or more. It will cake up if humidity gets into the jar. Keep it dry.

I have been limited by muscle cramps especially on long distance events forever. HEED has made a major impact almost eliminating muscle cramps for me. Now I have to stop from exhaustion (or lack of training) rather than cramps! In addition, although they don't claim this as a benefit, I have noticed that the next day I am generally able to push it harder than most of my training buddies. Without sounding too much like a commercial, if I train with anyone who complains about wrestling with cramping I encourage them to try HEED to see if they have similar results. Buy a small container and see if it helps. Your mileage may vary...

I run about 3 times a week totaling about 18 to 20 miles all year long in 25 to 90 degree F temps. I also participate in a couple trail runs each year of between 13 to 30 miles each. I also hike about 30 miles total during a 2 week span in the fall with temps averaging 40 degrees F. On each of these "outings" I make sure I consume the recommended amount of HEED about 1/2 hour before I begin. On my long hikes in the fall I consume several batches of the drink during the day. I have tried many "Sport Drink" concoctions over the past 15 years and find HEED to be the best for me. I have used the Lemon Lime, Orange and Strawberry with Lemon Lime and Strawberry being my favorite. I may be different then others but when I am reaching my exercise or mileage limit things like smells, tastes and texture can really have an effect on my mind and the last thing I need is a lingering aftertaste as I am struggling for home. I find that HEED keeps me going but also helps me rebound when I am finished. I cramp less after using HEED in my adventures. It is light on flavor and I don't get the "sugar" taste I have found in other drinks. It works well for me in my varying temperature zones which is also a big plus since I can use it year round.

I mix HEED 50:50 with a more sugary drink. The usual sports drinks are too sweet and too many low molecular weight carbs for me. HEED by itself is a little too powdery, too much maltodextrin. Mixing allows the perfect balance of taste and reliable fuel for my long distance races.