Pair CLIF Energy Chews with CLIF BUILDERS Bars for Endurance

Quick Answer

Use CLIF Energy Chews before and during endurance sessions for quick carbs, then follow with a CLIF BUILDERS protein bar within 30–60 minutes afterward. This combo keeps your energy steady and supports muscle repair without weighing you down.

Endurance training demands more than just mileage. Your body needs the right fuel at the right time to keep you going and to recover so you can do it again tomorrow. That's where pairing CLIF Energy Chews with CLIF BUILDERS bars comes in: chews give you quick, easy-to-digest carbohydrates for pre-workout and mid-session energy, while a CLIF BUILDERS protein bar after provides the protein your muscles need to rebuild.

The key is timing. If you eat a full meal too close to a run or ride, you risk stomach cramps. If you wait too long to refuel afterward, you slow down recovery. This guide walks you through a simple, step-by-step plan for using both products around your endurance workouts.

Prepare Your Fuel Plan

Start by deciding when you'll eat and what you'll bring. For workouts longer than 60 minutes, you'll want a pre-workout source of carbs and more carbs during the session. CLIF Energy Chews are ideal because they're portable and easy to eat mid-exercise. For the recovery part, pick a CLIF BUILDERS bar that you'll actually enjoy after finishing.

Check the nutrition and choose flavors you like. Not all flavors are equal in taste, and you'll be more likely to stick to your plan if it tastes good. Also, consider your tolerance: some athletes prefer to stick to one flavor type during a race or long run to avoid surprises.

A common mistake: trying something new on race day. Always test your fuel plan during training to see how your stomach handles it.

• Pack chews in an easily accessible pocket or belt.
• Set a reminder on your watch to take chews every 30–45 minutes.

Pre-Workout: CLIF Energy Chews

About 30–60 minutes before you start, eat a serving of CLIF Energy Chews. They deliver carbohydrates in a form that's quick to digest, so you get energy without feeling full or bloated. The exact amount depends on your body size and workout intensity, but a general rule is to start with 1–2 packages and adjust based on how you feel.

If your workout is very early and you haven't eaten a full meal, you might want a bit more. But don't overdo it—too many chews can cause stomach discomfort. The goal is to top off your glycogen stores, not to fill your stomach.

• Test different timing to find what works for you.

During: Keep Energy Up

For exercise lasting longer than an hour, you'll need to replace carbohydrates as you go. CLIF Energy Chews are perfect for this because they're easy to chew and swallow even when you're breathing hard. Take a few chews every 30–45 minutes, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout.

Don't wait until you feel exhausted. By then, your glycogen stores are already low, and it takes time for the carbs to reach your bloodstream. Stay ahead of the curve.

• Alternate flavors if you get tired of one taste.

Post-Workout: CLIF BUILDERS Bar

Within 30–60 minutes after you finish, eat a CLIF BUILDERS protein bar. This is the window when your muscles are most receptive to protein for repair and growth. The bars are high in protein and gluten-free, making them a practical and portable recovery option.

Choose a flavor that appeals to you. For example, CLIF BUILDERS Chocolatey Mint Plant Based Protein Bars or CLIF BUILDERS Vanilla Almond Flavor Plant Based Protein Bars are both solid choices. If you prefer a smaller portion, the CLIF BUILDERS Minis can work if you eat two to get enough protein.

• Pair with water to help with hydration and digestion.

Adjust to Your Intensity and Duration

Your fuel plan shouldn't be static. On shorter, easier days, you might skip the mid-workout chews and just have a pre-workout pack. On long endurance efforts, you'll need more carbs during, and potentially a second chews serving. The amount of protein after also matters: a standard CLIF BUILDERS bar offers 20 grams of protein, which is a good target for most endurance athletes after training.

Listen to your body. If you feel sluggish mid-workout, you may need to take chews earlier or increase the amount. If you feel heavy or bloated, reduce the amount. Over time, you'll dial in the perfect plan.

• Keep a training log to track what works.

Your Step-by-Step Fueling Routine

1. Step 1: Eat chews 30–60 minutes before: Take 1–2 packages of CLIF Energy Chews to top off your energy stores without feeling heavy. Checkpoint: You should feel energized but not bloated. If not, adjust the amount next time.
2. Step 2: Take chews every 30–45 minutes during: For workouts over an hour, continue with small amounts of chews to sustain carbohydrate supply. Checkpoint: If you hit a wall, you waited too long. Take chews earlier next time.
3. Step 3: Eat a CLIF BUILDERS bar within 30–60 minutes after: Choose a flavor you enjoy, like Chocolatey Mint or Vanilla Almond, and have it with water to start recovery. Checkpoint: Aim for 20 grams of protein within the hour; if you had a very long workout, consider an extra snack later.

Product Facts

• CLIF BUILDERS Chocolatey Mint Plant Based Protein Bars: High protein, gluten free protein bars that work as hard as you do to help build something great. These chocolate mint flavor CLIF BUILDERS bars help fuel your body. The chocolatey mint flavor offers a refreshing post-workout taste while delivering the protein your muscles need for recovery.
• CLIF BUILDERS Vanilla Almond Flavor Plant Based Protein Bars: High protein, gluten free protein bars that work as hard as you do to help build something great. These vanilla almond flavor CLIF BUILDERS bars help fuel your body. If you prefer a nuttier, milder taste, this vanilla almond option is a versatile choice that pairs well with water or a smoothie after your run.
• CLIF BUILDERS Minis Chocolatey Peanut Butter Plant Based Protein Bars: CLIF BUILDERS Minis Chocolatey Peanut Butter Plant Based Protein Bars are half the size of standard CLIF BUILDERS bars. These gluten free protein bars help fuel your body. When you don't feel like a full-size bar after a workout, these minis let you control portion size and still get a protein boost.

Pairing CLIF Energy Chews with CLIF BUILDERS bars is a practical, tasty way to fuel endurance training from start to finish. Test the timing during your long sessions, adjust based on how you feel, and you'll find a rhythm that keeps you going strong and recovering well.