Machka 

One of my coworkers brought a large container of gummy worms to work. I had one, but I didn't like it, so I didn't eat anymore. A few others had one or two, but the rest were finished off by two of my coworkers.

I happened to glance at the calorie count on the container (a habit of mine with any food).

170 calories for 4 worms!! I had to read it twice because I could hardly believe my eyes.

So ... assuming there were about 50 of these worms in the container, and assuming that a few of us ate 10 of those... the two coworkers who finished them off had about 20 worms each for a total of 850 calories each!

Those are the sneaky calories!! The worms are small ... who would think a few worms would add up to 850 calories! This is why I say that many people underestimate how much they actually consume. Even little hard candies run about 40 calories each.



But then I got to thinking ... I should have looked at the ingredients of those worms. They might make an inexpensive substitute for the gels we consume on rides!

mrbubbles

They are great inexpensive substitutes for gels, except most of these candies lack electrolytes required for long distance cycling. Gummies consist of glucose syrup, sugar, and glucose-fructose, these three ingredients make up about 70-90% of most gummy candies, and is easily absorbed for energy.

One of my favourite candies is the Dare Real Fruit, which also has potassium. Combine this with salt topped crackers, it has all the electrolytes and energy I need. All for the fraction of what gels cost. https://www.darefoods.com/ca-en/produ...ey/index.shtml

Paco97

Yeah, I've been amazed at calories in different foods as well. I've trying to lose weight and stalled after 10lbs. Then I started counting calories and have lost another 5 within 4 weeks. I know there were days that I must have put away more than 10,000 calories: between eating 2 supersize Whopper meals (lunch, Dinner), drinking 2+/- liters of soda a day, and eating 2-3 donuts for breakfast, and eating a candy bar or ice cream on the way home.

Now whenever I go to a convenience store, it amazes me what other people are buying and how many calories Americans put away. No wonder America is a fat country.

sharptailhunter

As mentioned previously, those gummie candies could work for energy snacks while on a ride. JUst swig em down with some electrolite enriched water and you'd be good to go.

Paco97, you were eating like that on a regular basis? Holy cow Batman, you were a heart attack waiting to happen!

Paco97

Yep! Im a regional manager and my territory is some PA, MD, some WV, and VA, so I do a good bit of traveling, whenever I get hungry I go through the drivethrough. Up until 4 months ago, I didn't really care what I ate and what effect it had on me. I hated "diets" and was out of shape and was addicted to soda. Fortunately for me I only weighed 230 at 6'0", but most of it was in my belly.

I also was diagnosed with Cholesterol 2 years ago, so yes I was a heart attack waiting to happen. Luckily, I finally came to my senses after watching my grandmother die in agony and it was a realization that I could live a terrible life in the end if I don't change. I'm hoping I can continue my new lifestyle and ward off heart attacks and diabetes.