UPF free / wholefood hydration and nutrition

[VW40to44]

I've seen a thread about this before, but can't find it now. Please share if you know of any. 🙏

I started C25K in April and am currently training for the Great South Run and a Half Marathon next year! ☺️ Until now, I've just been fuelling and hydrating before and after my runs, but as the distance is increasing, I'm really feeling the need for something during my long runs too.

Thing is, as I've become fitter and healthier by running, I've also transformed my diet and am reluctant to introduce expensive UPFs, such as gels, gummies, etc. Does anyone have any advice on how to hydrate and fuel as naturally as possible?

Water obviously for hydration, I always throw an electrolyte packet in mine, I use Liquid IV.
Make your own gels, gummies or cereal bars

Nevermind, it's apparently fine.

Thanks for your reply. On the face of it, it seems like a better quality product. The long ingredients list is something I'd rather avoid though.

I guess I was hoping someone might share recipes using wholefoods that they have experience of using.

I take nakd bars and kendal mint cake on long runs. Lidl aslo do fruit/ nut balls similar to nakd.
Rocks fruit squash is also good when there's going to be other sources of water around.

Hi OP
I've looked at this after reading the UPF book by Chris Van Tulleken

I have used Luchos guava blocks before as they have leaves as wrappers, but they do have preservatives in them

You could look at home made fruit "leathers"

I find salted peanuts and PBJ sandwiches are good on longer Ultra type runs too

active root sports drink powders are marketed as upf free - but do check all of their ingredient lists
Their ginger drink helps me but not to everyone's taste!

Dates, bananas, dried figs and apricots are all good on the go. It's fairly easy to make your own electrolyte drink. Milk is a decent recovery option, but you probably don't want to take it out with you.