I ate fig newtons during my half IM and training for the half IM. I liked them for a few reasons:

1) They are compact and energy dense. 2 cookies = 100 kcal or so.
2) They are way cheaper than gels.
3) They are (I think) relatively low on the GI scale, so they don't spike your blood glucose as much as some other foods.
4) They are 'real food.' I can only eat so many gels. Sometimes fig newtons are more satisfying for me.

Because they are absolutely delicious; a great way to squeeze in a few bites of utter joy during a day of utter suffering. And the nutrition is a bonus.

They're also great for the pre-race. I always eat 4 sleeves: 1 two nights prior, 2 the day before, and 1 for breakfast on race day.

Now I'm getting a craving...

They taste great... Don't forget about the fig newmans, they are great too and healthier because the package says so.

Fig Newmans rule, they are so much better than the Newtons.

+1 they are great food on the bike or for the race.

i started chowing fig newtons for energy about 10 years ago. started eating them for impact during halftime when i played college football. a few newtowns, a few hydroxycut, and i was good. but that was during football games, a real sport. not an endurance sport like triathlon.

i love how people are adament about what is good race food on this forum. in my mind, if you can quickly and efficienctly stomach it, then eat it, whatever it is. CIP, i am a huge fan of mcdonalds burgers. i can put them down like no ones business. i had four, yes, four during my last him. xtra bbq sauce too.

btw i have a recipe to make your own netwons as well. you can add all sorts of water-soluble supplements as well. pm me if you want recipes.

Also, they can withstand sitting in heat without melting or breaking down too terribly

can't chew them when i'm working out....waaaay to dry!

[quote=tri-ac]can't chew them when i'm working out....waaaay to dry![/quote]

Try the Fig Newmans, seriously. Much less dry than the Newtons. I can't eat Newtons in a race but the Newmans are the bomb.

[quote=Ironmom][quote=tri-ac]can't chew them when i'm working out....waaaay to dry![/quote]

Try the Fig Newmans, seriously. Much less dry than the Newtons. I can't eat Newtons in a race but the Newmans are the bomb.[/quote]

Ok I am lost. What is a Fig Newman?

[quote=Ironmom][quote=tri-ac]can't chew them when i'm working out....waaaay to dry![/quote]

Try the Fig Newmans, seriously. Much less dry than the Newtons. I can't eat Newtons in a race but the Newmans are the bomb.[/quote]

well, I can't turn down that recommendation! I will.

I imagine they are the Paul Newman brand of fig snacks...

Yep, Fig Newmans are Paul Newman's brand of fig newton-like snack cookies. And they are ten times better than the original. Seriously. When I first tried them I thought I had died and gone to fig bar heaven. You will never eat a Newton again!

Oh yeah, just make sure you get the ones with the yellow label that says "Low Fat". I once accidentally got the Wheat Free/Dairy Free ones (purple label) and let's just say they were much less pleasant.

OHHHH good to know! I would rather buy is stuff any way since a portion of the profits go to his charities.