Taste test: The gel has a neutral, slightly citrusy flavor and a fairly fluid texture that means it is possible to take it without water, but usually it’s best to wash it down. Running Gels Explained Why do people use running gels?

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, 24-Count GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, 24-Count

There are a few other caveats worth noting, says Wilkinson. ‘I would not recommend using them other than as a convenient way to fuel during exercise or physical activity. They are high in sugar, which can lead to unnecessary calorie intake if consumed outside of intense exercise,’ she says. Over-reliance or misuse can lead to gastrointestinal issues or a sugar crash if not matched with physical exertion, she warns, adding that those with specific dietary concerns, such as diabetes, should consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to see if energy gels are best suited for their nutritional needs. You also need to follow the guidelines for usage, while a process of trial and error will outline how energy gels work best for you. Without any of the extras of normal foods that may cause bloating and slow you down, Gu Gels provide you with just the ingredients you need to offer long-lasting energy.The box tells you when and how often to use the gels, but experiment with what works best for your body. If this is your first time using the gels, you might want to wash it down with some water. It could prevent stomach aches or cramping. If you avoid using gels because of past gastrointestinal problems, Gel 100 is well worth trying. I have not experienced significant stomach issues while using Maurten’s products, which have been my go-to for my past few marathons. Each 40g gel contains 25g of carbs, and Maurten claims the ratio of glucose to fructose used in them means you can absorb up to 100g of carbs an hour.

GU Energy Gels - GU Energy

Energy gels come in a variety of flavors and it depends on the brand. Your taste buds are different from mine so I can’t make any recommendations on flavors. We all know how important it is to fuel your body – especially if you’re putting it through its paces on a long run or during a high-intensity session – but if you’re taking part in any prolonged activity of over 60 minutes, getting your sports nutrition right is crucial. Energy gels play a vital role in this (whether you love them or hate them) and are one of the easiest ways for runners to get energy in on the go.They might have “velo” in the name, but I can assure you the energy gels from this company work just as well for runners. There are three gels in Rawvelo’s range, two without caffeine—blood orange, and passionfruit and coconut—and a blueberry and hibiscus gel that contains 50mg of caffeine. All the gels are made from natural, organic ingredients, delivering 20g of carbs via rice syrup and fruit juices. Isotonic energy gels - Also referred to as electrolyte gels, isotonic gels contain the correct water/electrolyte balance. These gels are thinner due to added water and often include essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which aid in hydration and may prevent symptoms such as cramping. While it’s possible to consume these without additional water, it's not generally advisable.

GU Energy Gel Review: Fuel Your Performance | ACTIVE GU Energy Gel Review: Fuel Your Performance | ACTIVE

GU’s patented carbohydrate blend delivers high-quality, easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels. When you work out what the ideal scenario is, you’ve got to train your gut. If you decide you need to consume 60g of carbohydrate per hour and you’re not used to taking gels, you’re in for a world of pain. Over a three-, four- or five-week period, start with half a gel, then a bit more and so on, and train yourself to that ideal strategy. The caffeine content is very low so if you’re concerned about “crashing” or getting the runs, this might be your solution. I thought it was maybe V8. Tasted a little like vegetables. It’s not sweet, which I might like at some point.”— Riley Missel, Editorial Assistant, BicyclingI like banana, but when promised an accompanying strawberry flavor, I demand it. Banana dominates your palate. So if you’re into that, I’d say go for it. This is for the person who goes for the banana instead of the cookie at the finish line. Which is fine, but not when I could have gotten strawberry too. I’ll use it, but I won’t be as happy about it as I could be.”— Drew Dawson, Editorial Assistant You can also adjust the timing of when you consume your food, Hill adds. “So if you know it’s going to be a really intense run, and food doesn’t really sit well when that happens, try to consume your fuel earlier when the intensity is lower, or when you’re taking a walk break or a rest break,” she explains.

GU Energy Gel Flavors, Ranked | Runner’s World The Best GU Energy Gel Flavors, Ranked | Runner’s World

Electrolyte Replenishment: Includes essential electrolytes, such as sodium, to replace what is lost through sweat, helping to maintain proper hydration and performance.Our bodies start to deplete the carbohydrate and glycogen levels as soon as we start the race if not sooner from the pre-race adrenaline.