Energy gels are supplements specifically designed to provide a quick and effective source of energy to athletes during intense exercise. However, there's one important thing you should know about energy gels: how to take them .
These products have gained popularity in the sports world due to their portability, ease of use, and ability to deliver essential nutrients quickly and conveniently.
In this article, we'll explore in detail what energy gels are and how to use them , as well as the specific nutritional composition of our gels (containing 60 grams of carbohydrates and 350 mg of sodium), and how they can benefit athletes in their quest for optimal performance and efficient recovery.
However, at FANTÉ we also provide a usage guide based on the intensity and duration of your workout to learn more about energy gels and how to take them .
What is the composition of our energy gels?
Our energy gels are composed of 60 grams of carbohydrates and 350 mg of sodium formulated to provide a balanced and efficient blend of nutrients.
The carbohydrates in these gels are a combination of maltodextrin and fructose . These fast-absorbing carbohydrates provide an immediate energy boost to working muscles, allowing athletes to maintain their performance during prolonged physical activities.
Sodium, for its part, is a crucial electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body and improves hydration during exercise. Fanté provides 350mg per serving, allowing athletes to compete confidently, as this is the minimum amount per hour our body needs to maintain osmotic balance.
Since sodium is lost through sweat, replacing it is essential to avoid dehydration and problems associated with electrolyte deficiencies.
Benefits of consuming energy gels
In addition to knowing what energy gels are and how to take them , it's important to understand the benefits of consuming them. They offer several significant benefits to athletes:
- Fast and sustained energy : The combination of fast and slow-absorbing carbohydrates provides an immediate source of energy, while the right amount of sodium helps maintain optimal hydration and sustained performance during exercise.
- Performance enhancement : By maintaining blood glucose levels, energy gels can delay fatigue and improve athletic performance, allowing athletes to achieve their goals more easily.
- Ease of use : Energy gels come in convenient, portable packaging, making them a convenient option to take with you during training and competitions.
- Personalization : Specifically, our energy gels with 60 grams of carbohydrates and 350 mg of sodium allow athletes to tailor their intake to their specific needs and the requirements of the physical activity they are participating in.
Optimal times to take energy gels
It's essential to consume energy gels at strategic times to maximize their benefits and avoid discomfort during physical activity. Therefore, it's important to know about energy gels: how to take them and when .
The perfect times to consume are:
- Before exercise : Taking an energy gel about 15-30 minutes before training or competition can provide an initial energy reserve and prepare the body for physical exertion.
- During exercise: Consuming one 60-gram FANTÉ GLUT 5 gel per hour of intense physical activity helps maintain a steady supply of energy and prevent premature fatigue. This helps you get the minimum amount of carbohydrates and sodium you need per hour.
- After exercise : At the end of training or competition, an energy gel can contribute to muscle recovery and glycogen replenishment in the muscles if a recovery gel like GLYCOGEN is not available.
It is important to remember that energy requirements can vary depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise , as well as the individual characteristics of each athlete.
Therefore, it is advisable to know how to adjust your energy gel intake and how to take it according to your personal needs and preferences.
Energy gels: how to take them according to the intensity and duration of the exercise
At FANTÉ, we recommend following this guide based on intensity and duration to help you consume energy gels and how to take them. Keep in mind that when you begin training, you should start with a low amount of carbohydrates and gradually increase them. The goal is to reach 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour up to 120 grams per hour.
However, if you have any questions about how to train your stomach or intestines , we invite you to take a look at these other two guides: “ Training the Gut ” and “ Train Your Digestive System .”
At FANTÉ , our goal is to tailor nutrition, usage, and knowledge of how to take energy gels to physiological differences, ensuring our athletes, whether male or female, achieve maximum performance and benefits during their training and competitions.
We strive to provide personalized, evidence-based solutions to help all athletes optimally achieve their goals.
How to take energy gels properly
To make the most of your energy gels and how to take them with the aforementioned composition (60 grams of carbohydrates, 350 mg of sodium), it is essential to follow some key recommendations that will ensure their effectiveness and benefits during exercise:
- Read the instructions carefully : Each energy gel may have a specific formulation and dosage, so it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the correct amount and timing. Some gels may be more concentrated and require a smaller intake, while others may require more to provide the necessary energy.
- Pair with water : Consuming energy gels with a little water helps absorb nutrients and improves overall hydration during exercise. Water helps dilute the gel, making it easier for the body to absorb and preventing a sticky feeling in the mouth. There are no gels that don't require water; all gels require water.
- Pre-test during training : Before using energy gels in a competition or important event, it's essential to try different brands and flavors during pre-training. This way, athletes can determine which gel best suits their needs and preferences, avoiding unpleasant surprises or digestive problems during the competition.
In addition to these recommendations, it is important to remember that knowing how to take energy gels depends on the intensity and duration of the workout .
These gels are a complementary tool to a proper diet and nutrition. They should not be used as the sole source of nutrients during prolonged physical activity. Combining our energy gels with other sources of carbohydrates and nutrients is essential to ensure complete nutrition and maintain energy during exercise.
Precautions and warnings about how to take energy gels
While knowing how to take energy gels is valuable information for improving your athletic performance, it's also important to keep in mind some precautions to use them correctly:
- Individual tolerance : Each person reacts differently to energy gels. It's advisable to try different flavors during your workouts to determine which one works best for you and avoid potential stomach upsets or intolerances. We recommend checking out this guide: " Train Your Digestive System ."
- Additional Hydration : Since energy gels can lead to increased hydration needs due to their sodium content, it is essential to supplement with enough water to stay hydrated during exercise.
- Control your intake : Although energy gels are an effective source of energy, as we've already mentioned, they should not be used as the sole source of nutrients during prolonged physical activity lasting more than 6 or 7 hours. You should supplement your intake with other sources of carbohydrates and nutrients for complete nutrition for ultra-distance races and thus improve their palatability.
- Read the instructions : You should carefully read product labels to understand the ingredients and avoid potential allergens or unwanted components.
Get all the sports energy you need with FANTÉ!
At FANTÉ , you'll find a wide selection of energy gels designed to provide a significant boost to your athletic performance. Our gels are carefully formulated with 60 grams of carbohydrates and 350 mg of sodium, providing the perfect combination to sustain your energy and increase your endurance during intense workouts and demanding competitions.
One of the distinctive advantages of our energy gels is their personalized approach. We recognize that every athlete is unique, with specific nutritional needs. Therefore, we offer a variety of flavor and formulation options so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and fitness goals.
Choose FANTÉ and experience how our energy gels can take your physical performance to the level you desire. Prepare to excel in every workout and competition, confident in knowing you're backed by quality products and a team of sports nutritionists who care about your athletic success.
We're here to help you push your limits. Your path to athletic success begins with FANTÉ !
