Gu energy gel

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2010-01-10 8:19 AM


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Subject: Gu energy gel
Hey everybody. So I have a (i guess you could say) strange problem. I CAN NOT use gu. The texture and the flavor makes me gag. Anyone else like me? What did you use as an alternative. I have my own alternatives but I wanna know what others are using.

2010-01-10 8:31 AM
in reply to: #2605738

Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I like Gu, but my stomach does not like more than 2 packs in one session.  And it REALLY hates vanilla for some reason, which is sad because that's my favorite flavor.  At any rate, I use CLIF shotbloks and they work pretty well.
2010-01-10 9:23 AM
in reply to: #2605738

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New user
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Austin
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
The Powerbar brand gels have a diff texture, not as thick, but same nutr facts.
2010-01-10 12:27 PM
in reply to: #2605738

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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I'm not a gel person, myself. They all seem way overly sweet to me. I prefer the "gummy" type chews, like Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, or my personal favorite - Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (the BEST tasting chew EVER!!!).
2010-01-10 2:13 PM
in reply to: #2605738

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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
Kids sour Sharkies (at Target etc.). The "adult" Sharkies are kind of gross, but the "Kids" ones are just like sour candySmile. I used to do Gu, but in a longer races I found myself avoiding eating it when I was supposed to. I need something I can eat without having to convince myself it's for my own good.
2010-01-10 4:55 PM
in reply to: #2605738

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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I enjoy the cytosport gels.  they come with 1x or 2X caffeine. yummy flavors is orange cremesicle.

2010-01-10 5:59 PM
in reply to: #2605738


8

Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I use Hammer Gel and never had a problem with it. I like the Apple Flavor best but the plain flavor is not sweet at all for those people who don't want the sweet taste.
2010-01-10 11:26 PM
in reply to: #2605738

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Expert
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Salem
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel

I use Gu.  At first I tried the vanilla and about gagged.  I then went to the chocolate and used it for my sprint tri's for my first year.  I added Tri Berry and that is my perferred Gu; then the Chocolate.  I'll try others at event but have not found any that I have taken to.  Love the Shot Bloks.

2010-01-11 7:33 AM
in reply to: #2605738

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Extreme Veteran
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New York
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I use Gu or Power Gel, whatever is handy. I try not to get to "dependent" on any one brand because I like to be able to just take whatever they hand out at races.

But the other day I got some of those chewy Gu things and they are awesome--just like tangy gummy bears. MUCH better than any gel! I have to avoid eating them as if they're candy, when I'm not working out...
2010-01-11 3:43 PM
in reply to: #2605994

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
nscrbug - 2010-01-10 10:27 AM I'm not a gel person, myself. They all seem way overly sweet to me. I prefer the "gummy" type chews, like Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, or my personal favorite - Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (the BEST tasting chew EVER!!!).


x 1,000!!!!
2010-01-11 3:48 PM
in reply to: #2605745

Iron Donkey
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel

DMW - 2010-01-10 8:31 AM I like Gu, but my stomach does not like more than 2 packs in one session.  And it REALLY hates vanilla for some reason, which is sad because that's my favorite flavor.  At any rate, I use CLIF shotbloks and they work pretty well.

I think the vanilla Gu, along with them being warm at the aid station, was what started my GI issues at IM WI last year.

The CLIF Shotbloks are really good (the cranberry and Cola flavored are tasty!).

2010-01-11 4:05 PM
in reply to: #2608305

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
AbbieR - 2010-01-11 3:43 PM
nscrbug - 2010-01-10 10:27 AM I'm not a gel person, myself. They all seem way overly sweet to me. I prefer the "gummy" type chews, like Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, or my personal favorite - Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (the BEST tasting chew EVER!!!).


x 1,000!!!!


x 2,000...!
They sell these at my local health food store (like a really small whole foods/trader joes) and put them right next to the candied ginger and other (organic) sweet treats.

So good.

 
2010-01-12 3:56 AM
in reply to: #2605738

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Expert
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Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I've been going through a gel taste-off the past couple months. I like and can use GU but it gets boring after a while. Of the brands I've tried I like Hammer and Accel Gels the best. I found Powergels and Clif Shots to be too metallic tasting - bleck! Haven't tried CarbBoom or EFS yet... I'm also trying various mixtures of home made Maltodextrin based drinks/gels. I like those as I can suit them to my taste - I know exactly what is in them, and they are CHEAP. The Malto based gels seem to give the most consistent energy without huge spikes... IMHO. Next up trying some of the solids - looks like Honey Stinger stuff will be first on the list
2010-01-12 6:04 AM
in reply to: #2605738

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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
You could try a homemade gel .... combine brown rice syrup (health food store), honey, molasses, and a little salt.  I think the ratio is 6 parts rice syrup, 2-3 parts honey, 1 part molasses, and a pinch of salt.

The nutrition profile of brown rice syrup is very close to maltodextrin which is what we are aiming for here. 

I've tried this and it's not bad at all.  I usually limit the molasses a bit and up the salt - I like salty things lol.  Fortunately I have a cast iron stomach so I can eat just about anything.

2010-01-12 1:49 PM
in reply to: #2605738

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2010-02-20 12:36 AM
in reply to: #2605738

Member
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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
some of the Gu has caffeine which may be effecting you - I use the Razz which has none. 

2010-02-21 6:29 PM
in reply to: #2605738

Member
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25
Mo
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
Sometimes Iput the gel in the fridge. It make the texture not as bad, but they don't stay cold very long. I might try to freeze them this summer.

Edited by sbr2007 2010-02-21 6:29 PM
2010-02-21 7:39 PM
in reply to: #2605738

Expert
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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel

I used to use Carboom chews, but I always struggled with having to chew up stuff while running so hard I'm drooling (which is actually not very fast at all : ) but have recently switched to First Endurance EFS Liquid Shot.  It doesn't have the gelling ingredients that regular gels have so it's much more like a thick drink than a gel.  So far it works great for me.

2010-02-22 12:06 AM
in reply to: #2605738

Expert
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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
For some reason I have a problem doing the clear gu's. I like the chocolate one and I tolerate it well. The vanilla and tri berry are clear and I just gag when I see them. Stupid mind.
2010-02-22 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2605738

Extreme Veteran
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Seattle
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
Is the Gu texture too thick or thin?  The new Jet Blackberry flavor is much thicker and less sweet, with 2x caffeine, so a lot of people are preferring that.

Powerbar Gel and Hammer Gels are thinner than Gu so they could go down easier for you.  They also has lots of different flavors so it can taste very different from Gu.

Other popular alternatives are the Gu Chomps, Clif Shot Bloks, or Powerbar Gel Blasts.  Both are gummies with the same nutritional benefits but not the gooey form.  The Gel Blasts have  a liquid center which can make them easier to chew. 
2010-02-25 7:27 PM
in reply to: #2605738

Member
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Southlake Texas
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I had the same issue also with every flavor except orange(strange eh?).  I'm a firm believer in shot blocks and GU Chomps. Good stuff!

2010-03-03 8:41 AM
in reply to: #2605738

Extreme Veteran
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Wellesley, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
I like clif bloks and luna moons, but find them bulky to bring along, esp during a long run or training ride so I do use GU. I've been meaning to get a GU Gel Flask which I think will help. My friend used it when we ran our first marathon and she was able to dilute the mixture with a sports drink and draw off of it every 30-45 min which I think really helped her during her race (other than her training of course).
2010-03-05 7:02 AM
in reply to: #2704253

Master
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Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
Some of the Gu flavors are thicker than others.  In my opinion, Chocolate and Mint Chocolate are the thickest, followed by Vanilla Gingerbread, while Vanilla is the thinnest.  Go with the texture that works best for you.  If you are super-hungry, the flavor won't be as much of an issue.  That said, I think Just Plain is the best flavor because it's simple and a little bland.

If the texture is a problem, try putting the whole packet in your mouth and shooting the Gu only at the back of your mouth near your throat.  That will keep the extra Gu that comes out after your initial shot from triggering your gag reflex.  I do not have this problem unless it is really hot and I know that I look silly with the packet hanging out of my mouth, but it works very well.
2010-03-05 5:58 PM
in reply to: #2605738

Pro
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Houston
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
Who makes the honey stingers?
2010-03-05 9:10 PM
in reply to: #2710968

Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: Gu energy gel
KeriKadi - 2010-03-05 4:58 PM Who makes the honey stingers?


Honey Stinger
http://www.honeystinger.com/

FYI - REI has the Gu Chocolate Mint and Gingerbread Vanilla on clearance at the REI Outlet. 
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