[Masochist]

Originally Posted by Broadsword2004

I don't know much about energy gels, however be careful about energy drinks overall, some of them are nothing but sugar and caffeine, in massive quantities. I drank one, called Monster Energy Drink and it was like Popeye and the spinach, basically "crack in a can" as a friend phrased it.

However afterwards you crash.

Stay away from any "energy drinks" like Monster, Red Bull, etc. that function strictly off of caffeine and sugars when working out. I despise Monster because they are mostly sugar. I tried one once -- I wasn't working out, was properly hydrated and STILL felt hung over for the next 24 hours. Tried it a second time to be sure, same result. Never again.

As an avid mountain biker and distance runner, I've tried various gels. As mpb1335 said, it really is trial and error to find what works for you taste- and consistency-wise. I prefer to stay with the low to no-caffeine gels as I'm dehydrated enough as is, and stick with basic flavors like orange. My stomach tends to get a little queasy on hard runs/rides. Depending on how long the workout is, I try to use one packet per 10 miles running, with half taken around 6 miles and the rest finished every mile or so after. Better to start early than wait until you bonk and try to recover. Helps keep the blood sugar steady.

I have found that most pre/during/post workout products by Cytosport tend to be easy on the stomach and are effective in reaching their goals. For gels I've had success with CytoMax Energy Gel (easy to swallow, with or without water, a little caffeine a good ratio of 35mg sodium/65mg potasium/27g carbs). For drinks, I used CytoMax after races for years. Most recently I've taken to AmonoVital's Endurance.