Make no mistake, recovery nutrition is a critical part of your training and competition. Shortly after your workout it’s vital to 1) fully hydrate, 2) replenish your carbs stores and 3) get a good source of easily digestible protein to repair and build your muscles.

Both of our products, e-Gel and e-Fuel, are designed to be used immediately prior to and during your training and/or competition. When you are doing anything aerobic, your body wants to shut down or reduce the blood supply to your stomach and GI tract to route more blood and oxygen out to the working muscles. That’s a good thing. What this means is that you want to consume liquid carbs (sports drinks or energy gels with water) that can be rapidly and easily absorbed with minimal digestive requirements. This is the area that we specialize in.

We encourage athletes to avoid consuming fat and protein because they have to be digested and it’s counter productive to your performance. Digestion requires blood that could otherwise be providing oxygen to your working muscles. Note that during ultra type events by definition you are going at a lower intensity level, and in these cases many athletes will choose to supplement with foods that have fats and protein.

However, once you stop your workout (and start recovery), all of the rules change. You don’t have to worry about digestion and you NEED protein. But when you’re stopped there’s no reason to use some expensive “recovery” product. Instead, the entire grocery store becomes an option and you can use real foods that cost less, taste better and are better for you in my opinion.