What Makes Edge Energy Gel Different?
Before delving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why UCAN Edge energy gel stands apart from traditional sugar-based gels. The key lies in its patented, slow-releasing carbohydrate, LIVSTEADY™. While most gels use simple sugars like fructose and maltodextrin for a quick burst of energy, LIVSTEADY™ is a complex carbohydrate derived from non-GMO cornstarch. This fundamental difference impacts your body's energy delivery system in several ways, preventing the notorious sugar spike and subsequent crash.
The Science of Steady Energy
The high molecular weight and unique structure of LIVSTEADY™ mean it is digested and absorbed slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream over an extended period. This avoids triggering a massive insulin response that pulls sugar out of the blood too quickly, which is what causes the 'crash' feeling associated with sugary alternatives. By keeping blood sugar levels stable, Edge also helps promote fat oxidation, allowing your body to more efficiently use its natural fat stores for fuel during prolonged exercise. This "dual-fuel" approach conserves your limited glycogen stores and enhances overall endurance. The low osmolality of LIVSTEADY™ also makes it gentler on the stomach, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) distress, a common complaint among endurance athletes.
How to Use Edge Energy Gel Effectively
Using Edge gels requires a slightly different approach than traditional gels due to their slow-release nature. A key benefit is that they do not need to be consumed with additional water, unlike many sticky, sugary gels.
Pre-Workout Fueling
For optimal performance, take one pouch of Edge energy gel approximately 15-30 minutes before your workout begins. This timing allows the LIVSTEADY™ carbohydrate to start releasing energy steadily into your system as you start exercising. It effectively preps your body with a stable fuel source, avoiding the hypoglycemia and fatigue that can occur when taking fast-acting carbs right before a workout.
During Endurance Exercise
For workouts longer than 90 minutes, such as long runs, cycling sessions, or triathlons, continue to fuel with Edge during the activity.
Guidelines for during-workout use:
- Consume one pouch of Edge every 45-60 minutes. Some athletes find they can extend this to every 60-90 minutes depending on their individual needs and pace.
- Because the energy is not a rapid spike, it's important to consume your next gel slightly before you feel a drop in energy.
- UCAN Edge is designed to be consumed directly from the pouch without water, making it convenient and mess-free.
- It is generally recommended to minimize the amount of simple sugars or other high-glycemic carbs you consume alongside UCAN products, especially earlier in your workout, to maintain blood sugar stability.
Comparison: UCAN Edge vs. Traditional Energy Gels
| Feature | UCAN Edge | Traditional Energy Gels (e.g., GU) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Carbohydrate | LIVSTEADY™ (slow-release complex carb) | Simple sugars (maltodextrin, fructose, glucose) |
| Energy Delivery | Slow, steady, and sustained | Fast spike followed by a crash |
| GI Distress | Gentle on the stomach due to low osmolality | Often causes bloating, cramping, and GI issues |
| Water Requirement | No additional water needed for digestion | Requires water to aid digestion and absorption |
| Fueling Frequency | Less frequent intake required (approx. every 45-60 min) | More frequent intake required (approx. every 30-45 min) |
| Benefits | Stable blood sugar, enhanced fat burning, consistent energy, improved focus | Quick energy burst |
Best Practices for Optimal Fuelling
To fully optimize your fueling strategy with Edge energy gels, consider these tips:
- Test during training: Never try a new fueling strategy on race day. Practice with Edge during your long training sessions to understand how your body responds.
- Stay hydrated: While you don't need water with the gel, overall hydration remains vital for performance. Continue to drink water or electrolyte drinks as you normally would throughout your workout.
- Caffeine options: For an extra mental and physical boost, especially later in a race, consider a caffeinated version of the gel. Be mindful of your caffeine tolerance, and if you don't use caffeine regularly, you're likely to feel a greater effect.
- Listen to your body: Pay close attention to your energy levels. Some athletes have different fueling needs based on their body weight, intensity, and metabolism.
For more in-depth information on the science behind the LIVSTEADY carbohydrate, you can read more at the official UCAN website.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines on how to use Edge energy gel, you can experience a new level of fueling efficiency and performance. Shifting away from the spike-and-crash cycle of traditional gels, Edge provides stable, long-lasting energy that's gentle on your stomach. Incorporating it correctly into your pre- and during-workout nutrition will help you avoid fatigue, improve focus, and finish stronger, especially during long endurance events. As always, practice makes perfect, so be sure to dial in your personal fueling plan during training to unlock your full potential on race day.
