Jelly Babies, how many + how often?

NYK

Hi, I've heard mentioned several times that jelly babies are a good way to boost glycogen levels whilst riding. If this is so when during a ride do you eat them, how many and how often, or do you eat them before or both?

Wobbly_wheel

Never heard that before and would be interested in hearing that answered.

If only it were the same for pints of lager.....

Cunobelin

If the youth and vigour of Jelly Babiees are an energy source, would Jellyatrics slow you down?

mhuk

I don't believe everything I read on Tinterweb but:

Think you know your arb from your carb? Well did you know, for example, that 9 jelly babies will provide the same amount of carbohydrate as a litre of low-fat milk or a cup of baked beans? And exactly how many carbs should you be taking in during the days leading up to your big event? Shelly Meltzer and Cecily Fuller, authors of ‘Eating for Sport’, spell out the details clearly and simply.

http://www.fastfuel.co.za/showarticle.asp?articleId=31

http://www.realbuzz.com/?pageID=1996&topic=74829

Isn't a lower GI source of "sugar" better such as maltodextrin (off the top-of-my-head)?

supersonic

They are good for when you 'bonk' - or about to, as are a quick source of fast absorbed sugars. Emergency food.

xcracer

If I had Jelly Babies in my pack, I think that I would eat them all before I even got to the end of the street. Yum.

NYK

Took some with me on todays ride and ate some when we stopped at the tea stall, bearing in mind I was seriously f#@$*d at this point. Half an hour later when we set off I felt recharged and ready for more punishment. I will definately be using them from now on even if it's just a placebo affect. Plus they tase sooo good, mmmmm.

monstadog

Jelly babies are good. eat two or three every 15- 20 mins and you dont need anything else. My problem is having the willpower to only eat 2 or 3

Marjory Stewart BAxtor

lol. I'm actually allergic to jelly babies. One of the worst things in the world to be allergic to... But being a rebel I've had days off with migranes from work before from having one too many when I shouldnt have the night before

passout

Did a 6 hour epic on Monday & used JBs - well my mate did and I joined in. It's hard to judge but my energy levels were good.

Definately for use 'during' - we had two each every 20mins after the first couple of hours. Even if it doesn't work they are cheap, taste nice & don't melt.

Julia Revitt

Opal fruits (sorry - showing my age) Starbursts are also great for a sugar burst. I have 1 every 10 minutes after the first hour of riding. They make me feel great too as I look forward to my next one (sad - I know) and I only need water with them. If I don't have them with me I tend to have a carb or electrolyte drink instead.

Jimbob_no5

the jelly bean thing is true but sports beans are even better, made by jelly belly but filled with glucose and e numbers to give that massive boost

Dr_Death

kona_cowan_rider wrote:

the jelly bean thing is true but sports beans are even better, made by jelly belly but filled with glucose and e numbers to give that massive boost

As apposed to normal jelly beans which are obviously full of fruit and fibre..... All jelly beans are full of sugar, they just stick some caffeine in the 'sports' ons and charge you twice as much.

TBH any simplish sugars are pretty good while you are riding. You can only absorb a certain amount of calories while you are actively exercising as your body is diverting all your blood supply to your muscles so you need simple stuff that is easily absorbed. Jelly babies are essentially jellified sugar so easy to absorb and taste gooooood.

Bikerbaboon

supersonic wrote:

They are good for when you 'bonk' - or about to, as are a quick source of fast absorbed sugars. Emergency food.

i have to use food that i hate for my emergancy food other wise i will eat it too early b4 i realy need it. so i stick to energy jell....... that stuff is nastyand i can happerly keep on in my saddle back incase i need it. 6 jelly babies would not last 30 seconds with me.

on the longer rides i will tkae fig rolls or even a flap jack for longer buning carbs.

Chaka Ping

I'm more for sugary cola bottle myself, but jelly babies definitely seem to be favoured by some riders I know.

How many? Until you've had enough I suppose.

toasty

Chaka Ping wrote:

How many? Until you've had enough I suppose.

Indeed, don't be too scared of sugars, you'll burn them off fast when you get going. Much better than a chocolate bar etc (unless you're Ally McBeal, in which case I'd suggest a family sized Galaxy bar every mile).

NYK

I'm using jelly babies all the time since starting this topic and thoroughly recommend them. I ride for 3- 4hrs relatively fast (for me anyway) on forest singletrack and 12 JB's, 2 every 30 mins, plus plenty of H2o works for me. If the weather is wet though put them in a sandwich bag or end up with a very sticky pocket! Also hide them from the kids or they wont be there when you want them.

Travis_M

I used to use them all the time during the Marathon part of an IronMan. It's a great pick me up.
I try not to use evcess Energy food if I can help it, but try and train my body to be more effecient.
I do though, carry Energy Gell with me, just incase things get a little weird! (I live in a hot place, and Jelly Beans would just melt, or I would eat them to quickly)

MoonCircuit

I buy them from aldi for 40p but they've all gone before I can take them on a ride. Nuts are better as they release their energy over a longer period.

singlespeedexplosif

Jelly Babies are good energy food but they really are the poor man's Tangfastics...