MORINAGA WEIDER

Having represented Singapore in the 400m individual and relay events in the 2013 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Loh Guo Pei is no stranger to the performance running scene.

Although you won’t find him pinning on a bib at local and international track meets these days, the 32-year-old ex-national sprinter juggles his career as a full-time coach and events photographer with newfound interest in the longer running events such as the marathon and endurance multi-sports events.

Nutrition plays a huge part in performance sports whether you are training or racing, and running on an empty stomach might not be the best approach in Guo Pei’s perspective, especially if you're new to training or long runs.

Individual reactions to fasted running can vary, so it's crucial to remain open-minded and find out what works best for you.

The potential dangers of running on empty – such as dizziness or light-headedness – can make the run uncomfortable and leave you with a lack of energy.

Guo Pei generally advises against it, but if his athlete is keen to try, he encourages them to consider engaging a running buddy for support, or carrying an energy gel should they need an extra boost during the run.

Athletes should prioritise their well-being and listen to the body's signals when experimenting with different fuelling strategies, stresses Guo Pei.

In addressing the question of how much a runner should eat before a training session or a long run – Guo Pei explains that this is tailored to individual preferences and digestive patterns.

For those planning morning long runs, he suggests adequately fuelling prior to the run with something easy on the gut like a power gel or smoothie.

Dextrin makes up the majority of nutrients found in Weider in Jelly and is digested and absorbed quicker than the starches found in rice or bread, making it the perfect pre-training or race drink for sports.

One pouch provides the energy equivalent of two bananas (180 kcal) and is perfect for quick energy replenishment before physical exercise or as a meal substitution for the busy individual.

Guo Pei recommends the timing of pre-run meals to fall within 3 – 4 hours for proper digestion after a heavier meal, and 45 – 60 minutes if it is just a light energy snack.

Hydration is also an essential part of the pre-run meal plan and should never be neglected.

Drawing from his experience working with various runners, Guo Pei highlights that an individual’s reactions to various foods and digestion times vary – hence it is very important to conduct your own tests to determine what works for your gut.

He is also a strong advocate of keeping your own log or record of pre-run consumption to identify what works effectively so you can better prepare for your race or sessions.

Following an intense speed or endurance training session, prioritising recovery is crucial. Guo Pei's key recommendations for post-training recovery include replenishing fluid loss and electrolytes.

Swift consumption of food is also advised, with a focus on a combination of protein and carbohydrates intake within the golden hour (60 minutes) post-session. Protein aids in muscle repair, while carbohydrates help replenish glycogen stores.

Packed with nutritional supplements, the unique taste sensation (springiness and firmness of the jelly) and easy-to-drink flavours of Weider in Jelly is easy to stomach within the crucial window and its squeezable, portable, convenient pouch-with-straw packaging can easily be stored and consumed right after a session.

Additionally, Guo Pei strongly emphasises on getting sufficient rest and sleep to further promote effective muscle recovery.

These holistic recovery practices work together in contributing to optimising the body's recovery process after demanding physical exertion.

Guo Pei personally enjoys the fruity and sweet tasting flavour of Morinaga Weider in Jelly. With its easy to consume packaging and form it can be easily integrated as a pre, during or post workout nutrition and provides quick energy replenishment for the athlete during training or longer races.

Additionally, the drink is fat-free so you can enjoy it as a guilt-free supper or snack.He currently takes a packet 10 – 15 minutes before his key workouts to give himself that much needed boost for training!

Morinaga Weider In Jelly is available at selected FairPrice and Cold Storage stores. 

In the world of endurance events, where every heartbeat and breath is synchronised with the pursuit of victory, success hinges not just on physical prowess but also on a meticulously crafted fuelling strategy.

Race day demands endurance athletes to master the delicate balance between energy expenditure and replenishment. Whether one is tackling a marathon, triathlon, or cycling race, the athlete needs to be acutely aware that the body is a high-performance machine, craving the right mix of nutrients to endure the gruelling journey ahead. The importance of a well-calibrated fuelling plan transcends mere sustenance; it becomes the catalyst that propels athletes toward the finish line and success.

Serena Teoh knows this better than anyone else. The 36-year-old Chief Risk Officer of a hedge fund based in Singapore is one of the nation’s top distance runners: she recently won second place in the Standard Chartered Singapore National Championships (Half Marathon) and represented Singapore at the first Asian Half Marathon Championships earlier in November. She has come a long way from starting to run marathons ‘seriously’ during her stint abroad from 2015 to 2019. As an elite runner today, fuelling and nutrition are key building blocks in her training routine.

Her pre-race routine consists of a regular breakfast of bread or cereal — and an additional energy gel — depending on how she feels on race morning. Serena has an interesting fuelling strategy as an elite runner as she does not take salt tablets, electrolytes, or other forms of fuel — and only ingests gels (especially those which contain a mix of maltodextrin and fructose) every half to full hour. This has worked for her so far, but she stresses that every individual has different energy needs and absorption capability, so it is extremely important to test out the fuelling strategy pre-race during training especially with different brands and intervals to see how the gut reacts. Post-race, it's all about replenishing the energy lost and muscle recovery, so a protein shake is right up there on her priority list along with a carbohydrate-heavy meal.

Having tried the Morinaga Weider In Jelly, Serena appreciates how easy the energy jelly can be swallowed. Plus, it is packed with a balanced blend of carbohydrates (45g), electrolytes, and essential amino acids. This innovative jelly not only provides a quick energy boost but also helps her maintain hydration levels critical for peak performance.  She also points out that it is a game-changer for marathoners seeking a convenient and effective source of energy before or after the race, thanks to its portable packaging for easy, mess-free consumption on the go.

The decisions made in the hours leading up to the starting gun can define the narrative of the entire race. In this crucible of endurance, where the mind battles the limits of the body, the role of a sound fuelling strategy often emerges as the unsung hero, transforming aspirations into triumphs. The unique formula of Morinaga Weider In Jelly ensures a steady release of energy, preventing sudden spikes and crashes, which is vital for sustaining endurance over the gruelling miles of a marathon.

Morinaga Weider In Jelly is available at selected FairPrice and Cold Storage stores. 

In the fast-paced world we navigate, where wellness is more than just a trend, Morinaga Weider In Jelly stands as a beacon, embodying a commitment to health, innovation, and a rich, fulfilling life. As the Morinaga Group charts its course toward transforming into a wellness company by 2030, the journey is illuminated by the iconic silver-based tone of "Weider In Jelly" for all, a product that transcends the conventional to become a symbol of nutrition, exercise, and deliciousness.

The Morinaga Group's ambitious 2030 vision is more than a corporate goal - it is a promise to redefine wellness. Envisioning a state where a healthy mind, body, and environment converge to create a truly fulfilling life, Morinaga aims to be the architect of this transformation. With a history spanning 120 years, the company pledges to evolve its reliability and technology, becoming the foremost brand supporting nutrition, exercise, and taste for individuals worldwide.

In 1994, Morinaga introduced a revolutionary product - Weider In Jelly, a pioneer in the Jelly Drinks category. Today, it comprises the top share* of the market in Japan that it pioneered and now consists of many different jelly drinks. Shaped by the feedback from athletes and active consumers, Weider In Jelly emerged as the go-to solution for those seeking quick and efficient nutrition, unencumbered by the limitations of traditional canned beverages (difficult to consume during the middle of a sports event and hard to dispose etc.)

The success of the Weider In Jelly product series lies in its meticulous balance of creating a unique taste sensation and ensuring easy consumption. The springiness and firmness of the jelly, coupled with the optimal flavour, have made Weider In Jelly a staple for top athletes and the general consumer alike. The product’s innovative packaging that is easily transportable, re-closable and consumable (Packaged as a squeezable portable pouch-with-straw) further underlines the brand's commitment to integrate it into an individual’s daily life or training.

Weider In Jelly communicates with consumers through a diverse range of occasions, positioning itself as the solution for different energy needs. From meeting basic energy requirements for the active and focused group to providing additional nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, water & electrolytes) for health maintenance, beauty, and more, Weider In Jelly has become a versatile companion for various lifestyles.

As Morinaga Weider In Jelly unveils its 2023 campaign, the emphasis remains steadfast on being a "10-second charge." The product has consistently proven to deliver in the hustle and bustle of modern life. With variants like In-Energy providing the energy equivalent of two bananas and In-Multivitamin offering a complete daily vitamin blend, Weider In Jelly ensures that every squeeze is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

In Singapore, both the energy and multivitamin variants of Morinaga Weider In Jelly are currently available in selected Fairprice and Cold Storage stores, inviting consumers to experience the wellness revolution encapsulated in a 10-second charge. Morinaga's journey towards becoming a wellness company is not just a corporate vision - it is a promise delivered with every sip and squeeze of the Weider In Jelly.

* Source: INTAGE SRI+  Spouted Pouch Market: Cumulative Sales Value from November 2022 to October 2023