Celery

Woolworths Celery

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Celery by Woolworths has 15 kcal, 1 g carbs, 0.6 g protein and 0.2 g fat per serving (100g).

Calories15kcal
Carbs1g
Protein0.6g
Fat0.2g
About it

Woolworths Celery is a low-calorie, hydrating vegetable ideal for snacking or adding to meals. With only 14.8 kcal per serving (100g), it provides minimal energy but offers hydration and a small amount of sodium (34 mg per serving), which can aid in replenishing electrolytes lost during light endurance activities. Celery is not a significant source of carbohydrates or protein, making it unsuitable as a primary fuel source for intense or prolonged endurance events. However, its high water content can help maintain hydration levels during low-intensity sessions or as a refreshing post-workout snack. Athletes looking for a low-calorie option to complement their diet may find celery useful, especially when paired with more nutrient-dense foods.

  • Low-calorie hydration
  • Electrolyte replenishment
  • Versatile snack option

On the label per serving, 100g

Energy62 kJ
Calories15 kcal
Carbs1.0 g
Sugar1.4 g
Fibre1.4 g
Protein0.6 g
Fat0.2 g
Saturated fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium34 mg
Potassium260 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density1%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal230 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density0.8 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour60How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileCelery has a negligible glycemic impact due to its low carbohydrate content, resulting in minimal blood sugar response and rapid gastric emptying.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Celery is a hydrating, low-calorie snack suitable for light recovery or hydration but lacks the energy density required for fueling intense or prolonged endurance activities. It can be a refreshing addition to a balanced diet but should be paired with more substantial fuel sources for training and racing.

Who it is for

Celery is suitable for endurance athletes seeking a low-calorie, hydrating snack. It's ideal for those who need to maintain hydration without consuming significant calories. Runners, cyclists, or triathletes engaging in low-intensity sessions might find it beneficial as a refreshing option. However, it's not suitable for those needing substantial energy or carbohydrate intake.

Best sessions

Ideal for light recovery sessions, easy runs, or as a hydrating snack post low-intensity workouts. Not suitable for high-intensity or long-duration activities due to low energy content.

Pros
  • Low-calorie, hydrating snack option
  • Minimal sodium content aids electrolyte balance
  • Versatile for various culinary uses
  • High water content supports hydration
Cons
  • Insufficient carbohydrates for endurance fueling
  • Low energy content unsuitable for intense sessions
  • Not a portable snack for during workouts
Watch out for
  • Potential for inadequate energy intake if relied upon
  • Limited use during high-intensity or long-duration activities

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carbohydrate content and impracticality as a portable snack. Best consumed post-exercise for hydration.

Glycaemic profile

Celery has a negligible glycemic impact due to its low carbohydrate content, resulting in minimal blood sugar response and rapid gastric emptying.

Electrolytes

Each serving provides 34 mg of sodium, which is minimal compared to the 300-600 mg/hr typically lost in sweat. Potassium content is 260 mg per serving, supporting electrolyte balance.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
1 g
Hourly capacity
0

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Celery is not suitable for pre-race, during-race, or recovery contexts due to its low carbohydrate and energy content, which are critical for performance and recovery. Its role is limited to hydration support during everyday training, but caution is advised to ensure adequate energy intake from other sources.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because it provides minimal carbohydrates and energy, leading to insufficient glycogen stores for optimal performance.

Pair it with
  • Pair with hummus for added protein and fats
  • Combine with peanut butter for energy-dense snack
  • Add to smoothies for hydration and fiber

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Celery's benefits are based on general nutritional properties rather than specific endurance-related studies.

In a carb load

Celery has a low carb density of 1g per serving (100g), making it unsuitable for carb loading. The minimal carbohydrate content contributes negligibly to the 600-840g/day target for effective loading. Consuming celery would require impractical volumes to meet carbohydrate needs, and its high water content could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Digestion and absorption

Celery is primarily composed of water and fiber, leading to rapid gastric emptying. Its carbohydrates are minimal, with no significant impact on blood glucose levels. The fiber content is processed in the colon, potentially undergoing fermentation. Celery's low energy density and carbohydrate content mean it doesn't engage specific transporters like SGLT1 or GLUT5 significantly.

Recovery

Celery fails to contribute meaningfully to recovery due to its negligible carbohydrate and protein content. Effective recovery requires 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h of carbohydrates and 0.3-0.4 g/kg of protein post-exercise, which celery does not provide. Its role is limited to hydration support.

Downsides

Celery's high water content may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large volumes. Its low energy and carbohydrate content can lead to inadequate fueling if relied upon excessively. Additionally, celery's fibrous nature can cause bloating or gas in sensitive individuals.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use as a primary energy source during endurance events due to low carbohydrate content.
  • Do not rely on celery for recovery post-exercise; lacks necessary macronutrients.
  • Avoid excessive consumption if prone to gastrointestinal discomfort from high fiber.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may cause bloating or gas in sensitive individuals.
  • Low carbohydrate content can lead to inadequate energy intake if relied upon.
  • Not suitable for pre-race fueling due to slow gastric emptying and minimal energy.
  • Potential for inadequate hydration if not paired with other hydrating foods.

Questions about Celery

How many carbs are in Celery by Woolworths?

1 g of carbs per serving (100g), with 15 kcal and 0.6 g protein.

Can celery be used for carb loading?

No, celery is not suitable for carb loading due to its low carbohydrate density. It provides only 1g of carbs per serving (100g).

Is celery a good recovery food?

No, celery lacks sufficient carbohydrates and protein necessary for effective recovery post-exercise.

How should celery be stored?

Celery should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its crispness and consumed within a week.

Can celery be consumed during workouts?

No, celery is not practical for consumption during workouts due to its low energy content and lack of portability.

What are the benefits of eating celery?

Celery provides hydration, minimal calories, and some electrolytes, making it a refreshing snack for light activities.

Is celery suitable for all endurance athletes?

Celery is suitable for athletes seeking hydration with minimal calories but not for those needing substantial energy or carbs.

In the app

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