Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli

Woolworths Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli

  • Meal
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli by Woolworths has 331 kcal, 33.8 g carbs, 12.6 g protein and 15.1 g fat per serving (1 portion (125 g)).

Calories331kcal
Carbs33.8g
Protein12.6g
Fat15.1g
About it

Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli by Woolworths is a filled pasta offering a blend of Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts. This dish is crafted by Bertagni, specialists in filled pasta since 1882. Each 250 g serving provides 34 g of carbohydrates, 12.6 g of protein, and 15.1 g of fat. While the carbohydrate content is moderate, making it suitable for post-training recovery, the fat content may slow gastric emptying if consumed too close to intense exercise. This pasta is best consumed as a recovery meal, where its protein content can aid muscle repair. Its sodium content of 665 mg per serving can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.

  • Moderate carbohydrate content
  • Contains protein for muscle repair
  • Sodium aids electrolyte balance

On the label per serving, 1 portion (125 g)

Energy1385 kJ
Calories331 kcal
Carbs33.8 g
Sugar6.0 g
Fibre4.5 g
Protein12.6 g
Fat15.1 g
Saturated fat5.6 g
Cholesterol58 mg
Sodium665 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density27%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 kcal201 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density11.1 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour1.8How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileThe pasta's moderate carbohydrate content suggests a moderate glycemic index, providing a steady release of energy post-consumption.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli is more suited to post-exercise recovery rather than pre-race or during-race consumption. Its moderate carbohydrate and protein content can aid in glycogen replenishment and muscle repair. However, its high fat content may slow digestion, making it less ideal for pre-race fueling.

Who it is for

This pasta is suitable for endurance athletes looking for a recovery meal post-training. Its moderate carbohydrate and protein content supports glycogen replenishment and muscle repair. Athletes with higher energy demands or those engaging in prolonged activity might find it beneficial as part of a larger meal.

Best sessions

Ideal for post-training recovery sessions, particularly after moderate to intense workouts where glycogen stores need replenishment.

Pros
  • Moderate carbs support recovery post-exercise
  • Contains protein for muscle repair
  • Sodium content aids in electrolyte balance
  • Convenient pre-packaged serving size
Cons
  • High fat content slows gastric emptying
  • Not suitable for during-race consumption
  • Limited carbohydrate content for carb loading
Watch out for
  • High fat may cause GI distress if consumed pre-race
  • Potential for sodium overload if not balanced with other sodium sources

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to its solid form and higher fat content, which can slow gastric emptying and cause discomfort.

Glycaemic profile

The pasta's moderate carbohydrate content suggests a moderate glycemic index, providing a steady release of energy post-consumption.

Electrolytes

Contains 665 mg of sodium per serving, which can help replenish sodium lost through sweat. Potassium content is not specified.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
34 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadCAUTION
  • Every dayUSE

The high fat content of Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli makes it unsuitable for pre-race and during-race consumption, as it can slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress. However, its moderate carbohydrate and protein content make it useful for recovery, aiding glycogen replenishment and muscle repair post-exercise. For carb loading, its limited carbohydrate density may require additional sources to meet daily targets.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, potentially leading to discomfort and delayed energy availability.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a lean protein source for balanced recovery
  • Combine with a low-fat carbohydrate source for pre-race meal
  • Serve with vegetables to increase vitamin and mineral intake

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited direct studies on this specific product, but general principles of sports nutrition apply.

In a carb load

Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli offers a moderate carbohydrate density of 34 g per serving (250 g). This is below the high-density threshold (>50 g/100 g), making it less efficient for carb loading. To meet a daily target of 600-840 g for a 70 kg athlete, multiple servings would be required, leading to excessive fat intake and potential satiety issues. Thus, it is not ideal for carb loading.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content in this pasta can slow gastric emptying, delaying nutrient absorption. Carbohydrates primarily from wheat flour are absorbed via SGLT1 transporters in the small intestine. The presence of fats may also affect insulin response, potentially delaying glucose uptake. Unabsorbed residues from cheese and nuts could ferment in the colon, posing a risk for those with sensitive guts.

Recovery

This pasta provides carbohydrates for glycogen resynthesis, though at a moderate rate due to its fat content. The protein content (12.6 g per serving) supports muscle repair, but may not meet the leucine threshold for optimal muscle protein synthesis. Sodium content aids in rehydration, but additional protein sources may be needed for comprehensive recovery.

Downsides

The high fat content can slow gastric emptying, potentially leading to GI distress if consumed pre-exercise. The sodium content, while beneficial post-exercise, might contribute to excessive intake if not balanced with other sources. The cheese and walnut components may pose dental erosion risks due to their stickiness and sugar content.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during intense exercise sessions to prevent GI distress.
  • Not suitable for those with nut allergies due to walnut content.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content can delay gastric emptying, affecting energy availability.
  • Excessive sodium intake may lead to hypertension in sensitive individuals.
  • Cheese and nut components increase dental erosion risk.
  • Potential for GI distress in individuals with lactose intolerance or nut allergies.

Questions about Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli

How many carbs are in Gorgonzola & Walnut Girasoli by Woolworths?

33.8 g of carbs per serving (1 portion (125 g)), with 331 kcal and 12.6 g protein.

Can I eat this pasta before a race?

It's not recommended due to its high fat content, which can slow digestion and cause discomfort.

How should I incorporate this into my recovery meal?

Pair with a lean protein source and vegetables to enhance recovery and nutrient intake.

Is this pasta suitable for carb loading?

Use caution. Its moderate carbohydrate content may require additional sources to meet carb loading targets.

What are the allergen concerns?

Contains milk, gluten, and tree nuts (walnuts), which may affect those with allergies.

How does this pasta behave in hot weather?

Ensure proper storage in a cool environment to prevent spoilage. Consume promptly after cooking.

Is this pasta suitable for everyday training?

Yes, it can be used as part of a balanced meal for everyday training recovery.

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