Your nutrition will make or break your ride. It is the key to surviving the miles on the road, as well as enjoying the event when race day comes, and training without fatigue. Don’t let those hard-earned miles go to waste with poor nutritional strategies. Proper fueling before, during, and after your ride is essential to maximizing performance and minimizing injury.
For an additional discount on their products, check here:
https://athleticgreens.com/par...
Cycling & Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source for cycling and are stored in your muscles as glycogen. Your requirement for carbohydrates will depend on how many miles per week you ride and other lifestyle
demands. Having adequate carbohydrates before, during, and after long and intense rides is important to help maintain your glycogen supply and promote proper recovery. It is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are equal. Instead of sugary or refined sourced carbohydrates, choose options like whole grains cereals, oatmeal, or crackers. Fruits, beans, potatoes, and starchy vegetables are also good options.
Protein
Adequate protein in your diet will support your health, immune, and hormone function, and recovery. Protein is key in building and repairing
muscle and body tissue. It is also required to make hemoglobin, which is necessary for oxygen transport to the exercising muscles. Eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy, tofu, lentils, beans, and pulses are good protein sources. Including protein in your recovery meal is important to support repair and recovery.
Fat
In addition, to help fuel your workout, fat also provides insulation, protects organs, and helps absorb essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Certain fats, such as polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats) and monounsaturated fats are good to include and can help decrease inflammation in the body. Avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are good sources.
Vitamins & Minerals
Consuming sufficient vitamins and minerals is also important for the body to function properly. In order to have an effective training regime, obtaining adequate micronutrients is required. Vitamins and minerals play key roles in various functions in the body including energy production, cell protection, muscle contraction, nerve function, and tissue repair. Eating a nutrient-dense diet and adding a high-quality supplement can help you meet your needs.
Hydration
Just 2% of dehydration can result in a significant reduction in performance. Drinking enough fluid will not only support better riding but will result in better energy levels. Road cyclists should aim to drink enough fluids each day to replace fluid losses, adapting their fluid intake to factors such as temperature, wind, sweat rate, training intensity, duration, and altitude. Weighing yourself before and after your activity, and replacing any lost fluids is a good way to stay hydrated. Having a drink with meals and snacks and sipping on fluids regularly during training is a good start.
Gut Health
Gut issues in bikers are somewhat common. Keeping hydrated and staying properly fueled with well-tolerated foods can help avoid or minimize gut problems. In addition, including probiotics and digestive enzymes in your daily nutrient routine can also support gut health.
