Comments on: What Your Body Needs at Different Phases of Your Ride

By: Kelli

Kelli — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Hi CM,
Thanks for the comment. However, I think we may be talking about 2 different things. This article was specifically for “Training Nutrition,” especially during heavy training and competitions..and not Daily Nutrition. Your suggestions for whole-food fruits and vegetables are not appropriate for a competitive athlete, while on the bike. For example, I’ve never recommended that an athlete carry and eat a carrot while competing. Why? 1) There’s only 5-8 grams carbs in a carrot, and this will not go far to meet the athlete’s 40-60+ grams carbs/hour needs while competing. 2) The fiber in the carrot can delay the digestion of the nutrients, and the carrot may well still be setting the stomach long after the competition in done. This means no fuel in the bloodstream during the competition. 3) Fiber is a high-risk for stomach cramps and issues while pedaling hard. Same thing for whole friuts – while they have more to offer in terms of carbs, they are not an efficient low-risk source for most athletes while training hard or competing. On the other hand, these foods are great for DAILY NUTRITION. In the case, I absolutely recommend whole-food high nutrient, non-processed foods that promote steady blood sugars and energy, and promote overall health and wellness (please see my article “Daily Nutrition vs. Training Nutrition”). On the bike, your body deals with and processes the carbs differently than when you’re not pedaling.

As far as the salty food recommendation – yes, when you’re competing/training at a high level for hours, you can get sick of the taste of carbs. Plus, your body needs sodium (promotes electrolyte balance, glucose uptake, fluid uptake).

Lastly, I’ve worked with many clients with Type 1 Diabetes and we work together to form a plan for both health and athletic goals. This usually includes initially testing before, during, after training, and before and after every meal of the day (until we know we can trust the plan). On an individual basis, I’ve seen that these competitive athlete’s bodies use the refined carbs well during the ride, without spiking blood sugars. And, then, of course, for daily nutrition we use much higher fiber, non-refined, portion-controlled carbs with more of an emphasis on non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats and proteins. I would encourage any athlete with Type 1 Diabetes to study the subject thoroughly and get help from a Sports Nutritionist Dietitian, if needed.

I hope this serves to clarify. Thanks again. Kelli, RD

By: C M

C M — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:13:00 +0000

OMG, what an overkill joke. Not once in the answer is “fruit” or “vegetable” used. Plenty of high sugar answers and heavily processed / refined options, in fact even the statement to “add a salty food option to what often becomes an overload in sweet-tasting sports foods and drinks” is like trying to deal with complexity by adding more complexity.

I am a type 1 diabetic who blends thousands of miles each year of cycling into my lifestyle. I ride 12 months a year outdoors in Minnesota. One thing I know from long term blood glucose levels and other tests: This advice is a joke.

K.I.S. and just make a list of your favorites from an incredible array at every grocery store:
whole grain bagels. kiwi, apple, blueberries, raspberries, carrots, etc.

The one piece of good advice was plain yogurt.

Balance, simple. whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They can all either be consumed before, carried with or eaten after. Small portions and steady. Don’t run out, don’t over indulge.

The same concept for driving a car applies here. Keep it clean, maintained, don’t beat it up. You don’t need a bunch of additives, just common sense upkeep, maintenance, and sensible driving.

Other than that? OMG! Pay for advice that talks about power bars, snickers, sugary drinks, etc.?

When did common sense leave the room?

Good luck with that.

By: Malachi

Malachi — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Nice article. I know I’m always looking for new ideas as I’ve got a bad gall bladder fats are a problem for me. I ended up a vegitarian out of health (although my conscious had no objections either) so I thank god I don’t have wheat allergies!

By: Bethel

Bethel — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Great info.