During this last year, I’ve spent time gathering more information on my past successes with clients and iron supplementation, other experts’ opinions, and any further information to form a more aggressive and proactive Iron Supplementation Recommendation for my athletes. You see, I’ve seen a correlation with low iron (ferritin) status and everything from impaired running performance,...
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It’s a staple of almost all athletes’ diets. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Whether in daily nutrition, pre-training, during training, or recovery, I’m hard-pressed to think of a cyclist who doesn’t rely on them, at least a little. This week, Loving the Bite’s bringing you a recipe for this old favorite, using whole-food...
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My friend Richard from Cyclelicious always puts up posts of celebrities riding their bikes when they are spotted. It’s a cool feature he runs and it’s nice to see the celebrities out there Loving the Bike. Well, unless you’re into the health and fitness scene you may not have heard of this celebrity who...
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Here at LovingTheBike.com we love to push the boundaries and introduce new ideas whenever we can to enhance the social experience of you, the reader. The noggin-box genius idea of our very own Darryl (@LovingTheBike), Jim (@bikerly) & Mike (@egggman) to create #bikeschool has expanded the social interaction of the readership of this website...
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It’s been quite a while now that we’ve been pumping out these Make it Happen Monday posts over here at Loving the Bike…..and what I’ve always thought I was doing was sending out positive, inspiring pieces of writing mixed in with my own thoughts of the world. Basically I’ve been pumping out self-improvement messages...
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Warm Sports Drinks and Water Question: Most all sports drinks, and water for that matter, taste horrible when hot (which almost always happens on long rides in the summer). What’s the best way to keep them cold…can I simply fill my water bottle ½ full with ice and then pour in the drink? Kelli’s Answer: I...
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It seems like all of a sudden I have a whole whack of things to review, so today is going to be a mish mash of various products from the world of cycling. Clif Bar – CLIF SHOT I’ve just recently become an Ambassador for ClifBar and I’m pretty stoked about this….so I’m sure...
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This week, let’s all pucker up for good health. Yep, we’re going to add a little vinegar to our Daily Nutrition diets for a variety of health benefits. The kind of benefits that may just keep up cycling longer, stronger, and with a better strength to weight ratio. As one of my recent clients...
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I’d like to welcome the good folks from Hostel Bookers who are supplying today’s post and providing details for a great contest. Have a look at what they have to say about cycling in the cities of Miami and San Francisco, and check out the information they provide for accommodation options while in these cities....
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It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but rather the one most adaptable to change. - Charles Darwin (proabably!) Whether you have just bought your first bike or have been racing for years, there is a podcast out there so full of intelligence, knowledge and heart that...
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Whoa……Hold on…..These fingers that I’m typing with right now are full of power and able to do amazing things. That’s right, I have enough energy and power in one of these fingers to create all that I’ve ever wanted in life…..and more. Believe it…..it’s true. We all have an infinite amount of inner power...
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Sugar at Supper Question: Hi Kelli. I feel like I eat a pretty health supper with things like pasta and meat sauce quite often, but I also don’t feel like I’m losing the weight that I’d like. Any advice? Kelli’s Answer: Good to hear from you. Food such as white pasta and dinner rolls...
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Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride. For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am. I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier. My rides are 1.5-2 hours. Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all? What do you think?
Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved. The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all. And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.
Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.
My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon). Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods. The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants. The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.
Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water. These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.
And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.
During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well. With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!
