Cycling Nutrition

Back in the day, before the gels and bars and chomps, we used banana bread for fuel.  And, it was delicious.  This week, we’re going for a remake of my old-school favorite.  I’m adding in a few ingredients that I now know to work especially well for fuel, and I’m using oats instead of...
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Sure, a “protein bar” can be a good option for recovery after a hard ride, but do they make for good snacks?  As more and more athletes opt for protein bars and energy bars as part of their everyday food choices, it’s important to determine which, if any, works as a healthy snack.  You...
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Feeling stuffed in the midst of Holiday celebrations? I’ve got another antidote for you.  Last year I introduced a junk food anti-venom smoothie, and highlighted the power of celery to reduce water retention often brought on by too many sweets and salty foods. Often times, while some weight gain during the Holidays may be...
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….And How to Lose Fat in the Off-Season. Are you interested in improving your strength to weight ratio this off-season? Most likely, the answer is yes.  On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer: the lighter you are, the faster you can go.  The less you eat, the lighter you are. Eat less, go...
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When it’s not quite the Holidays, it’s not quite Winter, but it seems less and less like Fall, what Season it is? Anyone? Well, to me, it’s none other than pomegranate season (I bet you didn’t see that one coming)! Of course, a food would have to be extra special to have its own...
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Finally! I’ve. Conquered. Baba Ganoush.  No, that’s not some awesome local ride.  It’s the wonderfully creamy, healthy, pureed eggplant dip from the Middle East region, likely served at your favorite Lebanese, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean restaurant.  It’s good.  It’s good for you.  Eggplants have a variety of nutrients that are specifically beneficial to cyclists. And now, you...
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  Many, many cyclists begin their day with a bowl of cereal.  This can be a good thing, a nutritionally neutral thing, or a downright bad thing.  Sure, a picky consumer can find a cereal that actually provides health, wellness, and energy benefits.  But by default, most cereals leave much to be desired, and...
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Sometimes, a natural whole-food is just the fuel needed when on the bike.  More often than not, real foods taste refreshing, satisfying, and cause less stomach issues than engineered fuel.  I believe there’s room for both. As you know, I love homemade fueling recipes with minimal ingredients, but I’ll also use and recommend hand-picked gels,...
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Are nutrient-packed, fresh, healthy foods really affordable?  I’ve gotta tell you, one of my pet-peeves is when health advocates swear that eating whole, real foods will actually save you money compared to buying unhealthy ones.  Sure, if you eat out every night, you’ll save money buying healthy foods from the store and making dinner at home. ...
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Tired of forking over a buck or more every time you want a gel, bar, or drink for each hour of your ride? Many times, me too.   When weight (or lack thereof) is a priority on very long rides, and I simply want convenience from commercially available light-weight products, gels are one of...
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Old habits die hard.  It’s difficult to change your thoughts, and your habits.  But worthwhile tasks are seldom easy, right?  This week, I’m going to challenge you to rethink your dessert and what you put into your mouth before bed.  To trade in the sweets at night.  It’s not always been my way of thinking.  In fact,...
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You know who you are.  You’re encrusted in white salt, and you could wring out your jersey after an intense ride while others seem to barely need a shower.  You simply seem to sweat on rides significantly more than your friends. You know you need more sodium on the bike, especially with summer heat approaching, but...
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