Ask the Sports Nutritionist

Question: What are your recommendations for pre, and during-ride nutrition? It seems to me that riding long climbs (like a Tourmalet, etc) or long fast pace sections when you are 90kg is taking more energy than we can provide.  Is there something else we can provide for food/drink or have them stop more frequently?...
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Question: What’s the best pre-race meal for gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar conscious athletes? Also, what’s the best endurance food (on the bike) for same athlete? Kelli’s Answer: Hi Shelly, thanks so much for your question!  Here’s some good pre-training, during training, and recovery foods (all gluten-free, dairy-free, and utilizing different sugars appropriately) – pick what...
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Question: I’ve heard kids shouldn’t drink sports drinks – my kid is very active, runs hard, and plays competitive sports.  What’s your recommendation? Kelli’s Answer: Just like you’ve noted in your question, it simply depends on the activity your child is participating at, and at what level of intensity. For most young kids under...
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Question: There are times when I put in two hydration/electrolyte tablets into my water bottle when going on a run.  I’m hoping it will give me twice the benefit, but am I correct to think that or is it a waste to put in more than one at a time? Kelli’s Answer: Thanks so much...
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David’s Nutrition Question: I read that I should drink 2 litres of water during a normal day and that I should drink 500 ml to 750 ml per hour if I am exercising. Is the 500 ml to 750 ml consumed during exercise extra to the 2 litre daily minimum? In other words if...
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Boost Fuels without Sulphites? Question: How can I get “boost” fuels without products having hidden sulphites?  Most if not all energy products have sulfites either listed or hidden. Kelli’s Answer: I agree, it can be tough to figure out which foods have sulfites as there are “loopholes” in the company’s requirements to list them...
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Soy Protein Question: I have recently undertaken a goal to get in shape by cycling. I am suplimenting my nightly rides of 5-10 miles with a diet and counting calories. Recently I have been discussing protein bars and shakes and the topic of “soy” protein came up. Some comrades of mine claim that soy...
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Hydrating I’m at the stage where I’m trying to figure out the best ways to fuel and hydrate on a ride to avoid energy dips and mad cramps. Does ones weight play a part in determining how many mg (40-60 you say) p/hr?  How do I decide on source of energy, protein shake vs protein bar,...
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One Best Food Question: Due to work commitments and a varying shift pattern I find it difficult to stick to a strict diet and regime.  I eat healthily, have a varied diet and am fortunate to have a very good cook as a partner but what one thing should I try to eat more...
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C-Store Snacks Question: There are times when I find myself out on a longer ride than I had planned, but I’m ill prepared with something to eat (I need to plan better). Sometimes the only place to grab a bite is at a c-store. Do you have any recommendations as to the best c-store...
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Question: This past weekend I did a century and had a bonk experience. I forgot my pack with my fuels, so I overdid the lunch with foods at a restaurant all at once (food choices were “heavy” – mashed potatoes, broccoli rice casserole, mac and cheese, and salisbury steak – not the best options)....
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Question: I’m training for some upcoming races this Spring/Summer.  On short rides I tend to just drink water because I don’t want to overuse all the sugary sports drinks.  Is it okay to just drink water on longer rides as well (2-3 hours)?  Or should I add a electrolyte powder or pill? Kelli’s Answer:...
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