Get off your bike and drink your (chocolate) milk

We’ve been training for a few weeks now and have started to think about our diets. Obviously when training you use a lot more calories than you usually would, but after doing a bit of research - there’s a lot more to it than just stuffing more in your cake hole, so I have learned…

We got some great information from our contact at Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

When training you need to:

-          Provide fuel for your muscles

-          Repair muscle and tissue damage

-          Replace lost electrolytes and other nutrients

Before training

Before you head out on a long training ride you should load up on slow-burning carbs and fluids. We have been eating poached eggs on wholemeal toast, lots of fruit, trail mix etc.

It is also advised to drink a strong black coffee an hour before as the caffeine mobilises fatty acids.

How good is this pic? Thanks Terri!

During your ride

On our first ride, I was totally shattered and had a really bad headache. I now know this was because we didn't top up our glycogen levels along the way.

If you are riding for several hours you need to take in more than just water! We now take energy bars and munch on them every hour.

Even though I worry about having to pee, you do have to make sure you keep hydrated and drink even though you’re not thirsty. It’s not too bad around Vancouver as there are lots of public loos to use (I will however always carry some loo roll with me just in case).

After

Then comes the best bit! 

It is important to replenish your glycogen levels as soon as you can after you finish your ride and even gym sessions.

Get this... according to AskMen.com

“After your workout, your body is most receptive to using amino acids to repair muscle tissue, while using carbohydrates to restore muscle glycogen. 

    

One of the best post-workout options is chocolate milk. This will provide you with the benefits of carbohydrates, while giving you the optimal protein source found in milk.”

Who thought chocolate milk is good to drink after a workout? It’s like our post training treat –and the fact it’s actually good for us is just ace.

After consuming the delicious milky substance, we need to load up on a large carb meal. We’ve been eating so many carbs, it’s hilarious.

I’m starting to love this training lark.

Holly x


We will be cycling the Pacific Coast Highway from Vancouver to Tijuana over six weeks starting in August 2012 to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Please show your support by sponsoring us here, leaving a comment and sharing our blog.