Another food and drink thread.

studiorat

Following up on last weeks thread about food on the bike. I took on board the advice and it really made a difference. Made some sandwiches and nibbled as I went along every 45min to an hour. Didn't feel half as drained and recovered much quicker. Thanks folks.

While I was out and about I got to thinking, is there anything I can do the day before in terms of eating and drinking to help the following day?

rottenhat

studiorat wrote: »

While I was out and about I got to thinking, is there anything I can do the day before in terms of eating and drinking to help the following day?

Not drinking alcohol the night before and getting plenty of water in is always good...can't say I often manage it though.

DirkVoodoo

Eat a shed load of pasta and some lean meat as quickly as possible after your spin. Also consider having one of those powdered protein supplements to aid recovery. I've found on the few occasions I have used one, my legs have felt a lot better the day after.

Gavin

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Eat a shed load of pasta and some lean meat as quickly as possible after your spin. Also consider having one of those powdered protein supplements to aid recovery. I've found on the few occasions I have used one, my legs have felt a lot better the day after.

Chocolate milk as others advise ! Cola Cao is my preferred constituent element.

rottenhat

Read the question again chaps - OP wants to know what to do the day before, not how best to recover after.

DirkVoodoo

Gavin wrote: »

Chocolate milk as others advise ! Cola Cao is my preferred constituent element.

I didn't know they still made it, and here I am drinking plain milk like a sucker!

I think blasting yourself with the cold tap in the shower for a few minutes is also pretty handy for rejuvenating the legs. Following the ice bath principle (though obviously not as effective).

Of course if you can fill your wheely bin up with water and ice, go for it!

EDIT: Ah, I thought he meant after one spin and before another!

Caroline_ie

Nesquik has strawberry flavour powder too to mix in w/ the milk, I got some last night

rottenhat

Anyway...you can load up the body to certain extent beforehand by getting in plenty of carbs the day before and drinking a lot of water but don't go nuts on the water or you'll be getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go to the toilet so you won't be that rested in the morning. I think the water aspect will make more difference though - between alcohol and the morning coffee/tea, I reckon most of us start a spin already somewhat dehydrated.

DirkVoodoo

Ahem, ok so I think some of what I said can be salvaged. According to Lance:

Breakfast: Lance favors a breakfast of mostly carbohydrate such as cereals (muesli, porridge), pasta, rice and fruit. Lance likes pasta or rice with an egg on top for protein. Avoid anything too sugary. 45 mins before the ride eat an energy bar and 8 to 16 ounces (weather depending) of your favourite sports drink.

Watch your iron intake! If you are a vegetarian, consume plenty of spinach, broccoli, nuts, etc.