Food & Drinks?

Sigma Force

What's the best drink to have before or during swimming, the odd day I'd be more thirsty is it best to stick to plain water?

Aparently the don't eat an hour before swimming is a myth but lesson learned..don't eat anything with garlic, chillie or onions a couple of hours before..but what's the best thing to eat after, am always starving afterwards does anyone have a simple list of things that help keep the energy up, or any handy snacks to have in the car on the way home to stop pigging out?

I know I could ask in the recipe forum but does anyone have any tried and trusted recipes for bars or recommend foods that I could put in to a recipe for a cereal type bar for handiness sake?

mad m

I think I've asked this question in past..

Everyone has a different thing they do. For me personally I sometimes have peanut butter and banana on a slice of bread (an hour before) I go swimming . But its can be sometimes what you eat during your day that will give you the energy.

I drink water, sometimes when doing sea swims I have the odd bottle of isotonic drink, it all depends on my situation. I dont like drinking it while training as it gives me a sticky mouth.

As for afterwards why not have an apple or a handful of nuts to keep you going till dinner.

2old4dacold

the loneswimmer had a recipe for a home made energy bar on his blog one time (probably tagged "nutrition" if you're doing a search) and i'm pretty sure peanut butter was in the ingredients

i quite like the kellogs "elevenses" bars myself or a couple of jaffa cakes

drinkwise, when i was swimming seriously (a long time ago ) i used to drink 3 parts water 1 part orange juice with a couple of spoons of brown sugar

okane1

I train after work. An hour before I get in the pool I have a coffee and Kellogg's Elevenses choc chip bake bar. During the swimm drink water, about 1L. After the session, I cook my dinner which would contist of potatoes or pasta or rice with meat and vegs.

For long swims (over 4km) would have water and high5 isotonic drink with me.

Sigma Force

Intersting the Elevenses bars are a popular choice, so if I come up with something involving oats, bit of fruit and nuts I'm on the right track.

Am on a bit of a wholemeal/wholewheat run at the moment I find a big plate of wholewheat pasta hits the spot (not as nice as a greasy bag of chips but trying to avoid them).

I'm not big in to fruit but might try the peanut butter and banana sambo combo.

swimforever

2old4dacold wrote: »

the loneswimmer had a recipe for a home made energy bar on his blog one time (probably tagged "nutrition" if you're doing a search) and i'm pretty sure peanut butter was in the ingredients

This is the recipe you're talking about: http://loneswimmer.com/2010/04/22/finally-an-alternative-to-porridge/.

I'm not much help on what to eat before a swim because I just eat as I would normally. And during a swim I tend to just drink water unless it's a long session (20k+) or unless I'm in OW (but I assume it's pool sessions that you're talking about?).

I think that your post-swim food is very important though. There is a window of about 20 minutes after a session where you should try to get some protein (and a small amount of carbs) into you for optimum recovery. I try to eat as soon as I get out, before I even have my shower. Easy options which I use regularly are chocolate milk and/or peanuts. These are easy to bring with you (put the chocolate milk in a flask to prevent it from getting warm) and are quick to eat. I used to have tuna regularly after sessions but it's not the best thing to be eating in a dressing room! Other options could be eggs, sandwiches with meat, chicken, cheese or peanut butter fillings or protein shakes (although I tend to stay away from these, I just prefer real food). I'm sure there are loads of other options online too if you search. The great thing about protein is that, as well has helping to repair your muscles, it also fills you up so it gets rid of that starving feeling that's so common after a swim!