Good Carbs?!

[Batbike]

Someone asked me this and I didn't have an answer: What are good carbs? :confused:

As cyclists we need to eat carbs to fuel our bodies, but too much and carbs turn to fat; too little and we bonk. So, what is the best carbs to eat and how many?! THANKS! :)

[KnottedYet]

complex carbs are the good ones, they take longer to digest and "stick to your ribs" and don't send you into the blood-sugar rollercoaster.

[SouthernBelle]

What she said. Basically, if your body doesn't have to do any work to convert the carb to energy it's a simple carb, like pure sugar.

Think in terms of less processed stuff, like whole wheat flour rather than white.

[sundial]

Think of complex carbs as time-release energy. :) Complex carbs are found in grains, veggies and fruits and milk products. In other words, the more natural state the food is, the most likely it will contain complex carbs. A banana is a cyclist's friend. It gives you not only energy, but potassium which will replace what you lose in a work out.

Simple carbs are known to give you a boost of energy, but after it spikes you'll experience a slump. Marshmallows will give you a big boost if you bonked on your ride.

One of the old favorite recovery drinks for many cyclists is flat coke. Not only does it give a quick energy boost (simple carbs), but caffeine as well. :eek:

Hope this answers your questions. Now you know how you can put Ben & Jerry's to work. ;)