The Cyclist's Food Guide

[abejita]

I see many recommendations for this book by Nancy Clark. I went to Amazon and was reading the reviews, and this one came up...

Unfortunately, this book is not evidence or research-based, and for the most part regurgitates tired, debunked dietary myths.

The problems are too numerous to enumerate here. But a couple of examples are the authors' recommendation of fast-food joints as a source of nutritious meals, and their argument that organic food sources be avoided because they lack the nutritional content of processed foods.

For those of you who have read this book, is there any truth to the comment? I avoid processed food like the plague so it would be pointless for me to purchase this book if she actually promotes processed food.

[maillotpois]

That's weird. I don't remember any such recommendations (fast food) or critique of organic. etc. It has been a while since I read this, book but Nancy Clary is pretty solid. I recall nothing promoting processed food.

[abejita]

I thought it was really weird too. I wouldn't imagine that so many TE members would recommend the book if it promoted processed food.

I am trying to formulate a plan to switch from eating purely for weightloss to eating for better cycling performance (and lose the last few pounds) and I thought this book might be a good place to start.

Thanks!

[ny biker]

I haven't read it in a while and don't have time to start rereading it now. But I seem to recall that it is evidence based, and if there's anything about fast food it's in terms of if fast food is your only choice, choose this instead of that.

She encourages things like whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt.

[abejita]

Awesome! Thanks!

[ny biker]

To be a bit more specific, there are also a lot of anecdotes based on her experience with clients, but they're used to illustrate her points, not as evidence. Maybe that's part of what the reviewer was talking about.

But she does also reference various studies.

[Grits]

I had my copy of The Cyclist's Food Guide handy when I read this post so looked through it to refresh my memory. I couldn't find a reference to organic vegetables, and it wasn't listed in the index. That doesn't mean it isn't there, but I don't remember it, and it doesn't sound like something she would say. If anyone finds it, please post the page number.

As far as the fast food thing, she includes a section of what the healthiest choices would be at various fast food restaurants recognizing that sometimes, a fast food joint is going to be the only option. Not all of us are going to prepare a healthy lunch and snacks to take with us on the road.

She also has a lot of quick,healthy meals that require little to no cooking. Sure, it would be healthier to prepare something from scratch, but for many of us, some frozen veggies and pasta would be far healthier than going out to eat because we don't want to take the time to shop and cook that day. She strikes me as being very practical in helping people to make the best choices within the circumstances they find themselves. It sounds like the reviewer did not read the book very carefully.

[abejita]

I read Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook while we were driving to my parents' house. I really liked it. I couldn't find the cyclist's food guide at the library, so I ordered it. Should be waiting for me at my house when i get home. I really like her idea of front loading your eat at the beginning of the day to avoid binging later in the day.

mary

[azfiddle]

I just got my copy of the Cyclist's Food Guide in the mail, and it came with a handwritten note from Nancy inside!

It looks there is a some overlap with the sports nutrition book, but a lot of cycling specific tips - I'm looking forward to spending some time with it. Sharon