drama at the local health food store

[littlegrasshopp]

I've noticed I REALLY crave RED MEAT after a long ride! I usually don't like eating it - and it doesn't sit well with me either, so I've been hesitant to go for the steak or burger. I will make sure I'm paying better attention to protein and carbs though.

I have never been able to eat solid food on the bike either. I do fine with honey, or gu. But water seems to be best in my bottles and nothing solid to eat unless I'm taking an actual lunch break.

I'll try the ice suggestion too. We're doing a ride today and I've eaten considerably more food and made better choices, I think. We'll see I'll keep you posted. Thanks for ALL the help!! It's so appreciated!!

[OakLeaf]

That seems like a sure sign you're low on protein, or iron, or something.

I remember a couple of years ago when I was just getting over an awful ear infection, I craved meat like crazy and ate it about three days in a row, when normally I eat meat MAYBE once a year. People think I'm a vegetarian even though I never claim that (and I actually eat fish fairly often). But when my body was desperate to rebuild itself... red meat it demanded.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I was just drinking my daily big glass of milk with protein powder in it while I was reading this thread....washing down my vitamins and calcium and fiber supplements.

[LBTC]

I've met lots of people at health food stores who form these types of opinions, diagnose the customer and try to sell whatever worked for them (I guess). Bugs me....

My favourite recovery food after a ride: a nuked potato with a few chopped veggies, chopped ham (or any meat) and melted soy cheese (wish I could eat real cheese, but at least it's a soy cheese that melts!!). Not as convenient as a recovery drink or chocolate milk, but really sticks to me. Back when I used to eat dairy (not realizing the ways it was messing me up) I'd always be first to grab the potato skins off the appy platter when we got to the pub.!

I don't use sports drinks on the bike these days either, but have been known to use electrolyte drops (tasteless) in my water bottle. I also find cliff shot blocks an excellent energy source while riding - two at the each hour mark works best for me.

Good luck! Sending butterflies to help all those food choices get to just the right places, and to keep you safe out there!

Hugs,
~T~

[littlegrasshopp]

I just thought I'd give you an update after today's ride. DH went to the lake for a roll session with his kayak. I took off from the parking lot. I intended to do 16 miles but 5 miles into it I had a flat. In a bad place to have a flat. sketchy house, all the furniture on the front porch...all windows and doors wide open and southern rock blasting from the speakers of a brand new, bright red, pickup truck. Anyway, I know "how" to change the tire, but I couldn't get the tube out to save my life!! Luckily a women's beginner's ride came along and we had a road side tire changing clinic....I'm joining them next week. They were so nice and helpful and they eve all brought out their own kits to see how their tools were a like or different. I'm looking forward to next week!

I feel a lot better after the ride. I did complete about 10 miles of it. It was hot and hilly - so a good judge, I think. I had my shake after the ride, I think I'll try OJ next time. I'm feeling good back at home. We had some chicken and veggies. Can't wait to see how I feel tomorrow!! Thanks for all the advice!!

[malkin]

It sounds like you're on your way!

For me, the ice or cold rinse seems to help my legs recover.
And a moderate amount of beer!

[Melalvai]

(I have some mighty weird eating habits. I grew up on cheese and jelly sandwiches.)

It really annoys me when people are judgmental about the food I am eating. However I have to admit I really hope you meant to say, "I grew up on cheese sandwiches and jelly sandwiches". After reading (but not tasting) the Fat Cyclist's description of mayonaisse and peanut butter, I realize that you may have said exactly what you meant. LOL

[rbs4fun]

another +1 on chocolate milk.

Slim Fast shake is good too, even at room temperature (24g carbs to 10g protein). I usually drive somewhere for my long ride or run. My cooler does not stay cold that long so SF shake is a good alternative (don't want my chocolate milk to spoil). I usually down it on the drive home and then after ice bath/shower I have a regular meal.

[roadie gal]

After a hard ride I can't stomach solid food or milk products. I make a "shake" of orange juice with some protein powder that I drink right after the ride. Then I have my real meal when I get home.

[sundial]

Mimi can provide an excellent recovery food--pie.