Favorite After-Ride Food

[7rider]

I'm wondering what people like to eat after a hard ride. Usually I have no appetite after my ride, but I've read that it's important to have something within 30 minutes of finishing.

I'd like to know what your favorite after-ride snacks are.

Usually a big glass of Accelerade and something sweet...Fig Newtons, banana, peanut butter crackers, etc. Oh, and sometimes an Advil or two!
There's a great deli next to my LBS that has wonderful hamentaschen -- that and a cup o' coffee are also yummy post-ride treats!
Then comes a NAP - if I'm lucky!

[pyxichick]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've actually been way better at eating after riding since I've read about your favorite snacks!

[yogabear]

Mangoes Easy for me to digest. I eat one within the first 10 minutes after riding...

Maybe an hour later, I make a smoothie with hemp protein powder, spirulina, and bananas and raw honey.

I don't get really super hungry until 3-4 hours after a hard ride or race. I make a large salad with avocado, nuts, seeds, carrots, organic raisins, sprouts, and a salad dressing I make with fresh orange juice, fresh grated ginger and a tiny smidge of extra virgin olive oil. I love my Celtic seasalt on my salad too

After a race, we usually go out to eat. I get some kind of Thai dish with veggies and rice

[CorsairMac]

Don't know why but after a really long ride I want lamb chops. I do try really hard to eat within that 30 min window And to put my legs up.

[roguedog]

What's the significance of the 30 min window? Recovery food? Please illuminate.

I'm typically not hungry after working out. I just usually have some juice and a yogurt or something light.

[Dogmama]

Immediately after exercising, your muscles need glucose and protein to begin the recovery process. Studies have shown that during the first 1-2 hours, these nutrients will be readily accepted by muscle tissue and healing will begin. The food you ingest should be quickly passed through your stomach. For that reason, you want to avoid high fat foods and fiber, both of which slow digestion.

Simple carbs and whey protein are best. Good combinations are: 1. milk, whey protein and a banana or 2. orange juice with vanilla whey protein. You want a good quality whey protein.

The faster you can get nutrients into the muscles, the better your recovery will be. That means you'll still be strong on your next ride!