Low-Carb Diets and Cycling

[onimity]

Hi sundial,

Carb intake requirements of course vary from person to person, but this thread:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17730
had some good numbers.

When you say you are sensitive to carbs, do you notice a difference between complex and simple carbs? I can be sensitive to simple carbs when I'm not exercising if I don't eat anything with fat/protien with them. Well into a ride, though, all I want is carbs. If you find that carbs are knocking you out on the bike you might want to mix simple carbs with something more complex (as long as it doesn't upset your stomach). But your body needs energy during the ride.

My favorite pre-ride snack is a big glass of milk. Sometimes 2% chocolate, but my favorite is whole milk. It's my favorite recovery drink too, usually chocolate then though. I wonder if you aren't getting enough carbs after your ride. After a long ride I am *hungry* for carbs. I regularly eat everything in the house after a long ride and if I don't I feel sluggish the next day. I don't know about the Boost, I assume from the calories that it has protein too? You might just try milk and then a complex carb after that, with some protein. Pasta, potatoes, etc. with meat/seafood. If white bread etc. bothers you, stick to whole grains or small portions. Maybe a couple of fingerling potatoes, for example, rather than a huge russet. Or beans, lentils, rice... there are lots of delicious options.

You might just try calculating the number of calories you are consuming and burning over the course of a week and make sure that you are in (and not below) your weight loss zone and that you are approximating your recommended carb intake while cycling.

Anne