I had to be careful about eating before a run--but never a problem on my bike. I prefer some protein before my 16 miles--scrambled eggs with hashbrowns, and orange juice--a smoothie when I get home. We usually start getting hungry after an hour on the bikes--so we pack energy bars, jelly belly's and gatorade. If it will be a longer ride, I will also bring hard-boiled eggs, cheese/sausage/crackers, and yogurt in my handlebar bag with an ice pack. I've had some tell me this is too much--but we love it. My sis takes off like a rocket after some cheese and sausage!