Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

All

Recently I have begun to cycle to work and back, I should say its great fun but at the same time I do get drained down after the shower and when settled into work.
Same thing happens when I ride back home.

What natural foods can I eat that will maintain a stable level and prevent the crashing down, I have tried some strong coffee which has kept me alert but I know its not a good solution.

Bacon and eggs on toast...

How far is the ride?

I'd say you just need to get used to it plus have a healthy breakfast when you get to work.

'Healthy' though is very debatable. For me, it's half a cup of muesli, natural yoghurt, honey and berries. Sometimes a couple of eggs.

If I ride in the afternoon, I might have some chocolate milk and then just wait until dinner. Or if its only an easy ride then I might not have anything until dinner.

The AIS website has some info on post-workout foods.

Read the Protein Powder thread too as that digresses into talking about what you may be after.

wardie wrote:How far is the ride?

I'd say you just need to get used to it plus have a healthy breakfast when you get to work.

'Healthy' though is very debatable. For me, it's half a cup of muesli, natural yoghurt, honey and berries. Sometimes a couple of eggs.

If I ride in the afternoon, I might have some chocolate milk and then just wait until dinner. Or if its only an easy ride then I might not have anything until dinner.

The AIS website has some info on post-workout foods.

The ride is 14 Kms, and is fairly flat.

I have been having eggs and bread and will soon add wheatbix into the breakfast regime.

wardie wrote:Read the Protein Powder thread too as that digresses into talking about what you may be after.

Not very keen on protein powders as won't them make me lethargic-sleepy, as this is the main problem.

I hope it wears off after my body gets used to it.

kunalraiker wrote:

wardie wrote:Read the Protein Powder thread too as that digresses into talking about what you may be after.

Not very keen on protein powders as won't them make me lethargic-sleepy, as this is the main problem.

I hope it wears off after my body gets used to it.

The Protein Powder thread has some excellent posts by some of the forum's vegans so you can get a good insight into what natural foods they use.

In my opinion, I reckon you don't need any specific 'recovery' food after 14km.

Flat 14km is a pretty common and unchallenged commuter distance. I think you just need to ride more and let the body get accustomed to it. No special food/drinks required for healthy people.

I'm inclined to agree, unless you are spending more then an hour or doing intense training a typical diet should suffice in meeting nutritional needs.

kunalraiker wrote: I have been having eggs and bread and will soon add wheatbix into the breakfast regime.

Orange juice would be a much more rapid intake of energy than the bread, but as others point out your natural glycogen levels should cope pretty easily with a ride of that distance. Some would do that in the morning with just a coffee or a bidon of water!

clackers wrote:

kunalraiker wrote: I have been having eggs and bread and will soon add wheatbix into the breakfast regime.

Some would do that in the morning with just a coffee or a bidon of water!

That is cool, wow maybe someday!

Thanks All for the comments, I will just soldier on.

If your really lacking fuel for the ride have a little carbs the night before until your body gets used to it

If I get stingy on my carb intake the night before I feel it going into work... Then again my commute is 25-26km

Not enough water can have the effect of making you tired after a ride. Make sure you keep the water up.
You could also try a serving of "Sustagen Sport" before you leave for your ride. It is one of the suppliements suggested by the AIS and I use it as a pre-ride meal in the mornings.

I get rather drained when i settle into work, and i drive in. Doesn't happen when i get home though.

Mrfenejeans wrote:I get rather drained when i settle into work, and i drive in. Doesn't happen when i get home though.

hahaha may be try cycling in