We’ve all heard that the correct fuel will go a long way when it comes to training, but did you know that this covers more than simply the replenishment needed to get through the gruelling ride? It includes the things that we eat beforehand as well as the things that we consume afterwards.
To assist your body in recovering, you need to restore the nutrients and fluids lost during the exercise. Your body needs energy to perform and it needs energy to enable this performance to continue moving forward. To achieve this, you need to ensure that your glycogen stores have been replenished. This is often done by consuming carbohydrates which the body then converts to glucose which is then transformed into glycogen.
Another crucial element to your body’s recovery is repairing and strengthening your muscles, which requires a sufficient amount of protein. And finally, proper hydration is essential.
So, how can we go about replenishing our body after a tough ride?
10 Things You Should Eat After A Ride
- A sports drink: More specifically, sports recovery drink. They’re often packed with carbs which helps to replenish your glycogen stores. In some cases, they may be able to replenish your electrolytes as well to ensure that you remain hydrated.
- A milkshake: It may seem like a simple sweet treat, but it’s also packed with carbs and protein to help you refuel. Plus, it’s a reward for all of your hard work.
- Sports bar: For a quick option high in carbs and protein, you may want to look into sports bars. Eating one of these after your ride will also help prevent unhealthy cravings.
- Chicken: To help your body repair itself, it needs protein. A 100-gram chicken breast contains 19 grams of protein. This lean meat is also rich in amino acids and omega 3 to help you convert protein into lean muscle.
- White rice: This has been found to provide the body with glycogen a lot faster than brown rice, making it the perfect option after any intense physical activity.
- Salmon: In addition to being a great source of protein, salmon is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids which can assist in reducing muscle inflammation after exercising. It’s also rich in vitamins B6, B12 and D which provides energy and promotes recovery.
- Eggs on toast: Think about it, what’s more “carby” than bread or provides more protein than eggs? This makes eggs on toast a great after workout meal. While the cooking method of the eggs doesn’t necessarily matter, poached or scrambled eggs are the healthier options.
- Sweet potatoes: This carb is quite the all-rounder. It contains manganese, fibre, potassium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and, of course, carbohydrates.
- Dried fruits and nuts: For a quick fix after training and before you eat a meal, dried fruit and nuts are ideal. They can provide a quick energy boost and help replenish glycogen levels.
- Peanut butter: This simple snack can be consumed with almost anything or even eaten on its own if you wanted to. They have the ideal carb to protein ratio and can provide a quick boost.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Post-Workout Meal
When it comes to recovering, proper nutrition is non-negotiable, just like opting for a safe secure site is crucial when you buy Bitcoin instantly. Your body needs to be able to repair, restore and replenish to ensure optimal performance. Without it, you’re essentially running on fumes.