Cycling Sports Nutrition

During cycling, your body needs energy so it uses the glycogen stored in your muscles and liver. To make sure that the reserves of sugar are never used up, you must consume energy foods and drinks. There are different types of bars, gels, chews and drinks that you can take in to avoid low levels of glycogen and constantly replace the amount of muscle energy that you lose through pedalling. Glucose, maltose, fructose, sucrose and different sugar substitutes are among the most popular ingredients mentioned in sports nutrition plans as an aid for instant replacement of the amount of glycogen in your body while you are exercising.

In the case of vigorous cycling for over two hours, or on hot weather, important amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium as well as chloride are lost. These minerals are called electrolytes and a low level of them may lead to headaches and muscle cramps. You can keep sports drinks and gels containing both carbohydrates and electrolytes to hand if you like or just take separate electrolyte supplements with you.

Protein plays an important part in maintaining your muscle vigour and it also helps muscle recovery after the ride. A lack of it may bring about muscle breakdown. This is the reason why many manufacturers of energy foods include protein among their ingredients. Yet, protein is more important after the ride as it is not as well digested as carbohydrates. Whey is the most easily digested protein and a reliable aid in strengthening your body immune system along with building muscles. Soy is also very easy to absorb and a reliable minimiser of ammonia in your muscles while you are exercising.

We may include moderate amounts of caffeine on the list of energy enhancing substances. It can be found in many energy drinks nowadays and is known to increase the blood flow to the brain and muscles.

No matter your reasons for cycling, fitness or competition, you must remember that this is a quite challenging sport and you must always be prepared to fuel your body with the elements that it needs. Do not overlook the importance of any of the above mentioned ingredients in your plan to support your body along the track.