Cycling and eating, help.....

[photojonny]

Hi,

This is my second (and last ) period on Atkins. I did 2 years a few years back, lost 4.5 stones, and was very happy! However, after moving in with my veggie girlf, I thought I'd give it a go as it made things easier. Didn't work and the weight started to go back on, so I switched back to Atkins about 6 months ago. This immediately stopped the weight gain, but it is only coming off very slowly, which I put down to a) not having as much to lose, and b) not enough excercise.

So I've taken up cycling .

Anyway, on longer rides (50 miles +), the cyclists on forums I frequent say that you should eat (little and often) to keep energy levels up. But of course they all eat carb and sugar loaded stuff - energy drinks, hi-carb bars, bananas, chocolate, etc.

What can I eat to give me an atkins boost as I ride? There are bite sized snacks such as pork rind, or nuts, but will these be efficient in giving me energy? Is there anything else I should consider? Or does this not apply to me as I'm burning fat and not glucose in the first place?

I'm in the UK, and I want to avoid all the processed rubbish, so 'Atkins Bars' are out. I believe wholeheartedly in Dr A's original sentiments about eating fresh, real food (before Atkins Corp decided to make some cash out of the slim-fast-esque stuff).

Thanks for any help you can give.

[DMAX2007]

Re: Cycling and eating, help.....

yeah I don't recommend bringing a steak along for the ride.. you actually might benefit from HIIT (do a google search on what it is). The reason why those cyclists eat during the ride is because of the simple sugars the ingest. It induces an insulin reponse to break them down and give quick energy but then they need more food an hour later.

Unless you get ravished during the bike trip, I wouldn't recommend eating. Because of the content of the low carb food, you wouldn't see any quick energy from it. And even worse, your body has to divert blood for your hard working leg muscles to your stomach and can cause you to be uncomfortable and tire easier.

IF you absolutely need to eat something, I'd try celery sticks with cream cheese.. some natural food stores have unprocessed kinds and still about 2-3 gms of carbs per serving.

[photojonny]

Re: Cycling and eating, help.....

Thanks very much for the help.

For me, HIIT = Hills