The Athlete's FoodCoach Premium blog: What do I eat before my cycling training?
If you aim to make the most out of your training session, focus on eating carbs before your training. It's crucial to tailor your carb intake to your individual needs for the best results.
Why should I prioritize carbs?
- Fast energy source: Carbohydrates are the main and most efficient source of energy for the body, especially in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities such as cycling.
- Stable blood sugar: Carbohydrates are quickly converted into glucose, which is transported in the blood, also known as blood glucose or blood sugar. Glucose can also be stored in the body, especially in the liver and muscles, in the form of glycogen. Consuming carbohydrates before your workout increases the glucose level in the blood and can increase the supply of glycogen. This helps prevent a rapid drop in blood glucose, reducing the risk of symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness and a decrease in performance during exercise.
- Delaying fatigue: Sufficient glycogen stores in the liver and muscles are very important to delay the onset of fatigue during your ride. Eating carbohydrates before your workout helps to maintain the glycogen stores in your body and thus maintain optimal performance.
- Mental focus: Glucose is the main fuel for your brain. Consuming carbohydrates before your workout supports mental clarity and focus during your ride.
How do I get my carb intake before cycling on point?
It's crucial to tailor your carb intake to your individual needs, activity level, and preferences for the best results. Do you want to discover how much carbs you need to eat before your training? The FoodCoach App will guide you to bring focus and translate your carb recommendations into real food and meals.
The The Athlete's FoodCoach Premium app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store and used with a ten euro monthly subscription. The annual price is fifty euros.
Definitions
- Carbs: carbohydrates are macro-nutrients found in various forms, including sugars, starches, and dietary fiber, primarily serving the function of providing energy to the body.
- Glucose: a simple sugar, often referred to as blood sugar, that remains when carbs are broken down and is transported in the bloodstream.
- Glycogen: stored form of carbohydrates in the liver and muscles, serving as a readily accessible source of energy for the body during periods of high energy demand.
