Healthy Lifestyle

Photo Credit: Instagram @collegenutritionist There are many things to look out for when maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of whether you’re a cyclist or not. But if you are a cycling enthusiast, then there are a few things you need to know before you even think of going cold turkey on certain foods.

Consuming the right number of calories

The average daily calorie intake for men is 2500 kcal and for women, it is 2000 kcal. A good way for cyclists to work out their calorie intake is to multiply the distance ridden in miles by 50 calories. If you’re hoping to trim down then you can do this by having a calorie deficit of 250 calories a day.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. Your carb intake will be dependant on how many miles you cycle a week. It is recommended that for each kilogram you weigh, you should have between 5-9g. It is only natural that excess carbs are stored as fat in the body. You need to eat your carbs at the right time otherwise it will leave you feeling lethargic.

Protein

Protein will help cyclists maintain their health, immune system and recovery process, not to mention it will support tissue maintenance. Increasing your protein intake can help prevent you overeating, keeping your appetite at bay. It is suggested that individuals limit their intake of red and processed meats that are related to a higher cause of disease. Small amounts are more digestible and it is suggested that you have a little bit of protein with each meal to enhance energy levels.

Good Fats

There are good fats and bad fats. It is essential to choose the right type, as it affects health, performance and weight maintenance. Good fats reduce inflammation in the body, which is good for asthma and allergy sufferers. Not to mention that it has benefits to the metabolism, which helps with weight loss. If this wasn’t enough, good fats support with reducing bad cholesterol, which makes it an essential part of any diet to help prevent heart disease.

Drinking Water

Hydration is key for all cyclists. It will help support better riding and will allow you to have better energy levels whilst and after cycling. It is usually recommended to drink 2 litres of water regardless of sport or not, but cyclists must drink additional fluids to replace any that is lost during riding. Dehydration will drastically affect your performance in cycling.

Suggested Meals

We know it can be tricky trying to have a varied diet whilst being busy. We have put together a brief guide on what should be consumed and for what reason.

Protein:

Salmon – Is good for boosting metabolism Sardine – Good for burning fat Chicken – Maintaining weight Mackerel – Eat to build lean muscle

Vegetables:

Carrots – Metabolism booster Sweet Potato – Combats hunger Red Peppers – Giving metabolism a boost Cucumber – Managing weight Beetroot – Burning fat Potatoes – Keeps hunger at bay

Fats:

Olive oil – Managing weight Avocados – Managing weight Peanut butter – Keeps you fuller for longer

Grains, seeds, pulses and nuts:

Chia seeds – Managing weight Wholegrain bread and pasta – Keep you fuller for longer Oats - Keeps you fuller for longer Lentils – Metabolism booster Quinoa – Managing weight Nuts - Keeps you fuller for longer