Fitness / Nutrition Help Please!

PeterPan132

Hi

In Feb 2012, I am going to be cycling 400km across kenya for Women v Cancer. As a complete non-cyclist before this event, it is going to be a real challenge.

So obviously, fitness is my biggest thing at the moment - I do 2 fitness classes, including spinning, swim at least once a week and use the Gym at least once - I also aim to do an ever increasing cycle ride every other weekend - my next one will be 35 miles.

But a BIG problem I have is nutrition! I don;t know what I should be eating and when. A fews ago I did a 25 mile ride on a Banana, some Lucozade (and water!) and a cereal bar - I know that this is no-way near enough, but I can't eat big meals when exercising.

I'm also trying to loose weight - something I know will come with my increased training, but despite my work-outs I can't seem to shift any weight!

The calorie counting on here is great - but still not sure if I am eating the right things.

So if anyone can please provide me with some advice on what I should be eating and when, will be greatly appreciated!

pfettig88

You're going to want High Carbs and High Protein since you're using so much of it up in exercise also take a B12 vitamin everyday because it gives you more natural energy! If you're worried about weight gain with carbs, remember fruit is a carb and the most pure kind!

~Patricia

ChRiStA_1983

Okay, I just have to say, I don't have advice for you, but DAMN! 400 kilometres?! That's IMPRESSIVE! Good for you!!!

givprayz

If you have been logging your foods, it would help if you made your food diary public (done under settings, I think.) I know you need to have stuff that will digest easily when you cycle, so protein drinks are nice, and they give you some carbs and minerals as well. When you aren't cycling, you need to eat in the first hour you are up in the morning, or if you exercise immediately, then within an hour of exercise. The ratios MFP gives you are a little low on protein, so you can go in and raise your protein by about 5% by using the "goals" tab and "custom" settings. Watch that the 5% comes from carbs and not fats, because you need healthy fats, too. If you watch saturated fats, trans fats, then the 30% of calories from fat is a good amount. Choose high quality foods as close to nature as you can and you will get better nutrition. White flour and white sugar should be kept to a minimum (don't use my diary as an example, I'm a sweets addict so I have something sugary most days. )

PeterPan132

Thanks Guys - have now made my profile 'public'. Although only about a weeks worth on there from recent times- and have tended to miss of my 'naughty days' and days that I can;t be bothered with it. And its something I've picked up and put down over the last year or so - so any thoughts / advice on what I am eating wouold be appreciated! Worried its going to make me look like a pig now