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While there are 365 days in a year, each day, if you do a quick search on the Internet, you are bound to find some significance for each day of the year. It could be a story attached to the day, some important happening or just a momentous announcement or decision. Today, we are celebrating World Bicycle Day and hailing to all the bike riders across the world.
While sports like tennis, cricket, football and others are given a lot of importance in the media, it is cycling that is still a lesser-explored sport. However, increasingly, cyclists are getting together and forming their communities to stay connected and flourish the sport. Take India for instance. A lot of cities have come up with cycling groups who encourage and motivate each other to ride. Like any other sport, cycling is also a great form of exercise and like any sports person, a cyclist also needs the right kind of nutrition.
Since outdoor sports use up a lot of our bodily energy, it is important that we replenish it with the right kind of diets. In an interview with Men’s Journal, Mark Cavendish highlights how he plans his day before cycling and what all does he include in his diet. He talks about eating those foods that suit an individual and not following the crowd. While every person will have tons of suggestions about diet practices, it is the cyclist who knows best what they can digest and eat.
The four-time Tour De France cyclist also remarked how he avoids dairy-based fluids like milk and keeps it limited to omlette and rice. Since carbohydrates and proteins provide us with a lot of energy, it is believed that you consume these nutrients in your meals in a balanced manner.
Overeating before a cycling stint is definitely a big no. However, negligible or lack of food can lead to tiredness and dizziness so you need to refuel your used up energy. In order to pump up yourself before a bike ride, here are some foods that you can add to your morning meal.
Note: In case of any allergies and chronic diseases, please consult your doctor before adopting these foods.
Foods That You Can Eat Before Cycling
1. Oatmeal
A light yet filling option, the oatmeal is great for the morning. A bowl of oats made dunked in almond or soy milk can be prepared without any hassle. It is easy to eat and can be consumed 2-3 hours before the cycling ride begins. Throw in some blueberries, flavour it with some cinnamon and you are good to go.
2. Granola Bars
The thick and chunky pieces of this energy bar are surely going to give your energy a big boost. They might look like small bars but they have a lot of nutrition in them. Made with dried fruits like almonds, pistachios and cashews, the oats-loaded granola bars are sweetened with honey or jaggery. Topped with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, this bar is a powerhouse of energy.
3. Mango Banana Smoothie
Put anything in the form of a smoothie and no one will complain. Isn’t that true? Easy to make and ready in a jiffy, this mango and banana smoothie has a high nutrient-profile. Mangoes are good for increasing energy as well as strengthening the immune system while bananas contain rich fibres and natural sugar that instantly charges you up.
4. Avocado Toast
Like avocados? Of course you would want to include this in your diet then. Laden with a creamy avocado mixture, the toasted bread is served crispy and creamy at the same time. This amazing blend of flavours works wonders on the taste buds. Moreover, avocados are known to keep you full for longer so that you can sustain that long cycling marathon.
5. Banana And Peanut Butter Sandwich
Instead of popping those peanuts that won’t fill up your stomach, why don’t you try a peanut butter sandwich? Peanuts are loaded with protein, healthy fats and fibre which not only give you a feeling of fullness but also boost your energy. Add sliced bananas to the sandwich and refuel before the ride.
