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Pedaling for Performance |
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Have you ever been riding your bike on a hot summer day? Well, then you know how thirsty you can get. It can also be very tiring. I can give you tips on how to ride longer, and ride comfortably.
EAT AND DRINK BEFORE YOU RIDE
Before you ride your bike it's important to eat and drink. The problem is, if you eat or drink the wrong thing, at the wrong time, then you might not be able to ride as long. Before you ride, don't stuff yourself with a triple-decker bacon cheeseburger. Eat something healthy like a fruit or vegetable. Also, wait an hour to digest before you hop on your bike.
Equally important, it's better to eat a healthy diet even when you are off your bike. In your diet, you should eat something with 60-70% carbohydrates, 20-30% protein, and 10% fat. When you are on your bike, it is excellent to eat a banana. Bananas are easy to eat, provide 105 calories from carbohydrates, and replace potassium (an important element lost from sweating).
When on your bike, you must give your body nourishment. On a short ride, it is great to drink water. On a long bike ride, it's better to drink a sports drink (Powerade, Gatorade etc.). Studies show that sports drinks can help you ride a third longer. Also, if you wait for your body to tell you it needs nourishment, the energy will not be able to reach your muscles fast enough. To do this, just take a drink every fifteen minutes. You should drink about 20 ounces of liquid every hour (more if it is hot and humid). Last, don't eat high-fat snacks while on your bike. Fat is an ineffective fuel compared to carbohydrates.Visit Healthy Kids, a site that has articles about kid's fitness and what foods are good to eat to keep kids healthy.
All in all, bikes can be very fun if you eat and drink the right things at the right time. Have a healthy diet on and off your bike and you will be fit and have a great time riding.