Post-Ride

To get the full benefit from the food you eat post cycle, timing is key. As soon as you get off your bike, start replacing lost fluids and salts (hello, chocolate milk), but remember the window of opportunity between 20 minutes to an hour after your ride where your body can get the maximum benefit and fastest recovery from a protein-rich meal. This is when your muscles are particularly able to synthesise protein to do its job of building and repair. It doesn’t need to be a huge meal, and, in fact, studies have shown that eating little and often can be beneficial post cycle. It helps to plan, as the last thing you will want to do is go to the shops or stand at the stove for half an hour. A quick omelette is perfect, a pizza ready to throw into the oven can be a wonder and a slow cooker ready and waiting with a warming restorative bean chilli can be heaven.