About this episode

Alex Larson discusses the impact of diet on mountain biking performance and answers common nutrition questions for athletes.

Alex Larson is a registered dietitian who works with endurance athletes, including cyclists, helping them fuel smart both on and off the bike. In this podcast episode we’ll be tackling some serious nutrition questions—like how much protein do you actually need?—and some not-so-serious ones—like if hot dogs make for a good pre- or post-ride meal. When should athletes choose hydration mix over plain water? How do you know if you need more electrolytes? What role does sugar play in fueling rides? Do non-pro cyclists benefit from sugar mid-ride too? Among mountain bikers there does seem to be a sense that because we're so active, we don't need to be as concerned about avoiding junk food as less active individuals. Is that fair? What are some effective and inexpensive alternatives to traditional energy/fueling products? Is it “OK” to indulge in a giant burrito and a couple beers after a ride? Any nutritional guidance around post-ride meals? Do you have a rule of thumb for how much protein athletes—especially cyclists—should actually need to consume each day? How accurate are calorie estimates from smart watches and fitness apps? Is weight loss really just “calories in vs. calories…

People in this episode

Guest: Alex Larson

Topics covered

• nutrition
• mountain biking
• endurance sports
• diet
• hydration

Keywords

• protein
• electrolytes
• sugar
• junk food
• post-ride meals

Mentioned in this episode

Products: hydration mix, energy products

Places: Sandpoint, Idaho, Lower Basin

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