What kind of food should you eat and drinks should you drink while bicycling long distances?

Question

Are there some types of food and drink that are better than others? Do I have to take all those energy bars and drinks or is there regular food I can use?

Answer 1

energy bars, energy drinks...smoothies and water and gatoarde

Answer 2

As stated, you need to build up your stamina and mustles before attempting long distances.
I would suggest that you eat a light meal prior to your ride, like salad. You wouldn't want something heavy on your stomach while trying to exert a lot of energy. Energy bars are mainly SUGAR and will give you a SHORT increase in energy but will leave you more worn out. So avoid any sugary stuff.
As others have suggested, you need liquids.
Water, Power Ade, Gator Ade and the like. You also need salt and other nutrients. Crackers with peanutbutter in between is an Excellent source.

Answer 3

Eat a large variety of foods, and go heavy in carbohydrates. The only drink you really need is water, but drink whatever you like as long as you stay hydrated. Energy bars, gatorade etc., are all just mass marketed products of capitalism. They won't hinder you, but really, you don't need them.

Answer 4

You are not weird, however, it is not healthy to drink too much when you eat... the liquid dilutes your stomach's acid, which can later lead to digestive problems. I would say it's only gross-looking when someone else can see the food inside your mouth (as when you open to take a sip of liquid) before you completely swallow your food. Everyone eats differently. (I was completely shocked when I witnessed a friend of mine eating mac and cheese-- she doesn't chew the noodles; she simply swallows them!) You are probably not doing anything disgusting, however, if you are concerned about your dining etiquette wait until you've swallowed all your food to take a drink. This way, you won't even risk the smallest offense.

Answer 5

for lond rides I take water bottles with a 50/50 mix of Gatorade and water.

I also take along Fig Newtons or energy bars.

Answer 6

Gatorade! Any energy drinks.

Answer 7

You should eat energy bars and drink water, powerade, gatorade, or anykind of thirst quiencher.

Answer 8

there are some specifically aimed at bicyclists
try looking online, in magazines, or bike shops
if you're attempting something like a century, you need to build up an energy storage...a reserve your body can dip into to keep you from giving out. calories, protein, and saturated fat

Answer 9

propel or gatorade. and the energy foods like energy bars. and definately water

Answer 10

regular food is probably fine. people biked long distances before that stuff was invented. you dont' have to eat it to bike long distances. yes you need calories and energy to do it. but no special foods.