Protien: How much do you need?

Question

I am big into cycling and people are telling me that my diet is really going to increase my performance. I have been buying cliff bars for 20gs of protein? When should I eat them? Before or after a ride?

Also, is eating meet a better source of Protein?
How much protein should I intake. I do 60 mile rides every other day.

Answer 1

Manufactured proteins (whey) are a good option for helping a person meet their protein requirements for their fitness routine. Keep in mind some of those 'so-called' energy bars contain other unhealthy ingredients so make sure your getting good ones. Meat is a good option, in all honestly, you should combine both foods, a good lean meat for natural proteins and bars, whey shakes, etc for additional protein. A combination of both is 'key'.....

It's better to have a protein bar 'AFTER' a workout, as that is the time when your body needs replenishing. This is a common thing to do, especially when it comes to weight training. Taking it before 'defeats' the bar's purpose to a certain degree.

Typically, for a good muscle building routine, you should try to eat between 75-100 percent of your 'current weight' in protein but in grams. Example, if you weight 150 pounds, try to eat around 125-150 grams of protein. Hardcore body builders have goals upwards of 150% of their body weight for comparison.

Answer 2

1 gram per each pound of body weight per day is a good rule of thumb. Split the servings into 5 or 6 small meals. Eat more after your workout. Protein takes longer to digest than carbs and will make you bloated taken before you train. Whey protein supplements are a quality source of protein and relatively easy to find and good tasting these days. Don't go crazy with the red meat. Cliff bars may be soy based - not as good.

Answer 3

I would say a huge plate of spaghetti the evening before you ride the next day. You want plenty of complex carbs for a sport that takes this kind of aerobic strength and agility versus protein. One half to one gram of protein per pound of body weight should be sufficient. You can consume alot of protein by drinking protein shakes a couple times per day between meals and they are cheaper than using protein bars. Remember, carbs conserve protein. You absolutely DO NOT want to overtrain or under eat for this sport. You'll be lean and mean which is what you want. Consume the protein AFTER you train and on off days.

Answer 4

for most people, find your weight in pounds, halve that and that's how many grams you should eat. you need more protein than that. you should eat 1 g of protein for every pound you weigh. eat a protein bar an hour or so before you ride, then eat another one after. along with other sources of protein, such as meat and nuts and legumes.

Answer 5

It's important to eat alot of protein especially any exercise you do take the cliff bars before and after your exercise and have fun!

Answer 6

How much do you weigh? A good rule is .5gm for every pound of body weight. For example, a 120lb person should take in 60gm per day. Pregnant women need 100gm, based on the 120lb paradigm. So would a 180lb man.

Answer 7

Hey, I am using fitday.com to plan my food intake...It is a pretty cool website; telling you how much protein,carb and fat you consume during the day; %'wise; and provides you w/ the reports telling if you meet required food intake....Not to mention it takes your exercise into account doing all that...All free btw! Oh, I have a blog at walkosphere.com sharing the fitness & nutrition intelligence I gather around...Check it out!:)

Best,

Zeynep:)

Answer 8

take in the moring when wake up. body should have 50
% or protien in body. more if athlete. make sure thats not all u eat. eat in portions. try protien shake.expensive but works