What should I be eating?

[sheffgirl]

I have just increased my cycling commute by 62 miles a week, according to Map My Ride I am using an extra 500 calories a day so I need to eat more, but I want to make sure I eat the right things. I am very slim already so I don't want to lose weight, I am hoping I will build some muscle, so I will need to eat more protein I think?
Any ideas anyone?

 

[jazzkat]

If it was me it'd be chocolate

Serious answer....... I'd just say if you already have a balanced diet then just eat a little more of what you are eating already.
But I'm not a nutritionist, so what do I know
500 calories, isn't a lot and how accurate is map my ride anyway?

 

[MikeW-71]

Usual advice applies, pasta, rice, potatoes, porridge all good for carbs (great cycling fuel). Chicken, eggs, beef good for protein. You may just need to increase your portion slightly of what you eat already.

Chicken curries, spaghetti bolognese, pasta carbonara are all good tasty stuff. I make myself a little fry-up with red onion, chopped bacon, mushrooms (could add diced chicken too) then add pasta and an egg... Loads of options

 

[Ern1e]

The answer to the problem is CAKE or as I prefer cookies ok may sound silly but having lost 8st 10lbs and not wanting it back lol I find that an odd chocolate chip cookie hits the spot dead on,I carry on with my normal healthy eating program and this seems to be working fine for me ok my weight sort of goe's up and down on a weekly basis but never more that 3lbs or so.The advice from @MikeW-71 is also good hope this helps.

 

[ayceejay]

lost 8st 10lbs

 

[sheffgirl]

lost 8st 10lbs

That is more than i even weigh!

 

[50000tears]

You won't gain muscle by eating protein as cycling is simple not an activity that promotes muscle growth. However the simple answer has already been given by Mike. Just eat a healthy diet and try to remember to have some protein and carbs after your ride and you will be fine. Also there is no need to avoid the chocolate or cake either, just in moderation of course.

 

[Ern1e]

lost 8st 10lbs

There are others on here who have lost far more than me lol.

 

[sheffgirl]

I love porridge, I have mine when I get to work. I get hungry every few hours anyway so I have been grazing on stuff. Was feeling nostalgic and got myself some fig rolls, they're quite filling
Today when I got home I had some granary toast with Marmite and a slice of cheese, and a big bowl of tuna mayo and sweet corn pasta for tea, yum

 

[Cuchilo]

You won't gain muscle by eating protein as cycling is simple not an activity that promotes muscle growth. However the simple answer has already been given by Mike. Just eat a healthy diet and try to remember to have some protein and carbs after your ride and you will be fine. Also there is no need to avoid the chocolate or cake either, just in moderation of course.

Wouldn't that depend on who you are and how you ride ?

 

[50000tears]

Wouldn't that depend on who you are and how you ride ?

Well as I was replying to the OP the advice was aimed at a woman weighing less than 8st 10lbs who set out her type of riding. So the advice at a general non specific level was fine I think!

 

[uclown2002]

You won't build muscle unless you hit those weights!

 

[sheffgirl]

I think building muscle wasn't really what I meant, probably talking more about definition? My thighs are already definetly more toned and solid than before I started cycling, and I want to build on that if I can. I'm not sure if it gets to a certain point then stops though?

 

[Cuchilo]

I weigh about the same but i'm male . The mileage is a good workout I think . I stopped all my other exercise when I started on the road bike and have noticed muscle growth more than weights . The only thing that has changed is the belly isn't as flat as it was . Im pretty sure its not just because I am male .

 

[uclown2002]

Definition will come with losing body fat but you are very slight anyway. Therefore it will be difficult for you to achieve.