Whether you cycle for fun or you’re a professional cyclist looking for dietary tips on how to keep your body energy throughout your rides, your main dilemma will be whether to rely on cyclist supplements or natural foods for endurance.

The truth is that supplements and natural foods are meant to complement each other for adequate nutrition and sustained energy. Although natural foods are the best sources of nutrients, sometimes you’ll need to take supplements to attain the necessary nutritional value.  

Keeping energy levels stable in cycling requires you to load up your body with essential nutrients, some of which may not be obtained from natural foods alone. This is where cycling nutrition supplements come in handy!

 

How Cyclist Supplements Enhance Natural Foods

Cycling is a high-intensity activity that requires you to maintain a significantly high level of energy for endurance. You also need essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals to help your muscles recover quickly.

Natural foods have essential nutrients your body needs to perform for a long time, but oftentimes these nutrients aren’t enough to help you attain the recommended nutritional value. So, supplements are meant to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and enhance your overall performance during the ride. 

AltRed is a popular plant-based supplement that cyclists rely on for faster recovery, improved energy, and quicker pain relief. It also enhances the absorption of essential nutrients in the body, making your pre-ride diet more effective!

Improved Energy Levels and Prolonged Endurance

Your energy levels will determine your performance in a long-distance ride. It’s the fuel that keeps your body running throughout the race. Foods like bananas, pasta, sweet potatoes, whole grains, and oats are great sources of energy for cyclists.

However, they may not give you the amount of energy you need without overeating. Cycling on a bloated stomach is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous; it could lead to vomiting in the middle of the ride.

This is why supplements are suitable for keeping energy levels stable in cycling. Different types of energy supplements are readily available online and in local stores, including electrolyte powder, energy gel, and maltodextrin-based energy drinks.

Take these supplements an hour before the ride to sustain your energy. Unlike natural foods, supplements are absorbed by the body quickly, supplying your body with energy at the most opportune moments.

Stronger Joints and Bones

A combination of natural foods and supplements like collagen, vitamin D, calcium, and glucosamine can keep your joints and bones performing optimally during and after the ride.

These nutrients support joints and bones, keeping them strong and healthy. They also prevent injuries during cycling. The best natural foods to give you these nutrients include leafy greens seeds, nuts, and dairy products. Organic supplements like our Joint Support act fast to relieve your joint pain, support your bones, and expedite muscle recovery.

Faster Recovery of Muscles

Long rides will leave your muscles fatigued and hurt, which is why it’s important to consume nutrients that will aid muscle repair and accelerate the recovery process. Proteins and minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are essential for muscle repair and recovery.

For instance, magnesium helps keep the electrolytes balanced thus reducing muscle fatigue during rides. Zinc is essential for facilitating enzyme reactions like protein synthesis and cell division, which are essential for muscle healing. Iron is important for transporting oxygen from your lungs to muscle tissues for prolonged performance. 

You can obtain these nutrients from lean meat, dairy products, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, and fish. Of course, it’s also a good idea to boost your meals with supplements to improve your muscle repair and recovery, allowing you to continue riding for a long time.

AltRed Betalains from Sur Nutrition can help improve blood circulation, enhance performance, and speed up your recovery after the ride.

Avoiding Dehydration

Because cycling is a demanding physical activity, your body will sweat excessively and lose essential fluids. This might to electrolyte imbalance, leading to fatigued and weakened muscles.

You can avoid dehydration by consuming pre-cycling meals loaded with coconut water, leafy greens, and fruits like watermelon. These foods have essential electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium. You can boost the number of electrolytes you consume before the ride by taking supplements like hydration powder and electrolyte capsules to improve your body’s fluid retention during the race.

Enhanced Digestion

Gut health is important during cycling; stomach discomfort will hinder your performance on the trail. So, eat foods that will boost your digestion and overall gut health, such as yogurt, kimchi, whole grains, and kefir. 

Your pre-ride meals should be loaded with fiber to give you a healthy gut. Take supplements like AltRed, probiotics, and gastral enzymes for enhanced nutrient absorption.

 

Moving Forward

Natural foods and cycling nutrition supplements will boost your performance because they complement each other. Balance the two based on your nutritional needs. Sur Nutrition is a great choice for reliable plant-based supplements!