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I'm just starting to train quite a bit more, with an eye on getting in shape to do John o groats to lands end next year, also lose some fat and build some muscle.
I ride to work at least 3 times a week (15 miles each way (hilly!)) When I'm not riding to work I go on the turbo and/ or do weights. I aslo Climb on my days off.
However, I do like chips.
Obviously if I want to see results, its time to bin the chips and red wine, but a few of the fit guys at work (triathletes and such) have suggested using creatine when doing weights and energy drinks when using the turbo. I've used drinks/ gels etc before when racing but never for training (assuming that taking on loads of sugar is not good when exercising for fitness and weight loss?).
All these protein shakes/ creatines/ weird chemicals have got me confused, and all the websites about them suggest that I either "Need" all these things or that using them will give me cancer and/or testicular shrinkage.
So, wise people of singletrack, whats the answer?
Apart from energy drink and gels and possibly recovery drink when you are actually racing, IMO all you need is good nutrition from a healthy diet, also creatine can make you prone to cramping, not good.
Kingtut speaks the truth. The more you ride the more you will want to eat. As long as it is a healthy balanced diet in the first place then more of it is exactly what you need.
The vast majority of the creatine type supplements have **** all (good) evidence behind them but people buy into it....
Extra calories while you are riding to stop you falling over and a nice big healthy meal when you finish riding to help build up the overused muscles. Speaking of which, I've just got back from a soggy day in Hamsterley (scouting for the STW Northern ride in two weeks) so I'm off for a big plate of spag bol.