(Cont. from Ironman post no. 1: Why, 2 and 3)

It’s a tough one.

If you ask Me the answer is very simple. Eat what ever you want, as long as it’s healthy food.

But I’m a prosecuted minority. If you ask the majority, it’s a story of Carbs, Proteins and Magnesium taken through your nostrils. I don’t know if you should go to a sports nutritionist or build your own diet. It’s supposed to be your building bricks for the body, and since I haven’t consulted any professional, I wouldn’t know what to suggest. What I can do, is tell you about some of my experience with food during training.

The one and only. Banana. The Yellow Energy Bomb. It gives you everything you need, so they say. The only problem with it is that it doesn’t come in a shiny branded package. Not very sexy to show off with a banana on your favorite bike training ground. For that reason, allow me to present the following conversation stimulating foods.

1. Gels. A gooie gel you suck on during training. It’s too sweet, too thick to swallow and makes some people through up. I loved it. Had no problem consuming it during cycling and running (practiced more during the former), and didn’t really care for any of the tastes. The first time I had one, I could actually feel the boost it’s supposed to give you. Maybe it was my imagination. Later on it only quieted my hunger.

2. Power Bars. There are many kinds and brands of bars. You can find bars for before, during and after training. If you look hard enough, I’m sure you’ll even manage finding bars to eat during your sleep.

I had these bars both during cycling and for breakfast. I found it great as a gel replacement (liking them as much as you might, try having them over and over for more than a few weeks, and tell me what you think….). you’ll be surprised how stuffed these things are. There’s another type, I liked very much having only as breakfast (quick and easy on the stomach, before the run and/or cycle and/or swim). It’s called Cliff Bar, and I found it only in the US. Making it a bit of a problem for you non US folks.

3. Electrolyte Replacements. Are meant to be taken during long training, specially in hot weather, to replace the minerals lost via sweat. If you don’t, you’ll get cramps. The thing is, you can get these elusive Electrolytes from other sources. Try bananas, or Sports Drinks. They work for me just fine, and I never had the nerves taking these pills. I heard stories. Brrr….

4. Sports Drinks. They say many are just colored water. I can go into what they’re supposed to give your body and how much (Carbs and stuff), but you can find out by reading the back of the packs in the store. What I can tell you, is that I liked the Hammer Heed. It’s less sweet than the rest, and that, to me, is a plus. Others hated it. Try for yourself, and make sure you don’t do that trial during a major competition.

This post is tagged Banana, Energy Bar, Food, Ironman, Sports