I love cycling, too. I am making a commitment to reduce my CO2 emissions (global warming and all) so am making a conscious effort to do errands, commute, etc. via bike. Sooo, I would love any tips on efficiently and effectively using biking as a primary mode of transportation..
Lolly, regarding your question regarding breakfast shakes and morning cycling, here's my two cents worth (being a nutritionist/exercise physiologist): I think it is really important to have something to eat within an hour of awakening in the morning, especially before a workout because, in essence, we have been "fasting" for 12 hours of so (hence the name breakfast for the first meal of the day). When we ask our bodies to exercise without having eaten for several hours, our bodies need to increase our blood glucose to supply fuel to the working muscles. The only way to do this, if we don't eat something, is for our bodies to produce cortisol, considered a "stress" hormone. Cortisol will successfully increase our blood glucose but at great expense to our bodies over the long haul. That said, I think the best breakfast is something that contains a balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and a bit of healthy fat). A fruit smoothie with a bit of protein powder (I recommend whey) and a few nuts is a quick, easy-to-digest breakfast that should fuel you well through your ride. What I usually do is get up and eat breakfast and then get ready for my ride or whatever. That gives me a bit of time to digest. Just some food for thought!
Regardless of what you decide to eat for breakfast...good for you for cycling...I agree with some of the other posts...you will see your fitness level improve in no time at all...consistency is the key!
Glad to have this thread going...I look forward to supporting one another!
Seek health-
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