What Should I Eat Before Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking is an incredibly physically demanding sport and you need to fuel your body with the right food before hitting the trails. Eating the right pre-ride meal can help your performance and make sure that you have enough energy to last the entire ride.

Carbohydrates are the most important food group to eat before mountain biking. Carbs provide your body with energy, which will be used up quickly during a long ride.

Good pre-ride carb sources include oatmeal, whole grain toast, rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes. Eating a few slices of whole wheat bread with nut butter or some plain Greek yogurt with fruit are also good options.

Protein is important for muscle repair and building strength, so having some protein in your pre-ride meal is key. Sources of lean protein include eggs, tofu, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and nut butter. If you’re looking for something more filling than a shake or smoothie beforehand then try having a light sandwich with turkey and avocado or an omelette with vegetables.

Fats are also important for performance as they help to slow down digestion and give you sustained energy throughout the ride. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts and nut butter, olive oil or coconut oil are great choices for a pre-ride meal or snack. You could try having some avocado toast or adding some nuts to your oatmeal for extra energy and healthy fats.

Hydration is also essential before hitting the trails so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to your ride as well as during it. Some sports drinks can be useful too if you’re riding for a long period of time as they will replenish electrolytes lost through sweat but make sure not to overdo it on sugar as this can cause an energy crash later on in the ride.

In conclusion, eating the right foods before mountain biking can make all the difference when it comes to performance and endurance so it’s important to fuel your body correctly beforehand – focus on carbohydrates for quick energy release, lean proteins for muscle repair and healthy fats for sustained energy throughout the ride. Don’t forget to stay hydrated too!

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Samantha Mckinney