Why don’t you shoot yourself in the foot…I mean that literally! If you do not focus on nutrition to fuel the most important part of the training process…why are you even training!?
Performance improvement/progression depends on a program of exercises (triathlon & strength training plan) that stimulates cardiovascular and muscular adaptation/improvement – followed by a recovery period – in which the body rebuilds itself, slightly fitter and better as it was before!
Poor Post Race/Workout nutrition will hamper your progression, could negatively impact an injury and certainly will not help you to reach your goals!
- Whey Protein shake within 20 mins of ending your workout – proven in medical studies to be the best lean muscle building protein. Protein supplies amino acids necessary to maximise glycogen storage potential. Protein also re-builds and repairs muscle tissue and supports an optimal immune system… (who wakes up with a sore throat every morning when they train hard??!)
- Carbohydrate replenishment 30 – 60mins after you end your workout – ensures you take advantage of high glycogen synthase activity – maximising your muscle glycogen stores.
- Ideally we want to consume 30 – 90 grams of Complex Carbs and 10 – 30 grams of Protein after a workout with the ratio 3:1 for Carbs to Protein. (The latter varies per size of the individual and race/training intensity, time and distance.)