What does a Triathlete eat after a Tempo Endurance Ride?

So what DOES a triathlete eat for Breakfast after a 2 Hour Tempo Endurance Ride? The Answer: Healthy Calories. That's all there is to it. Just pack healthy calories. After burning close to 2000 calories the body needs to repair itself through energy consumed from healthy (and as much as possible, unprocessed) foods.

Ingredients
5 Fluffy Eggs (Consists of 2 Full eggs and 3 additional egg whites)
2 Honey Wheat Double Fiber English Muffins, slightly buttered
8oz 1% Milk w/ (ever so slight dash) Ovaltine
1 Activia Yogurt
3/4 Cup of Old Fashioned Whole Grain Oatmeal WITH

• 1 Banana
• 6 Cut Strawberries
• 1/8 Cup Almonds (cupped hand)
  

Calories: ~1200

What they provide:


Fluffy Eggs: Eggs provide a great basis for protein. While most people are afraid to eat egg yolks because of the cholesterol, egg yolks are very nutritional for the somewhat active individual, and dedicated athletes can safely consume 10-14 egg yolks per week (2 per day). Try MCT Triathlon's recipe for Fluffy Eggs.

Honey Wheat English Muffins: The English muffins, while a processed food, taste amazing after a long workout. The whole grains and extra fiber in the muffins provide extra nutritional value. Slight added butter won't hurt your health and will add to the meals experience. Tip: Put the eggs on the English Muffins. Some of the eggs will fall out but they can always be eaten later.

1% Milk: Milk contains a high amount of calcium that is not only great for the bones, but also provides efficiency for the nerves and cell structure. While indulging too much with Ovaltine is unhealthy, a small spoonful provides a really great taste of chocolate and has some vitamins and minerals in it itself.

Activia Yogurt: While Chobani Yogurt is the big thing now, Activia stills provides its benefits. It's cheaper than Chobani ($0.44 Compared with $1.00) and is thick, creamy, and delicious. While Chobani may have better health benefits and nutrition, Activia isn't bad when you're on a budget.

Whole Grain Oatmeal: Using Whole Grain (traditional) oats are usually more nutritious than instant oats. While they may carry the same nutritional "values," instant oats are usually pre-cooked and toasted which usually raises the Glycemic Index of foods. Also, it is thought that many other micro-nutrients are lost during processing that are vital for a truly healthy diet.

As for the banana, strawberries, and almonds. The fruit contains great anti-oxidants (as well as a great taste), while the almonds provide protein, and healthy fats. Again, go with "raw" almonds rather than toasted. The fats in toasted almonds can oxidize and produce damaging free radicals.

Well there you have it! A meal fit for a King, or in this case, a triathlete are a long 2 hour cycling workout. It's all about those healthy calories. Burn off the crap and watch out for the indulgent trap!

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