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| 5/23 |
| 2007/3/17-20 [Science/GlobalWarming, Recreation/Food] UID:46003 Activity:moderate |
3/16 So I've begun biking farther and farther (trying to reach 50
miles/day) and I'm wondering if I should start taking supplements
like GU. Do they really work as advertised? Are there other
alternatives? $1 a shot is kind of expensive considering you
need to take one every 30 min.
\_ New ones have protein. 1 unit of protein per 4 units of carb.
Studies claim 16% better performance than pure carb. I've
never tried these so I can't tell you how good/accuret the
studies are.
\_ People were doing 100+ mile rides 100 years before GU was invented.
It's digusting stuff, avoid it unless you're racing or completely
bonked. Fruit and nuts are totally fine, or one of the edible
energy bars. -tom
\_ I used to think they're nasty but after the 3rd pack
I changed my mind. They're very yummy and addictive.
\_ I'd totally agree with you but I also think any competitive
edge you can get over your opponent is a good thing. If
everyone uses vitamins, vitamin water, creatine, carb,
whatever, then your chance of beating them by using
traditional (and antiquated) methods is slim. Having
that said, I must admit that GUs are really yummy and I
eat them as quick snacks and breakfast. For example when
I'm tired or feeling exhausted or sleepy after lunch,
a pack of GU really energizes me. This stuff is not just
good, it is a necessity.
\_ Did you not see tom's specific exclusion of "racing"?
If so, why did you think your reply to tom adds
anything?
\_ You sound addicted to them. They are basically just sugar
and caffeine. I wouldn't recommend eating them after
lunch for example. Try a power nap. The energy from those
things is not the long lasting kind anyway. Spiking your
blood sugar like that isn't good for you either when you
are not in the midst of intense exercise.
\_ Hey come to think of it, yes I'm as addicted to it as
I am addicted to Gatorade and other things. Is that a
bad thing? They do enhance my performance, you know.
\_ Or maybe you are just habituated to it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6422279.stm
\_ When I ran marathons, I used GU a lot because it was compact
and easy to eat/drink. However I used much less of it then
suggested (e.g. only one third of a packet at a time). |
| 5/23 |
|
| news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6422279.stm Printable version Coffee 'no boost in the morning' Coffee That morning cuppa may not actually help get you going That morning latte or espresso may not be the pick-me-up people think it is, a study has revealed. University of Bristol researchers say the caffeine eases withdrawal symptoms which build up overnight, but does not make people more alert than normal. The work, presented to the British Nutrition Foundation conference, showed only people who have avoided coffee for a while will get a buzz from caffeine. But the British Coffee Association said regular drinkers did feel more alert. That alertness you feel is you getting back to normal Professor Peter Rogers, Bristol University Those who swear by their morning caffeine fix say it wakes them up, and if they missed out they would feel sluggish and unable to get on with their day. But the Bristol researchers, who carried out a review of previous studies into the effects of caffeine, say all the drink does is counteract the mild caffeine withdrawal symptoms people are experiencing because they have gone without the stimulant overnight. And those who drink a caffeinated drink first thing are no more alert than those who never consume one. "That alertness you feel is you getting back to normal, rather than to an above normal level. "That morning boost is what people think is useful about caffeine, but if that doesn't happen, maybe it's not that useful after all." Professor Rogers said caffeine did have some benefits, such as preventing cognitive decline in the elderly. But he said it was usually be best to opt for decaffeinated drinks - although the odd coffee could help. "If you're not a regular consumer, you might get something out of one or two drinks. But once you're a regular consumer, you're in a cycle of withdrawal reversal." Zoe Wheeldon, of the British Coffee Association, said the research was interesting. But she added: "There are two sides to the debate and a wealth of scientific evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups per day is perfectly safe for the general population and does have a beneficial effect on alertness and performance even in regular coffee drinkers." |