What would be a recommended time between eating a meal then going for exercise like bicycling?
Last winter, I ate about 45 minutes before heading out into the cold with no problems. This year, I've been rushed and cut that wait time to about 35 minutes.
I haven't noticed any problems but I know I have to eat before I head out or from past experience, I have bonked out after I'm on the road for a while.
Oh.. I consume approximately 70 oz of water in 1 hour during this time outside. I've recently read.. that bicyclists may have some type for problem from having the body process so much liquids.
I take a multi-multi vitamin a day just in case.
REPLY:
I'm not sure I can answer your question exactly although there is a great deal written in the medical literature about exercise and the effects of exercise on body systems.
A chapter in Scientific American Medicine on Exercise, Health, and Sports Medicine contains some of the following advice:
"Contrary to popular so-called instant energy theories, preexercise meals should not contain sweets. Indeed, pregame meals should be sparse, and athletes should probably ingest little other than water during the two hours before competition."
"Athletes should be advised to eat lightly on the day of competition and to avoid high-fiber foods if they are troubled by cramps. Only liquids should be consumed within two hours of strenuous exercise."
"Volume depletion impairs athletic performance and can contribute to renal dysfunction or heatstroke. Unfortunately, coaching lore often limits fluid intake for fear of cramps. In fact, athletes can tolerate large volumes of water during brief pauses in exercise, and fluid intake should be high."
Obviously we are all different and what is written above may simply not apply to your situation.
When in doubt you could always touch base with your doctor on your next visit since he or she may know something important specific to your situation.
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Bruce Sckolnick, M.D.
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