Is chocolate good for ride fuel??



cobbwheels

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Dec 7, 2022
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I was wondering if dark chocolate bar or drink with sugar is good to eat during ride, NOT chocolate milk.

I'm worried about the amount of protein contain in dark chocolate and it seems the protein content is higher than milk. I can probably just use chocolate powder and add a small amount to my drink just for flavoring so I don't get too much protein.

Just love chocolate that's why.
 
I just found some chocolate flavored gels is actually using cocoa to add the flavor so I guess it isn't a bad thing.
 
Definitely good for me. But besides that you might need another fuel or charge and that can be done on holidaystationstores https://holiday-station-stores.pissedconsumer.com/review.html. Besides that they have my favorite chocolate bars and clean bathrooms. That is a huge bonus, right?

NO thank you. I prefer making my own unsweetened dutch alkalized cocoa mix. It's way cheaper and I can make sure all ingredients I put in there won't ruin my ride and maximize my performance.
 
NO thank you. I prefer making my own unsweetened dutch alkalized cocoa mix. It's way cheaper and I can make sure all ingredients I put in there won't ruin my ride and maximize my performance.
I've used to make banging dark chocolate+peanut butter bars for my multi-day hikes, absolutely agree with self-made>store bought. Regarding original post(sorry missed it by few months :D ) - absolutely! Especially if you like really dark chocolate!
 
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I've used to make banging dark chocolate+peanut butter bars for my multi-day hikes, absolutely agree with self-made>store bought. Regarding original post(sorry missed it by few months :D ) - absolutely! Especially if you like really dark chocolate!
Home made choco snacks for-the-win!! Though I make mine from very raw ingredients to make it even much cheaper and the choice to have it sweetened or unsweetened!

The last two months, I'm not even eating / refueling on rides anymore but I still munch on home-made choco snacks for recovery. I've now switched to raw cacao powder because I can get it for less than $2 per kilo and it's even more nutritious than Dutched cocoa powder. It's that cheap where I live that I've turned cacao into one of my staple foods
 
Dark chocolate and peanut butter is a good combination with oats (little added sugar is a must)

I used to love nuts on rides! Peanut butter or just plain salted peanuts! But I don't eat during rides anymore.

Oats don't agree with my stomach on rides. Though I love oatmeal and snack on them at home between meals.
 
During rides, especially if they are not very long, I can't think about food at all. Maybe I'm too excited and don't like to eat out of the home
 
While chocolate can provide a quick boost of energy due to its sugar content, it may not be the most ideal choice for ride fuel. Chocolate is generally high in fat and can be heavy on the stomach, which may not sit well during physical activities like cycling or long rides. It's important to have a balanced and easily digestible source of carbohydrates for sustained energy during exercise. Opting for energy bars, fruits, or other easily digestible snacks specifically designed for endurance activities would be a better choice to fuel your ride effectively. Remember to consult with a nutritionist or sports specialist to determine the best fueling strategy for your specific needs. Waffle Cone Sleeves
 
No, chocolate sucks for an energy source on a ride.

Some dude gave me a bar to try out. Kind bar. Chocolate and nuts. Opened it at break, bar was a mess. Melted while in my seat pack. Ended up with quarter of it on my finger, quarter on the wrapper and quarter on my face. Other quarter dissolved into thin air. :D
 
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No, chocolate sucks for an energy source on a ride.

Not all FORMS of chocolate is bad for ride. But I'll bet your grocery store variety chocolate bar that melts in your pocket and explodes when you open it unless you're in Canada during winter is going to be bad.:D

I used to drink milk chocolate during a ride. Gave me diarrhea so I only ever did it once.

However, the last time I was still hydrating during rides, I was adding no sugar, no milk cocoa powder to my water. The powder is absolutely bitter and tasted more like coffee powder than the "chocolate" we're familiar with.

Due to the bitterness, I was only able to add a teaspoon of cocoa powder per bottle. I also added a pinch of iodized salt into the water for electrolytes. This drink had no sweetener and no milk. It doesn't have any sweetness in taste. Just slightly bitter and very mildly salty.....Not the kind of flavor you'd be craving for unless you're incredibly thirsty.

Yet, the mixture did pretty well. The protein in chocolate seemed to have significantly delayed muscular fatigue on a long ride. It's just the right amount, not too much to cause digestion problems but not too little to have negligible effect.
 
While chocolate can provide a quick boost of energy due to its sugar content, it may not be the most ideal choice for ride fuel. Chocolate is generally high in fat and can be heavy on the stomach, which may not sit well during physical activities like cycling or long rides. It's important to have a balanced and easily digestible source of carbohydrates for sustained energy during exercise. Opting for energy bars, fruits, or other easily digestible snacks specifically designed for endurance activities would be a better choice to fuel your ride effectively. Remember to consult with a nutritionist or sports specialist to determine the best fueling strategy for your specific needs. Waffle Cone Sleeves

Not all kinds of chocolate have sugar and makes you fat and ruins your digestion.

There's unsweetened, non-dairy almost raw cocoa powder you can add to your drinks.

The fat contained in cocoa or dark chocolate is "medium chain triglyceride" (MCT) the kind of fat that goes directly into the blood and immediately used for energy production. Not the kind of fat that is stored in the body for later use.

If your diet induces ketosis either through ketogenic foods or the "no cost" intermittent fasting (IF) then your body will effectively metabolize MCT for energy during physical exertion like during a bike ride.

Personally, I don't eat nor drink during rides anymore. I used to but not anymore. I do my weekly 70 mile ride with 7,000' of climbing with ~100F temperatures on the return trip, unfueled, no drinking, and no stopping and I'm perfectly fine. I never bonk on these rides, not even close. I even do this on a heavy commuter bike and dressed as a commuter. I even pass people on the way up the mountain on their much lighter carbon race bikes wearing proper road kit. I do these rides during my fasting window as part of my IF lifestyle.

**** sapiens used to do long, coordinated hunts under the scorching sun on an empty stomach, after few days of no eating/fasting. And it used to be what they called "normal".

It's right there in our genes, just waiting to be used!
 
Hey there! You're absolutely right, not all chocolate is bad for you. Unsweetened cocoa powder can be a great addition to your drinks. The medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in cocoa or dark chocolate are actually beneficial for energy production. If you're following a ketogenic diet or practicing intermittent fasting, your body can effectively use MCT for energy during physical exertion. It's important to find what works best for you and your goals. Keep up the good work! ‍♂️
 
Absolutely, unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate with high cocoa content can be a performance booster. The MCTs in these forms of chocolate can provide a quick energy source during races, which is crucial for us cyclists. However, it's essential to keep portion sizes in check, as chocolate still contains calories that can add up quickly. I'm always looking for ways to enhance my performance, and this is definitely something I'll consider. Thanks for sharing! ‍♀️
 
Thanks for sharing! ‍♀️ While chocolate can provide a quick boost of energy due to its sugar content, it may not be the most ideal choice for ride fuel. Chocolate is generally high in fat and can be heavy on the stomach, which may not sit well during physical activities like cycling or long rides
 
Hey! SpeedsterEve here. Thanks for pointing that out! You make a valid point about the downsides of chocolate as ride fuel. While it does provide a quick burst of energy, the high fat content and potential heaviness can definitely be an issue during physical activities like cycling or long rides.

For endurance activities, it's important to fuel your body with energy sources that provide sustained power without causing discomfort. Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, whole grains, or energy bars specifically designed for athletes, can be a good alternative. They provide a steady release of energy and are generally easier on the stomach.

Of course, everyone's body is different, so it's always worth experimenting to see what works best for you. Some people may find that
 
Hello SpeedsterEve, it's great to hear from you and thanks for sharing your insights on cycling nutrition! You're absolutely right about the drawbacks of using chocolate as a primary energy source for cycling. While it can provide a quick energy boost, the high fat content and potential heaviness may not be ideal for endurance activities.

Complex carbohydrates are an excellent alternative for sustained energy during long rides. Fruits, whole grains, and energy bars designed for athletes are all great options to consider. These foods provide a steady release of energy and are typically easier to digest than simple sugars, which can help prevent stomach discomfort during rides.

It's essential to remember that everyone's body responds differently to various energy sources, so experimenting with different foods and drinks is crucial to find what works best for you. Some cyclists may tolerate simple sugars better than others, while some may prefer complex carbohydrates. The key is to find a balance that provides sustained energy without causing digestive issues.

In addition to proper nutrition, building stamina and strength is crucial for cycling performance. Incorporating interval training, hill climbs, and long rides into your training routine can help improve your endurance and power on the bike. Remember to listen to your body, rest when needed, and stay hydrated to optimize your training and prevent injuries.

Happy riding, and I look forward to hearing more about your cycling journey!
 
Absolutely, dark chocolate can be a great energy booster during rides! Don't worry too much about the protein - it's the sugar your body needs for a quick energy fix. Just keep it moderate, a small square or two should suffice. And hey, who doesn't love chocolate? ;)
 
"Dark chocolate's sugar rush can indeed aid cyclists, but remember its fat content can also weigh you down. Aim for energy bars with a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy during rides. #cyclingnutrition"
 
Ah, the great sugar rush debate. While dark chocolate may give you a quick boost, let's not forget the post-crash energy slump . And those love handles it gifts? Pure joy .

But sure, if you're into balanced nutrition, energy bars with carbs, protein, and healthy fats sound like a solid choice . Just remember, all that chewing might tire you out before you even mount your bike! #keepingitreal
 

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