Can you out-ride a bad diet? The truth about junk food and MTB performance

Alex Larson is a registered dietitian who works with endurance athletes, including cyclists, helping them fuel smart both on and off the bike. In this podcast episode we’ll be tackling some serious nutrition questions—like how much protein do you actually need?—and some not-so-serious ones—like if hot dogs make for a good pre- or post-ride meal. When should athletes choose hydration mix over plain water? How do you know if you need more electrolytes? What role does sugar play in fueling rides? Do non-pro cyclists benefit from sugar mid-ride too? Among mountain bikers there does seem to be a sense that because we're so active, we don't need to be as concerned about avoiding junk food as less active individuals. Is that fair? What are some effective and inexpensive alternatives to traditional energy/fueling products? Is it “OK” to indulge in a giant burrito and a couple beers after a ride? Any nutritional guidance around post-ride meals? Do you have a rule of thumb for how much protein athletes—especially cyclists—should actually need to consume each day? How accurate are calorie estimates from smart watches and fitness apps? Is weight loss really just “calories in vs. calories out,” or is there more to it? What role does AI currently play in nutrition planning and advice? Should athletes be cautious or curious? Learn more and connect with Alex at alexlarsonnutrition.com and on Instagram @alexlarsonnutrition . An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today. This episode is sponsored by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce . If you’re looking for your next mountain bike destination that offers just about everything, put Sandpoint, Idaho at the top of your list! The Lower Basin trail system serves up world-class riding through towering timber and across massive granite rock slabs, with trails for every rider — from technical black diamond descents to fast, flowy cross-country loops. For excellent park-style riding, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with dedicated downhill trails and e-bike access to more than two dozen trails. Or pedal from town to the Pine Street Woods trail system where the trails range from flowy to technical. When you’re ready to take a break from the trails, Lake Pend Oreille is right there for camping, boating, swimming, or even standup paddleboarding. And after a big day outdoors, head into the town of Sandpoint where you'll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to relax and refuel. Get all the details to plan your perfect getaway at ⁠⁠⁠visitsandpoint.com⁠⁠⁠ . The trails and the good times are waiting for you when you Visit Idaho!

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Can you out-ride a bad diet? The truth about junk food and MTB performance is an episode from Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast by Singletracks.com.

This episode is 01:02:25 long.

This episode was published on Sep 29, 2025.

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