5 Easy, Cheap, and Quick Snacks Every Cyclist needs for long rides

Long-distance rides can be so tiring but so enjoyable and exciting. The ride starts way before you hop on your bike: You start planning, mapping out your route, do your training, give your bike a tune-up, and you think you are ready to go!

WRONG! 

I mean, you are almost there. 

But you forget a crucial element; How will you stay hydrated and not starve during your long ride? 

You and I both know how vital nutrition is; it is half the battle. Get it right, and the rest is just the icing on the cake. 

Here is a quick list of snacks you can carry with you while you ride. 

1.Celery:

Not a fan of the famous beetroot? - no one likes that sour taste and the occasional red urine side effect. Well, worry, not celery is the perfect substitute and the ideal snack.  

Getting your celery in an hour before a race can have a positive impact. According to Andy Jones, performance nutritionist at the University of Exeter, it's high in nitrate, converts into nitric oxide(NO), a molecule involved in regulating several biological processes. 

2.Carb-based energy bars

Carbohydrate, That's your body's fuel!

Make sure to get the right amount of it. Too much will leave you feeling sluggish; too little, and you will not be able to finish your ride. 

Listen to your body and track your performance to figure out the right amount for you and the right energy bar! 

3. Peanut Butter

An excellent source of fiber and protein, plus it's yummy.

You can incorporate peanut butter into your snacks in different ways:

• Spread it on toast.
• Add it to your smoothie or energy balls.
• Enjoy it with a slice of apple or banana. 

If you are not a big fan of peanut butter, don't worry. Any nut-based butter would do cashew, almond, macadamia, brazil nut.

Just make sure to read the label before you buy it: No sugars or salt!

4. Water 

Make sure you drink enough water to perform at your best. Drinking enough fluids will not only make your ride enjoyable but will also result in better energy levels. In addition to drinking 1.5-2 liters of water across the day, cyclists should ideally be drinking additional fluid to match any loss during riding.

5. A colorful smoothie 

 Add a mineral drink supplement to your mix. It will be an excellent way to boost your body with valuable electrolytes you lose when you sweat, and trust me; sweat is on the menu with long rides! 

Whatever you decide to take on your ride, make sure you stay hydrated! Keep in mind that the longer you ride, the harder the digestion will be. So eat more solids initially and switch to other easily-digested foods during the final part of the ride.

Stay healthy!