Velo Performance Cycling Podcast
Hey there, welcome to the Velo Performance cycling podcast aimed at master cyclists. As an experienced cycling coach in my 50s, I understand the unique challenges faced by master cyclists. Certainly from my own experience, I'm pushing back on age, I lift heavy, regularly include hard efforts on the bike and eat well.
One of my biggest ambitions with this podcast is to empower cyclists and people in their 40s, 50s and 60s to challenge the conventional wisdom that age limits our potential. My interviews with nutritionists, fitness professionals, and seasoned master cyclists who are still killing. Together we will uncover what is possible for all of us when we unlock the evidence, educate and inspire you to continue riding your bikes hard and fast, increase your health span, and live fuller, longer, and more active lives as you age.
So, if you're NOT interested in defying the odds and living your best life, this isn't for you. If however, you are interested in stepping up to push your boundaries then Join me on this journey to challenge the status quo and learn how to stay fit, healthy, fast on your bike and strong well into your 40s, 50s and 60s.
Velo Performance Cycling Podcast
Blood Glucose Monitors, Carbohydrate and Insulin (Debunking Myths)
In this podcast, I talk to Renee McGregor about carbohydrates, and sugar and why they DON'T make you instantly gain body fat. We get deep into the subject of Blood Glucose Monitors, why they are useful and why companies that produce them are misleading and potentially harming our understanding of health and nutrition.
Key Takeaways From The Podcast:
Carbohydrates are an important energy source, especially for the brain. They don't instantly lead to weight gain.
Insulin helps absorb nutrients and facilitates recovery after exercise. Fear of insulin is misguided.
Blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Trying to keep it in a very narrow range is unrealistic.
Continuous glucose monitoring is unnecessary for most people and can promote dysfunctional eating habits.
CGM companies are giving false and potentially harmful nutrition advice based on poor science.
The Importance of Carbohydrates:
Carbs provide glucose, which is the preferred fuel for the brain and central nervous system. Complex carbs break down slowly while simple carbs digest quickly.
Overeating simple carbs like sugar can lead to excess calories. But complex carbs like potatoes are important for energy and fiber.
Carbs don't instantly turn into fat. Overall balance matters over weeks/months, not day-to-day.
Insulin and Blood Sugar
Insulin helps absorb nutrients, not just glucose. It facilitates recovery after exercise by increasing uptake.
Blood sugar fluctuates naturally throughout the day based on many factors.
Trying to overly control blood sugar can be counterproductive and disrupt hormones.
Problems with Continuous Glucose Monitoring CGM's:
CGM is unnecessary for most people and promotes dysfunctional eating habits.
CGM's apps and companies that promote them can provide false nutrition advice based on poor science.
CGM's can lead to obsessive food restriction, especially for women affecting menstruation.