Fuelling NEW PB

Nutrition is often regarded as the fourth discipline (or fifth, after transition) and with good reason as your body will fail to maximise training gains if you don’t fuel it proficiently.

“Research has shown that not consuming protein within an hour after a hard, long training session slows down recovery by 50%,” says nutritionist Judith Haudum.

In theory, a healthy, rounded diet that balances calories in with calories out is the simple ideal. That equation is tweaked either side if you want to add muscle mass or are seeking leanness. But as we all know, things aren’t that simple.

There are numerous triathlon diets around claiming to have you racing harder and faster. Some are dubious. Others have their merits. What follows here is a round-up of four dietary strategies. We investigate the pros, cons and applicability to triathlon. But remember, diets are individual. Just because vegetarianism works for two-time Ironman World Champion Patrick Lange doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.

Vegan

James Cameron’s has proved an unbridled success, extolling the virtues of a plant-based diet on performance. It’s fascinating but, say critics, tainted by hyperbole. So, what’s the truth? “There’s no evidence that following a vegan diet delivers more performance benefits than other well-balanced and tailored nutritional strategies,” explains sports dietitian Renee McGregor. So no better but no worse than the norm? Not according to vegan Ironman legend Hillary Biscay or ultra runner Rich Roll. Or