Carbs or Fat? 🥯 🧈
Do I burn more carbs or fat when I ride? Good question; although I know that I seldom or never take along Laughing Cow on a ride. Especially not in this heat!
I suppose you could answer the carb/fat question by some kind of sophisticated (and expensive!) lab test. For most of us, we have to rely on deduction.
By all I’ve read, cycling burns both carbs and fat. The percentage of each burned depends on intensity. The higher the intensity, the faster you’ll burn through your body’s glycogen (aka carb) stores. But how hard must you ride to deplete your body’s carb stores? Your maximum heart rate?
My cyclecomputer tells me that I spend much of my riding time in Zones 3 (steady/tempo) and 4 (brisk). During hard efforts, I’ll get into Zone 5 (max) briefly. So, am I burning carbs, or fat?
Fat Burning Zone 🔥
I guess we’ve all heard about the “fat burning zone”. Supposedly some riders think they must maintain a slow, steady pace in order to burn fat; especially if they’re interested in losing weight. Ride Your Way Lean explains that the important thing for losing weight through cycling is to burn calories.
I personally don’t fret over the fat burning zone. Staying in my aerobic, “fat-burning” heart-rate zone means riding more slowly than I want to; and that drives me crazy. Besides, if I don’t make deliberate efforts to ride faster, I won’t get faster!
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ABOUT ME
I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story.
I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling!
Website designed by Cecile Levert
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DISCLAIMER
I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.
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