Competitive Athletes--any advice on being raw?

[littleangelbear]

Hi,

I'm a newbie to this site. I just love the positive energy here. Yay!

I'm fairly new to the raw thing...I am slowly transitioning into it this past 6-8 months...I'm almost there. After I write this post, I am off to order Alissa's DVD and cookbook...Yay!

My question relates to being a competitive athlete and being raw? I am finishing up my bike race season (road cycling) and hope to transition more in the off-season (October-March). I wonder if anyone else is a raw competitive athlete and what advice you might have for a newbie? Is there anything I should keep in mind, etc.?

March-September I ride 1-2 hours a day and race 1-2 times a week. October-March, I ride 1-2 hours three to five times a week gradually phasing into 1-3 hours a day 6-7 days a week with yoga 4-5 times a week. I do a lot of intensity in my workouts along with the endurance aspect. I also have a fast turbo metabolism LOL...

I realize this is hard to answer because nutrition is so individualized...I think I am looking mostly for tips on pitfalls to avoid, etc.

Thanks in advance for your kind help :)

Hugs to all,
Lisa

[Arky]

Dr. Doug Graham (who Alissa knows personally) is one of the most prominent raw-foodists directly involved with sports physiology and has advised many 'raw' athletes.

DoctorGraham.cc


Also check out

OrganicAthlete.com


J.

[tglasco4]

Hi Lisa,

Arky made some good suggestions. Although, not being a competitive athlete myself, I can relate in terms of endurance training. The only thing I can think of in terms of "pitfalls" is to make sure you eat plenty. The only time I have any problems is when I haven't eaten enough for fuel. When I have eaten alot of fruit (especially dried figs or Medjool dates with fresh fruit), I have great cardio workouts (usually 8 mile runs). So make sure you eat plenty of fuel for your rides.

Peace.

Todd

[VeggieGirl]

Also, you can pack in extra calories with blended drinks and fresh juices. I am training for a triathlon and instead of water all the time, I drink carrot juice, etc. You still get the water PLUS other good vitamins and minerals and calories.

It's TOTALLY possible to be a high-endurance athlete and be raw. In fact, though many don't make it public, you'd be surprised to find out how many pro athletes and even some bodybuilders/fitness gurus out there are total advocates of raw food! It's the healthiest way to eat, ever. The logic is inescapable.

Have fun :)

VeggieGirl

[littleangelbear]

Thanks for the ideas on what to eat, etc. It really helps. I think a lot of this is going to be trial and error...always better to do in the off-season so thankfully I can figure it out and dial it in this winter.

I respond very well to fruit as exercise and even race fuel and I like the idea too of carrot juice. I am not so worried any more...I used to have all kinds of problems maintaining my electrolyte balance and would get so fatigued,etc., but I think with more nutrient-dense food fueling me that it will be better for my body to be raw. It is interesting to ponder too how many pro athletes might be raw...interesting 'food' for thought :)

Thanks again for the ideas...Had computer problems so am just now getting back on here :)

Hugs,
Lisa