Originally Posted by 53-11_alltheway
All I know is that pure carbohydrate recovery meals seem like a such a waste when you could mix in some protein in there and make it better. Leg muscles are made of protein and they break down after/during a ride.
Carbs are all important in the 4-hour recovery window after exercise. The recommendations I've read say 3 grams of carbs per kg of body weight. Protein
may increase glycogen storage, but the results are inconclusive.
But of course, protein is a necessary part of overall nutrition. The standard US diet has twice the necessary protein, so it's usually not a problem to get enough protein.