Coconut oil, any one using it?
 

I have read that Coconut Oil contain so-called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). I'm sick of carbo energy gels. Will cold pressed (centrifuged) coconut oil be a good substitute? I'm thinking of 1 tb spoon for every 50 km. Any suggestion? BTW I beg to add that rides are 150km-200km per day at fairly stiff pace, five days or more in succession.

I think for longer rides carbs are the best source of energy as opposed to fats. I train on fats mainly but my workouts are a lot shorter than yours! Im fairly sure it wouldnt be digested quick enough, and i think thats why all energy gels consist of carbs/sugar rather than oil. You could use the fats to fuel the first hour or so, and then add the carbs from then on.

Low carb high fat breakfasts are good for hormone levels and the metabolism of fat but they wont get your far on a huge ride.

Thanks for very prompt advice.

http://www.humankinetics.com/acucust...tItem/8492.pdf

skip to the conclusion if you cant be bothered with the full article lol :)

I use coconut oil but only for cooking and not as a an energy source...There is a new fad started by "modern paleos" of putting coconut oil in a coffee. I tried it and stopped doing it because I didn't notice any difference in my energy levels or performance. Actually it felt kind of weird and unnatural to drink coffee with oil in it. I prefer to drink my coffee black or just use real dairy cream.

Coconut oil pulling sounds really gross.

I cook with it and unrefined organic is fairly good right from the jar.

You can't make truly great popcorn without it!

I don't think coconut oil will act as an energy source on a ride. It may stave off hunger, but if you generally use carbs for fuel, then your system is looking for carbs for a quick burst of energy (glucose or fructose.) There's a specific low-carb high-fat diet that can train your system to burn fat, but it's not a quick-burning system - you burn fat stores from the day before.

Coconut oil is great stuff, though, good to cook with. It's the oil packed with the highest amount of saturated fat, so it's a staple of the LCHF diet. I drink "bulletproof" coffee every day, but it is an acquired taste.

I cook with it sometimes. It would probably be best to have it pre-ride. If you want to experiment during a ride, maybe take some carbs with you initially just in case. Also, how how are you planning on eating it on the bike?

Body builders use it to cut up and lose the baby fat before events. Tri Cap fuel.

It will work for energy. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) is the biggest calorie source in human milk. That was your fuel as a baby.
You can run for hours on just fat, even on your own stored fat, if you are adapted for ketosis (exercise ketosis, NOT diabetic ketoacidosis).

FYI the virgin coconut oil tastes like a coconut, the refined/pressed tastes like nothing. It is solid to about 75 degrees. It works well for cooking as it does not decay at high heat like olive oil.

If you are working hard near your max, you will probably need those carb gels on top. It seems that fat is a good endurance fuel but very hard efforts call for carbs. If you are totally adapted to fat burning and eat no carbs ymmv of course.