Originally Posted by
KBentley57
All the research I've read (judiciously summarizing here) says (1) If you have another event on the same day, protein with carbs will help you recover, but that you shouldn't count the calories from the protein in the amount of refueling you need. (2) There is about a 2 hour window where your body will uber-rejuvenate where you can fuel it back. (3) Recovery starts when you eat, regardless of how long it's been since the exercise. (4) If the next ride is more than 24 hours in the future, don't be as concerned with the 2 hour window, you'll likely be refueled by then anyway. (5) eat more carbs (6) eat'n's cheatin.Ok, all but (5) and (6) are real..
OP, having been in and around biological literature for a number of years now, I concur with KBentley. It would make more sense to consume protein as part of a post weight lifting routine, but not so much for cycling. Cycling, even hill climbing, does not really build muscle more than it tones and develops efficiency in the muscle you already have. Besides, if your diet is anywhere near adequate, even if you live off of fast food, chances are you consume more protein than your body requires.