A cyclist friend of mine asked me a question that I couldn't answer so I turn to all of you. He asked me if his daily diet needs to be increased as he started cycling a short while ago. He rides three days a week, one hour each day, at nothing more than a moderate pace of 15 mph average with a heart rate of 135 to 140 bpm with a mhr of 187 bpm. He is currently taking in approx. 1800 to 2000 calories a day. He said that his weight is staying the same but is concerned that perhaps his body has adjusted to his daily caloric intake and worries that he might not be getting in enough nutrients. Thanks for the help.

Doesn't sound like he needs to eat any more than he is now. Tell him to go by what he feels. If he starts to feel genuinely hungry then his body is telling him to eat. If he is still concerned then tell him to eat some extra fruit or veggies.

If this is just his routine, tell him to get a good multi and forget about it.

Home made smoothie, plus sometimes I add a Romaine lettuce leaf to the mix.

Unless he's 100 pounds, he needs to E-A-T.

we don't know what his goals are. does he want to go faster? longer? ride more often? maintain?

he probably should eat more and ride harder, but he may want to just piddle along as he has been.

Thanks everyone. Yes, he is just into riding for general fitness, not training to race. I should've mentioned his current weight is 158. I'll pass along all the information.