9 Foods that Can Boost Your Energy

Running low on energy? The answer may be in your pantry.

When people want more energy, they typically end up consuming sugary coffee or energy drinks to artificially boost their slump. Trust us, there is a much better way.

Though there's no substitute for good sleep (be sure to catch up on that later), these all-natural energy remedies will have you up and running again in no time—and you won't crash a few hours later.

Water

1  of  10

It sounds simple, but water is an amazing energy booster for your system. Typically, when your energy is low, dehydration is actually the culprit. Since your body is mostly made up of water, you're going to feel tired and sluggish when you've haven't had enough to drink.

It's important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try and drink a glass of water every one or two hours, especially when you're feeling that mid-afternoon slump or an inability to concentrate.

16 RECIPES THAT HYDRATE

Peanut Butter

2  of  10

Peanut butter (or almond butter for those with allergies) is not only an excellent source of protein to help keep you full, but it also gives you energy. It has the perfect combination of healthy fats, protein, fiber and a little bit of sugar to meet all of your body's needs.

Eat it by itself or use as a dip for your favorite veggies or fruits. Just make sure to stick to one or two tablespoons so you don't feel weighed down afterwards.

Matcha Tea

3  of  10

The energy-boosting powers of matcha tea are so great, you'll want to ingest this long before you go to bed.

Matcha tea is made up of powdered green tea leaves and delivers triple the caffeine of a regular tea in one simple and earthy drink. You can also get creative and use matcha for baking, soups and dips.

Just be sure to get a pure-grade matcha from its origin country of Japan. Since tealeaves naturally contain lead, you want to make sure you choose a brand with a reputable filtering process.

Bananas

4  of  10

This is an excellent snack that's packed with the good stuff. Its primary nutrients—potassium, B vitamins and fiber—just happen to also help sustain energy. Whether you're in between meals and need a pick-me-up or you want a pre-workout snack that will help you perform, it can't get any more perfect than a banana.

It's even better with peanut butter, also an energy-boosting food.

Dark Chocolate

5  of  10

Yes, chocolate is healthy, too. With its natural caffeine it can be a great alternative to coffee. Plus, it's a rich source of phytochemicals, just like the kind you get from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Not to mention, it's delicious. Who doesn't love a good piece of dark chocolate in the afternoon?

Nuts

6  of  10

Magnesium is the star energy-boosting nutrient in cashews, pistachios and almonds. Many people who feel sluggish are actually deficient in magnesium, so nuts are a great solution.

These little guys are easy to keep around in your desk or as a non-perishable snack on-the-go. Plus, they're full of protein that will keep you full.

Eggs

7  of  10

Are you seeing a common theme on this list? Protein is the key to sustaining energy level throughout the day, and a single egg has six grams of protein. Plus, eggs are rich in numerous vitamins—Vitamins B2, B12 and A, to name a few—so consider starting off your day with this nutritious food.

Hummus

8  of  10

Because hummus is mostly made up of beans, it delivers a fantastic one-two punch to your day by giving you a dose of both fiber and protein. This will help stabilize your blood sugar, so you don't feel so drowsy come mid-afternoon.

Eat hummus with vegetables for an even healthier snack.

Salmon

9  of  10

Salmon contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which your body can't make on its own and must get from food. These fats are crucial for cell function and can even boost your mood throughout the day.

Pack a salad with salmon for lunch or enjoy a cut of salmon for dinner. Not only will your energy improve, but the heart-protecting benefits of omega 3's don't hurt either.

Top 10 Carbs Athletes Should Love

Not since the public outcry against fat has there been such uproar about popular nutrition—the message in the mainstream media seems clear: It's protein you want, not carbs! With all the hype, no wonder so many of us are second-guessing our eating habits. In truth, the message about carbohydrates has been so over-simplified that many people are skimping on the most critical energy source the body has.

Restricting carbohydrates can zap energy levels, compromising the quality of workouts and negating the benefits of a fitness program.

Here's the simple truth: There are many high-carbohydrate foods beneficial to both your health and athletic performance. The key is choosing the right carbs. The following is a breakdown of 10 of the best energy-sustaining foods, all loaded with powerful nutrients to keep your body running on premium fuel.

Need help managing your food intake? Make sure to download athleats, a mobile app that tracks everything you need to know about your nutrition.

1. Rolled Oats

1  of  11

Heart disease still tops the charts as the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., so it's no surprise that the Food and Drug Administration recommends anyone on a 2,000-calorie daily diet eat about 30 grams of fiber a day.

With a mere half cup of cooked oats providing four grams of dietary fiber, adding rolled oats to your diet will help you meet this recommendation.

Fiber not only helps reduce risk for heart disease, it slows glucose absorption into the bloodstream, helping maintain peak energy levels and curb appetite. Rolled oats are also an excellent source of B vitamins (great for stress management and energy production) and contain a significant amount of zinc for immune function.

2. Lentil Soup

2  of  11

Lentils produce a low-glycemic response, meaning you won't experience a spike in blood sugar followed by an energy-sapping crash. Also loaded with dietary fiber (eight grams per half-cup serving), lentils provide the feeling of satiety, helping mute those intense cravings for sweets. Lentils also are packed full of folic acid, a nutrient essential for keeping cardiovascular risk low and guarding against birth defects.

3. Fresh Figs

3  of  11

Just three figs provide a whopping 30 grams of good carbohydrates along with a multitude of B vitamins, calcium and potassium to help ensure peak muscle function and optimal bone health. Figs also are an excellent source of soluble pectin fiber, shown to lower cholesterol and ultimately reduce cardiovascular risk. For a tasty snack, try serving quartered fresh figs with a dollop of reduced-fat ricotta cheese or flavored yogurt.

4. Roasted Chestnuts

4  of  11

In comparison to other calorie- and fat-dense nuts, chestnuts contain less than one gram of fat per ounce while providing a hefty dose of fiber, vitamin C and folic acid, nutrients important for immune function, formation of collagen and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Chestnuts are tasty in stuffing, pilaf, vegetable side dishes and soups. Or try them as a snack by themselves.

5. Blueberries

5  of  11

A one-cup serving and a mere 80 calories later, you get 20 grams of energy-enhancing carbohydrates, four grams of appetite-curbing fiber as well as a significant amount of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that keeps the immune system revved. Blueberries have the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score of any fresh fruit, which means they can destroy free radicals in the body before they cause damage to healthy cells.

In addition, the dye that makes blueberries "blue" has been shown to improve memory, balance and coordination. Blueberries are a tasty addition to cereals, salads and smoothies. In the colder months when fresh blueberries are less prevalent, opt for the frozen variety.

6. Plain Yogurt

6  of  11

Yogurt has always been touted as a nutritional powerhouse, partly because it's loaded with calcium, a critical nutrient considering osteoporosis affects 20 million women each year. Rich in vitamin B-12, yogurt also helps prevent fatigue. And plain yogurt just may be the perfect recovery food for athletes, as it promotes glycogen replenishment and muscle recovery.

Give yourself an energy boost after your next workout by slicing a ripe banana into a cup of plain yogurt. Make sure your yogurt contains active cultures called probiotics, hugely beneficial to immune function.

7. Rice Bran

7  of  11

The USDA reports more people are eating refined white bread, which lacks quality nutrients due to processed flours. Rice bran boasts superior nutritional credentials, with five grams of carbohydrates and more than two grams of fiber in a mere two tablespoons.

Furthermore, it provides 23 percent of the RDA for magnesium, a nutrient directly responsible (along with calcium) for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), for energy during metabolism, as well as conversion of glycogen to glucose for use as the body's fuel during exercise.

Rice bran can replace up to half the flour in any quick bread or muffin recipe and be added to recipes for meatloaf and casseroles. If you don't plan on baking in the near future, try sprinkling rice bran on cereal, salad or yogurt.

8. Whole Wheat Pasta

8  of  11

Despite some concerns about the glycemic response of large portions of pasta, this common carbo-loading meal can be a healthful addition to your diet. Whole wheat pasta provides nearly 40 grams of energy-rich carbohydrates per one cup (cooked) serving. In addition, whole wheat pasta provides five grams of dietary fiber, most of it insoluble fiber, shown to reduce risk for breast cancer.

To ensure you are buying the healthiest whole wheat pasta, look for at least four grams of dietary fiber and five grams of protein per two ounces dry (or one cup cooked) serving. Be sure to watch portions and try to add a protein (chicken, ground sirloin) to your plate to avoid craving that second pasta portion. And, of course, add some veggies for color, fiber and an array of health-enhancing nutrients.

9. Sweet Potatoes

9  of  11

Despite this vegetable's impressive nutritional profile and appealingly "sweet" flavor, consumption of sweet potatoes is on the decline. A look at the facts might change your mind about this nutrient-dense veggie: A four-ounce sweet potato contains a mere 143 calories with a whopping 28 grams of carbohydrates and more than 100 percent of your daily requirement for beta-carotene.

A sweet potato also packs in more than a quarter of your daily needs for vitamins C and E, nutrients shown to prevent cell damage in athletes competing in extreme environments (altitude, heat, cold, pollution), as well as enhance muscle recovery after intense training. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of iron. Expand your intake of sweet potatoes beyond Thanksgiving by stirring them into chili, adding some to your favorite potato salad recipe and adding shredded raw sweet potato into hamburger, meatloaf and meatball mixtures. Also, try using mashed sweet potato as a ravioli stuffing.

10. Oranges

10  of  11

Considered by many to be winter's most delicious fruit, oranges are rich in natural sugars for a quick energy boost, yet provide three grams of fiber for sustained energy. In addition, just one navel orange meets an entire day's requirement for vitamin C, while providing immune-enhancing flavonoids, helping to keep colds and flus at bay.

Your heart will also benefit from the folate in oranges. Opt for the whole orange (rather than juice), and be sure to eat the spongy inner layer that lies right under the colorful part of the skin to ensure you are receiving energy-sustaining fiber. Besides using oranges as a tasty, convenient snack, try adding sections of oranges to salads or smoothies, or using the juice as a marinade for meat.

 

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Back to Beginning

 

15 Foods to Help You Lose Weight

It's time for a new slim-down mantra: Eat more to weigh less. No joke. The right foods help you drop pounds by revving your calorie burn and curbing cravings. We consulted top experts for the best picks and asked leading chefs for easy, tasty ways to prepare them. Add these eats to your plate today and you'll be slimmer and healthier in no time.

Almond Butter

1  of  16

Adding this spread may lower bread's glycemic index (a measure of a food's effect on blood sugar). A study from the University of Toronto found that people who ate almonds with white bread didn't experience the same blood sugar surges as those who ate only the slice.

Eat More: Try it for a change from peanut butter in sandwiches, or make a veggie dip: Mix 1 tablespoon of almond butter with 2 tablespoons of fat-free plain yogurt. Or add a dollop to oatmeal for flavor and protein.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Apples

2  of  16

An apple a day can keep weight gain at bay. People who chomped an apple before a pasta meal ate fewer calories overall than those who had a different snack. Plus, the antioxidants in apples may help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by excess belly fat or an "apple shape."

Eat More: Apples are the ideal on-the-go low-calorie snack. For a pie-like treat, chop up a medium apple and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of allspice and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pop in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.

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Avocado

3  of  16

Don't let the fat content of an avocado (29 grams) scare you. Surprisingly, that's what makes it a top weight loss food. The heart-healthy monounsaturated fat it contains increases satiety. And it's a terrific summer party food.

Eat More: Add avocado to your sandwich instead of mayo for a creamy texture and a shot of flavor. Avocados do contain a lot of calories, so it's best to watch your portions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Blueberries

4  of  16

All berries are good for you, but those with a blue hue are among the best of the bunch. They have the highest antioxidant level of all commonly consumed fruit. They also deliver 3.6 grams of fiber per cup.

Eat More: Instead of topping your cereal with fruit, fill your bowl with blueberries, then sprinkle cereal on top and add milk or yogurt.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Buckwheat Pasta

5  of  16

Swap plain noodles for this hearty variety; you'll slip into your skinny jeans in no time. Buckwheat is high in fiber and, unlike most carbs, contains protein. Those two nutrients make it very satiating, so it's harder to overeat buckwheat pasta than the regular stuff.

Eat More: Cook this pasta as you do rice: Simmer it, covered, over low heat. For a light meal, toss cooked buckwheat pasta with broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and onions. Or make buckwheat crepes using our tasty recipe.

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Chiles

6  of  16

One reason to spice up your meals: You'll crank up your metabolism. A compound in chiles called capsaicin has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chiles.

Eat More: Stuff chiles with cooked quinoa and marinara sauce, then roast them. To mellow a chile's heat, grill it until it's almost black, peel off charred skin and puree the flesh. Add the puree to pasta sauces for a one-alarm kick. Or stir red pepper flakes into any dish you enjoy.

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Goji Berries

7  of  16

These chewy, tart berries have a hunger-curbing edge over other fruit: 18 amino acids, which make them a surprising source of protein. Snack on them mid-afternoon to stay satisfied until dinner. The calorie cost? Only 35 per tablespoon.

Eat More: Mix 1/4 cup of the dried berries (from health food stores) with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup walnuts for a nourishing trail mix. Or for dessert, pour 1/4 cup boiling water into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of dried berries; let sit 10 minutes. Drain, then spoon over 1/2 cup low fat vanilla frozen yogurt.

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Kale

8  of  16

Long sidelined as a lowly garnish, this green belongs center stage on your plate. One raw chopped cup contains 34 calories and about 1.3 grams of fiber, as well as a hearty helping of iron and calcium.

Eat More: Mix chopped raw kale into cooked black beans. Or slice kale into thin strips, saute it with vegetable broth and top with orange slices. Make it a meal by tossing the mix with quinoa.

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Lentils

9  of  16

Lentils are a bona fide belly flattener. Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area.

Eat More: There are many varieties of lentils, but red and yellow cook fastest (in about 15 to 20 minutes). Add cooked lentils to pasta sauce for a heartier dish.

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Parmesan

10  of  16

Drop that rubbery low fat cheese and pick up the real stuff. Women who had one serving of whole milk or cheese daily were less likely to gain weight over time, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds.

Eat More: Grate parmesan over roasted vegetables. Or, snack on a 1-ounce portion with an apple or a pear.

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Pomegranates

11  of  16

The juice gets all the hype for being healthy, but pomegranate seeds deserve their own spotlight. In addition to being loaded with folate and disease-fighting antioxidants, they're low in calories and high in fiber, so they satisfy your sweet tooth without blowing your diet.

Eat More: Pop the raw seeds on their own (many grocery stores sell them preshucked) as a snack at your desk. Use them in salads instead of nuts. They're especially delicious on raw baby spinach with lemon and poppy seed dressing.

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Quinoa

12  of  16

Curbing hunger is as easy as piling your plate with this whole grain. It packs both fiber (2.6 grams per 1/2 cup) and protein, a stellar nutrient combo that can keep you satisfied for hours.

Eat More: Serve quinoa instead of rice with stir-fries. For breakfast, cook 1/2 cup quinoa in 2/3 cup water and 1/3 cup orange juice for 15 minutes. Top with 1 tablespoon each of raisins and chopped walnuts.

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Nutrition Fitness

Tarragon

13  of  16

You can use this herb, a staple in French cooking, in place of salt in marinades and salad dressings. Plus, tarragon lends a sweet, licorice-like flavor to bland foods.

Eat More: Rub 2 tablespoons of dried tarragon on chicken before baking or grilling. Or make a tasty dip by mixing 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh tarragon into 4 ounces of low fat plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

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Wild Salmon

14  of  16

Not only do fish fats keep your heart healthy, but they shrink your waist, too. Omega-3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity, which helps build muscle and decrease belly fat. And the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns. Opt for wild salmon, as it may contain fewer pollutants.

Eat More: You don't need to do much to enhance salmon's taste. Simple is best. Season a fillet with salt and pepper, then cook it in a hot pan with 2 teaspoons of oil for 1 to 3 minutes on each side.

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Yogurt

15  of  16

Dietitians often refer to plain yogurt as the perfect food, and for good reason: With its trifecta of carbs, protein and fat, it can stave off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady.

Eat More: Use lowfat plain yogurt in chicken or potato salad, or top a baked potato with a bit of yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice. You'll save 4.7 grams of fat per tablespoon. Look for Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other versions.

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http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/15-foods-to-help-you-lose-weight

 

How To Choose the Best Cycling Jersey For You!

Cycling jerseys are specifically designed to allow you to function at your best while riding a bike. Selecting the best cycling jersey is not as easy a task as it may seem. First, you will have to answer some important questions:

1. Why even wear a cycling jersey?
2. Tight aerodynamic cycling jersey or one with a more comfortable fit for everyday riding?
3. What material of jersey do I want? Polyester, nylon, wool? What’s the difference?
4. What size of Jersey am I?

Why Even Wear a Cycling Jersey?

“Can’t I just bike in a normal cotton shirt?”

Well, of course, but do you want to? Cotton is not designed to wick away sweat making it more difficult on your body to regulate your temperature. If your body has to work harder to cool itself down it will affect your performance not to mention how uncomfortable a sweat-soaked shirt is to wear. You are also able to fully open the zipper for more ventilation on those hot days. Jerseys are also more form fitting and help with aerodynamics which is an inexpensive way of buying “free speed”.

Cycling jerseys have back pockets specifically designed to carry food, and tools in case you get a flat tire or even your phone in case of an emergency. They have a shorter front panel and a longer back panel so that when you are in the riding position they cover your back and don’t bunch up in the front, they are also designed with silicon grip tape on the bottom of the hem to keep the jersey from sliding up your torso as you ride.

Cycling jerseys are not just for functionality, they are also part of your style. The brand, logo or design can make you feel part of something, or help others identify who or what you are about.

Cycling specific jerseys may not be for everyone, but they certainly help your experience and performance.

What Type of Cycling Jersey is Right for Me?

There are two types of cycling jerseys – race cut and club cut.

What is a Race Cut Cycling Jersey?

Race cuts are tailored for the fittest cyclists such as pro cyclists, cat 1 and 2 cyclists and small cyclists who love to go up mountains. Race cuts are a tight fit so they are aerodynamic, very form fitting and are the tightest cut available. There is generally a significant rear dip in the waistline so that when you are in the riding position the front does not bunch up, and your back is covered.

Race cut cycling jerseys are generally quite short and are meant to be worn with bib shorts. If you do not have bib shorts, you will have an unflattering gap between your shorts and your jersey. Do yourself a favor and buy a club cut if you don’t like bib shorts or you will perpetually be pulling your jersey down to cover your stomach and love handles. Been there, done that, don’t recommend it.

Who are Race Cut Jerseys For: Pro Riders, Elite Category 1 and 2 riders, skinny riders.

What is a Club Cut Cycling Jersey?

For the everyday rider, there is the club cut Jersey. Club cut jerseys have a much more relaxed fit, they have more room in the ride position, a small rear dip and are still tailored to fit but not constrict.

Club cut jerseys are a little longer in the torso so that they can be worn with normal cycling shorts (not just bib shorts), and they have a small rear dip for when you lean over the bars.

Who are Club Cut Jerseys For: 90% of cyclists, the everyday rider, the weekend warrior and anyone of average proportions or larger.

What Material is Best for Cycling Jerseys?

The best type of material for you depends on what kind of rider you are and the weather conditions.

Polyester

Polyester is a man-made recyclable synthetic material and is today’s most popular choice of material for cycling jerseys.

Pros

• Great at wicking away sweat from the body and keeps your skin dry.
• Helps keep you cool on hot days and is even UV resistant.
• Extremely durable and can be washed and the color will not fade or wash out.
• Mold and mildew cannot survive on it.
• Can be bought at lower prices than other materials.
• Great for warm or hot weather.

Cons

• Plastic feel or artificial feel. (can be fixed by washing with fabric softener)

Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic material that is known for its strength and stretchiness.

Pros

• One of the strongest man-made fabrics.
• Stretches, which can improve aerodynamics as it will fit snuggly.
• Good at wicking away sweat.
• Holds color well without fading.
• Resistant to mildew and rot.
• Wind and water resistant.
• Good in all weather conditions.

Cons

• Mold can form which can be very difficult to wash out.
• Absorbs odors.
• Nylon can shrink if not handled properly.
• Not biodegradable and has an environmental impact.

Merino Wool

Pros

• Keeps you warmer than any other material.
• Most water resistant material.
• Best wicking material available.
• UV resistant.
• Does not absorb odors.
• Great soft feel.

Cons

• Very expensive.
• Can be too hot in warm or hot weather.

Cycling Jersey Measurements

Every manufacturers cycling jersey varies in size, so just because you are normally a medium does not necessarily mean you are a medium sized jersey. Getting the size right starts by knowing your measurements. Using a soft measuring tape follow steps 1 through 4 and measure:

1. The widest part of your chest or bust just below your armpits.
2. Around the widest part of your bicep.
3. Around the top of your hips where the bottom of a jersey will sit.
4. The length of your torso.

Take down all of these measurements and compare them to the jersey measurements provided by the manufacturer and choose the best size jersey for you.

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/how-to-choose-the-best-cycling-jersey-for-you/

Why Fall Bike Rides Are Some of The Best of The Year

It’s that time of year again when the weather cools down, the hours of daylight decrease, and maybe the idea of watching Netflix seems better than getting on a bicycle; however don’t let the conditions fool you.  Fall bike rides can be some of the best of the year!

Gear for Fall Bike Rides

Getting outside for fall bike rides is much easier and more enjoyable when you have the right gear.  Investing in a good pair of gloves, booties (shoe covers) and a riding jacket will help keep you warm and dry.  Having a set of fenders and some lights will allow you to ride when it is wet, or before or after the sun is up.

Goal Setting

Set a goal to ride on one new road each time you get outside.  This will bring out your inner child (because as if wanting to ride your bike a lot doesn’t make you a kid enough) and will allow you to discover more of your surroundings.  It will also open up new routes or hills to incorporate into workouts in the spring.

Fall bike rides can also be the best for goal-setting for the next season.  You have time to leisurely reflect on how the spring and summer unfolded and now you can pedal through fall leaves and decide on which races, events, and rides you want to attack for next year.

Coffee

Plan stops at different bakeries and cafes!  Fall bike riding is the best time of year for the token ‘coffee-shop-rides’.  After ripping around in the cold for an hour or two, nothing feels quite as satisfying as coming inside to a delicious-smelling cafe and sitting down to rest with a hot cup of coffee and a strudel, cinnamon bun or doughnut.  Fall is the time of year to gain back some of the calories burnt off in the summer.  Lots of bike riders put on body weight in the fall; this is the time to rebuild and recover from some epic summer rides, so go enjoy a doughnut or two!

Relax

Don’t worry about keeping a strict schedule.  It can feel very liberating to go for rides without the bike-computer, power meter and heart rate monitor in the fall.  Ride by feel and listen to your body for how hard and far you wish to ride.  Look at your surroundings and take in all the colorful leaves, the crisp smells, and the chill in the air.

Experiment

Fall bike rides are a great time to try new types of riding such as cyclocross, gravel road riding and mountain biking.  All of these have lower average speeds than road cycling and thus you often won’t feel as cold since you don’t have much of a wind chill.

So don’t let the cooler darker days of fall turn you off of bike riding.  Make sure you have some good gloves and lights, and go explore and have fun!

 http://www.ilovebicycling.com/why-fall-bike-rides-are-some-of-the-best-of-the-year/

5 Of The Best Women’s Cycling Shorts

Possibly the most critical item of technical-gear you can purchase for cycling is a good pair of cycling shorts.  A solid pair of cycling shorts with a good chamois will allow you to feel more comfortable, powerful and in control while on the bike.  It will also allow you to ride for longer periods of time without discomfort.  These are 5 of the best women’s cycling shorts and they differ from men’s or unisex shorts in several ways:

• the size run goes smaller in women’s shorts than men’s or unisex sizing
• the cut of the short is wider in the hips
• the shape of the chamois is slightly different to accommodate women’s anatomy
• the inseam is shorter

There are several key features to consider when buying cycling shorts:

Chamois

You want the shorts to fit tight with no bunching material that could potentially chafe later.  The chamois should feel slightly like a diaper and isn’t very comfortable for walking around in, but sitting on a bike, it should feel like a cushion.

Leg Grippers

Every company and model uses different leg gripper technology.  Some use a compression fabric that is tapered around the thigh while others use a silicone band to keep the short from moving.

Inseam Length

This is based on personal preference and how long your legs are.  Some women prefer short shorts with a 6″ inseams, while others like them to be just above the knee with a 7-9″ inseam.

Bibs or No Bibs?

Bib shorts are a cycling short that have shoulder straps like suspenders.  The design eliminates the pressure of exercising with a tight waistband which can become irritating when you are hinged at the waist and pedaling.  However the main problem bibs pose to women is taking them off for pee breaks.  This can be especially exasperating when having to pee during a winter ride when you have to take off multiple layers.

5 Of The Best Women’s Cycling Shorts

Sugoi Evolution Shorty

The Evolution Shorty is the perfect pair of shorts for that woman wanting a shorter inseam.  The Evolution Shorty comes with a 6” inseam, a higher compression material around the thigh for grip without constricting your thighs.  The Evolution Shorty has a comfortable waistband and a high-grade chamois for comfort at an affordable price.

Price: $110

Castelli Mondiale Bib Shorts

The Mondiale Bib Short is the ultimate blend of comfort, performance and functionality.  The short is manufactured from a blend of lycra making it light-weight and wicking.  The short comes complete with a SnapLock fastener making it easy to slip out of for those necessary pee breaks.  The Mondiale Bib Short is top of the line for those long endurance training rides or fondos as its fabric and chamois thickness opts for comfort versus aerodynamics.  The leg gripper is a wide compression material with a silicone band for comfort while keeping the short in place to avoid chafing.  This short is an investment but one you will not soon regret.

Price: $249

Garneau Course Race 2 Cycling Bib Shorts

The Course Race 2 bib short is the best cycling shorts for those women looking to do a road race or time trial.  The aerodynamic cut and minimal stitches provide a high-end race-day garment.  The Course Race 2 comes with a 5Motion women’s specific chamois for ultimate comfort without sacrificing performance.  This pair of bib shorts also comes with detachable straps for ease of taking bathroom breaks.

Price: $230

Gore Power Lady 3.0 Shorts+

The Gore Power Lady short comes with a 9” inseam, an elastic gripper on the leg, large reflective logos, and minimal seams to avoid chafing.  This short comes in several colors and has a rainbow band along the leg gripper for an added splash of color.  With a women’s-specific chamois this is the perfect short for any level of rider at an affordable price point.

Price: $100

Pearl Izumi Women’s Pursuit Attack Bib Short

The Pursuit Attack bib-short provides comfort, performance and functionality at a great price.  This pair of shorts comes with an 8” inseam, a silicone leg-gripper, women’s-specific chamois and reflective logos.  This short is affordable and will still give any woman the comfort of riding without a waist-band

Price: $120

It will take trying on several brands and models of shorts or bibs to decided which is the right fit for you and your purse.  However, once you find the right pair of the best women’s cycling shorts for you it will make pedaling a bike even more fun!

Possibly the most critical item of technical-gear you can purchase for cycling is a good pair of cycling shorts.  A solid pair of cycling shorts with a good chamois will allow you to feel more comfortable, powerful and in control while on the bike.  It will also allow you to ride for longer periods of time without discomfort.  These are 5 of the best women’s cycling shorts and they differ from men’s or unisex shorts in several ways:

• the size run goes smaller in women’s shorts than men’s or unisex sizing
• the cut of the short is wider in the hips
• the shape of the chamois is slightly different to accommodate women’s anatomy
• the inseam is shorter

There are several key features to consider when buying cycling shorts:

Chamois

You want the shorts to fit tight with no bunching material that could potentially chafe later.  The chamois should feel slightly like a diaper and isn’t very comfortable for walking around in, but sitting on a bike, it should feel like a cushion.

Leg Grippers

Every company and model uses different leg gripper technology.  Some use a compression fabric that is tapered around the thigh while others use a silicone band to keep the short from moving.

Inseam Length

This is based on personal preference and how long your legs are.  Some women prefer short shorts with a 6″ inseams, while others like them to be just above the knee with a 7-9″ inseam.

Bibs or No Bibs?

Bib shorts are a cycling short that have shoulder straps like suspenders.  The design eliminates the pressure of exercising with a tight waistband which can become irritating when you are hinged at the waist and pedaling.  However the main problem bibs pose to women is taking them off for pee breaks.  This can be especially exasperating when having to pee during a winter ride when you have to take off multiple layers.

5 Of The Best Women’s Cycling Shorts

Sugoi Evolution Shorty

The Evolution Shorty is the perfect pair of shorts for that woman wanting a shorter inseam.  The Evolution Shorty comes with a 6” inseam, a higher compression material around the thigh for grip without constricting your thighs.  The Evolution Shorty has a comfortable waistband and a high-grade chamois for comfort at an affordable price.

Price: $110

Castelli Mondiale Bib Shorts

The Mondiale Bib Short is the ultimate blend of comfort, performance and functionality.  The short is manufactured from a blend of lycra making it light-weight and wicking.  The short comes complete with a SnapLock fastener making it easy to slip out of for those necessary pee breaks.  The Mondiale Bib Short is top of the line for those long endurance training rides or fondos as its fabric and chamois thickness opts for comfort versus aerodynamics.  The leg gripper is a wide compression material with a silicone band for comfort while keeping the short in place to avoid chafing.  This short is an investment but one you will not soon regret.

Price: $249

Garneau Course Race 2 Cycling Bib Shorts

The Course Race 2 bib short is the best cycling shorts for those women looking to do a road race or time trial.  The aerodynamic cut and minimal stitches provide a high-end race-day garment.  The Course Race 2 comes with a 5Motion women’s specific chamois for ultimate comfort without sacrificing performance.  This pair of bib shorts also comes with detachable straps for ease of taking bathroom breaks.

Price: $230

Gore Power Lady 3.0 Shorts+

The Gore Power Lady short comes with a 9” inseam, an elastic gripper on the leg, large reflective logos, and minimal seams to avoid chafing.  This short comes in several colors and has a rainbow band along the leg gripper for an added splash of color.  With a women’s-specific chamois this is the perfect short for any level of rider at an affordable price point.

Price: $100

Pearl Izumi Women’s Pursuit Attack Bib Short

The Pursuit Attack bib-short provides comfort, performance and functionality at a great price.  This pair of shorts comes with an 8” inseam, a silicone leg-gripper, women’s-specific chamois and reflective logos.  This short is affordable and will still give any woman the comfort of riding without a waist-band

Price: $120

It will take trying on several brands and models of shorts or bibs to decided which is the right fit for you and your purse.  However, once you find the right pair of the best women’s cycling shorts for you it will make pedaling a bike even more fun!

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/5-of-the-best-womens-cycling-shorts/

http://www.wiki-nutrition.com/2017/06/02/5-of-the-best-womens-cycling-shorts/

In cycling multi-functionality is huge. You want to have as few of things as possible yet still be functional. This backpack is exactly that. It will allow you to carry what you need and keep it dry from the elements but it also has an embedded lighting system that will not only make you more visible on the road but make you more predictable as it has turn-signals also. Check out the video below and let us know what you think about the backpack and if you would use one.

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/multi-functional-cycling-backpack-everything-you-need-in-a-backpack/