I've been advised to try a protein drink after rides to help with muscle repair. I picked up a few samples at the health food store to try. I tried the first one after my ride last night. I didn't sleep well at all last night. Not sure if it was too many carbs in the mix or what, but I also had some really crazy dreams.
I am not a huge fan of powdered anything. I prefer to get my nutrition from real food. But I thought if I could find something that had more natural ingredients, I'd try it and see if it would help with the leg fatigue I get after rides. I always eat some carbs before rides - banana, or fruit and nut bars. Let me also add that I avoid soy like the plague - so I won't ingest any drinks with soy protein. I should also note that I am slightly hypoglycemic, so I try to avoid high sugar/carb foods. (okay, beer is where I fail)
What do you use, how does it help, and why? I'm not sure I understand why I just can't eat real food instead.