"When you're training, time is of the essence," says sports nutritionist Drew Price (drewprice.co.uk). "Nutrient timing is the secret weapon employed by professional athletes to fuel training and race day, and to support recovery. "Carbohydrate

and try to build up the quantity over time. If you tolerate liquids better after exercise, try a specially designed recovery drink - with a balance of carbohydrates, protein and essential nutrients - straight after exercise, followed by something like a

the food is swallowed doesn't mean it will be digested. It passes through your stomach and then reaches your small intestine, which slurps up all the nutrients it can through its spongy walls. But five to 10 per cent of calories slide through unabsorbed