being new to the triathalon like i am (except for having a marathon under my belt) i am wondering about food. at what point should i begin eating REALLY healthy? early on...like now? or does my body say when? and what should i aim to intake lots of? carbo? fruits? vegs? does a little junk food hurt?

I am a firm believer in you get out what you put in. If you want results then eat to feed those muscles which means stick to those carbs and proteins. ATKINS IS NOT FOR ATHLETES!!!!!!!! You break down those muscles working out and they need carbs and protein to rebuild themselves bigger and better. I was just reading the other day that if you are not seeing the results you want then take a long hard look at what you are eating. THere has been research to say that eating immediately up to 45 minutes after a workout will give you the maximum benefit. I strickly stick to the usfda dietary guidelines. Eat those leafy greens and fruits. You are doing a great thing for your body by doing triathlons and you don't want to loose it all by eating a lot of crud. Sure some junk tastes really good - I LOVE chips. But I have found that I am really slow if I eat more than I should of the junkie stuff.
Eating during exercise will depend on your own output and needs. I learned the hard way at my last race that I need to replenish during a race in between the swim and the cycle - I bonked way too early in the cycle.
I have to go chase my little ones now - I hope I was of some help.

yes actually you are. ill take it into consideration about the putting in and getting out. just had to ask. my biggest problem is mountain dew and the caffeine dependency. trying to break it, but i get withdrawls like killer headaches and mood swings. thanks for the input. if any more, it would greatly appreciated! :)

DOnt quit the caffeine!!!! Just get it in a smaller caloric dose - like diet soda version. Otherwise they are just empty calories. I just read the other day that having that cup of coffee in the morning before the session is good for the athlete. It's a diuretic though so make sure you go to the bathroom before your ride. And drink LOTS of water during the day. I won't ever give up my caffeine - I would put it in a IV if I could. With two kids and a dh that is gone all week it is my sanity in a cup!!!!

i hear that!!! i usually get up early in the morning and do my thing. then i will drink it throughout the day ALONG with tons of water. i uaually drink 2 20 ouncers of it. maybe three. thanks for the words of less guilt of my addiction.:)

I'm the other way - I gave up caffeine completely three years ago and haven't regretted it since the headaches went away. I decided any chemical that causes me such unpleasant symptoms when I get rid of it is probably not something I want to put into my face... of course, this *is* from the woman who ate a big ol' frozen pizza for lunch... but I never heard of cheese withdrawal headaches!

its hard to quit the caffeine tho. the headaches, withdrawls, and such are terrible. i drink about a gallon or so of water daily ALONG with the mountain dew. if i break the habit, i wont go back...but i am not ready just yet...nor is my family heh heh heh.