Q:My husband is training very hard for a cycle race. He is generally fit and has very little body fat. His diet is balanced, including lots of vegetables and a reasonable amount of meat.

After his intense training sessions, he has sugar cravings that are only satisfied after he eats a LOT of candy. I'd like him to replace the candy with something else. What is the best thing to eat after a long exercise session? He says he burns about 2,000cal per session.

A:Thanks for a GREAT question. Your husband is a very robust execiser - and needs a lot of recovery energy. While there's nothing wrong with a little bit of candy (except for cavities) a better choice would be 100% orange juice (loaded with potassium which is good as well), or other 100% juice, and dried fruit, which is nature's "candy".

Juice is not usually a go-to choice I suggest, but in this case, it's a source of sweet, ready calories your husband is looking for. I'd suggest he add some of these items, as well as some candy, if he really enjoys it.

You might also suggest he eat some lean protein, to refuel his muscle mass (amino acids are the building blocks of protein). While not sweet, it's an important nutrient to consume after exercising. How about a peanut butter and banana sandwich?

Let me know how this works out for you!

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Madelyn H. Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, is the iVillage Health Editor-at-Large, Diet & Nutrition Editor for the Today Show and the Founder and Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center.