When to use Carbohydrates

[shaneo75]

When training, the primary carbohydrate used for energy is glucose, which is derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates consumed in food and stored in the muscles as glycogen; this glycogen is then readily accessed during exercise to provide fuel for sustained activity.

Key points about carbohydrates for training:

• Primary energy source:
  Carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source during exercise, especially for high-intensity activities.
  
  
• Glycogen storage:
  The body stores carbohydrates as glycogen in the muscles and liver, which is released as glucose when needed for energy.
  
  
• Pre-workout carb intake:
  Eating carbohydrates before exercise helps replenish glycogen stores and optimize performance.
  
  
• During exercise intake:
  For long-duration workouts, consuming carbohydrates during exercise can help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent fatigue.
  

Examples of carbohydrates good for training:

• Simple carbohydrates:
  • Sports drinks
    
    
  • Fruit juices
    
    
  • Bananas
    
    
  • Energy gels
    
• Complex carbohydrates:
  • Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa
    
    
  • Pasta
    
    
  • Sweet potatoes
    
    
  • Oatmeal

 

[Dunstone]

Nice information, my general principle:

Stick to low glycemic and easy-to-digest carbs before and after your workouts, and go for lower carbs with some fats in your other meals.

 

[darkHORSE]

Nice information, my general principle:

Stick to low glycemic and easy-to-digest carbs before and after your workouts, and go for lower carbs with some fats in your other meals.

Nice post Shane and spot on advice Dunstone. Loading up on easy to digest carbs around workouts is clutch for energy and balancing with fats later keeps you fueled up. Great strategy!