Nutrition Explained: Carbohydrate Loading
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- Nutritional concepts examined
I appreciate that getting in getting fit there can be alien concepts and that there are lots of confusing terms and widespread jargon.
If you read my recent blogs you’ll know that I hate gym myths that are perpetuated.
CARB LOADING
This is more common with runners and those taking part in fitness events, however has been extended into mainstream fitness as of late.
The concept is quite simple as the name denotes. Stashing up on high calorific (albeit healthy foods) helps with endurance and gives the body a ready energy supply.
If you’re planning on an endurance event especially, then having this resource of energy is vital. After all, it’s not everyday that you run a marathon and if you were to consume a standard, daily calorific intake then you’ll soon burn out.
This should obviously be done within a healthy nutritional plan and should be offset against readily available energy sources. Foods like pasta, sugars and high carbohydrate meal are most common. However, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse binge on unhealthy foods!
As running season is right around the corner, nutrition is particularly important.
Nutrition can be the difference between achieving your personal best and not succeeding.
It’s important that you understand what you’re eating and why. Therefore I would recommend searching the RYPT back catalogue of blogs for a whole selection of topics.
It can be difficult for people to adjust from their ways to eating more in order to accommodate the expenditure from exercise. Running, cycling or rowing will burn an exceptional amount of calories and it’s important that these are replaced for optimal performance in the following training sessions. Not only will your glycogen / sugar levels be depleted but your energy will be sapped.
There is a debate as to whether the first 30 minutes post-exercise are vital for recovery (anabolic window). I would say that you’re better replacing what you’ve used as soon as you can after you’ve trained (to prevent muscle loss). That is a debate for another blog.
Most importantly, the week and days before the race should be cranked up with the calories. Liquid gels can be used on race day but the best option is to ensure that you’ve the extra energy stored up.
For more personalised nutritional support, contact me directly for a consultation.
RYPT offers full support through nutritional guidance and training plans (all accessible and provided with a free consultation). Whatever your end goal; RYPT can help you reach it with sustainability, moderation and enjoyment.
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Ross
Owner
