Carbohydrate Requirements for Exercise
Just read this article - here's a small excerpt... Carbohydrate Requirements for Exercise - from Nutrition Dimension. By Ellen Coleman, MA, MPH, RD, CSSD Think of carbohydrates as the body's gasoline supply - easily converted to motion in whatever amount is required. To satisfy the demand, as long as it lasts, there must be fuel in the tank. With low-carb diets currently being promoted for weight loss, food and beverage manufacturers are pushing the idea of fewer calories from carbohydrates as a good thing. The problem is, athletes- and even regular exercisers- can run out of gas. Adequate carbohydrate stores are critical for optimum athletic performance. Carbohydrate is stored in muscle and liver glycogen and in blood glucose. Consuming adequate carbohydrates on a daily basis is necessary to replenish muscle and liver glycogen between daily training sessions and competitive events. Athletes in high-power activities often want to lose weight, and so consume low-energy di...
