Carb loading part 1

However, the continually evolving science of sports nutrition has moved on and the concept of carbohydrate loading, although still valid, is probably the most misunderstood term in sports nutrition. It is certainly not required for all sports and events. Conversely, some of the nutrition advice previously given to athletes to carb load including the consumption of toast and jam, jelly beans and sugary soft drinks seems obsolete, clearly we know these foods are full carbohydrate but they are devoid of other essential nutrients needed for elite performance and may even lead to the accumulation of excess body fat, which in itself may hamper performance. Consider for a moment that excess body fat creates inflammation, affects insulin signalling, alters appetite and disrupts hormone balance and you can begin to understand that eating too much carbohydrate for the wrong sports and events may make your performances worse.

Now, there is no doubt that carbohydrates are ergogenic and improve performance, there is too much research to suggest they do otherwise, however few athletes (except those who work with professional sports nutritionists) and very few of the general public would know when and how to carb load, which events or sports where is it applicable or how to do it with nutritious food.

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