![carb loading carb loading](https://www.infinityfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Rapid-Burn-Carb-Loading-2-scaled.jpg)
In other words, carb loading is really only useful (i.e.
![carb loading carb loading](https://studio44pilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Carb-loading.png)
Suffice it to say that like most things in life, there are certain situations where you should carb load and certain situations that don’t really require it. Individuals following carb loading also reduce the amount of exercise they are performing so as to decrease the amount of carbohydrate and glycogen that is used by the body. The practice typically entails eating more carbs than you normally do in the days leading up to a big athletic competition or performance (such as a marathon or day long soccer tournament). Seeing as carbohydrate is what supplies the body with energy and powers high-intensity efforts, it stands to reason that consuming carbohydrates in the peri-workout window makes sense.Ĭarb loading is the practice of attempting to increase glycogen storage in your muscles above and beyond its typical daily content. This translates to decrements in your top end performance. The reason so much chatter surrounds the timing of carbohydrates around and during the workout is that glucose is the primary form of energy used by cells to power high intensity exercise.įatty acids and amino acids can be used to fuel exercise performance, but it’s not the body’s preferred option, especially when doing very intense training like strength training or high intensity interval training.įurthermore, the oxidation (“burning”) of fatty acids or amino acids for energy is substantially slower ( read: less efficient) compared to glucose metabolism. The other two macronutrients, as you likely know, are protein and fat. Today, we discuss what carb loading is, who should consider using it, and when is (and is not) the right time to carb load.Ĭarbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients which we supply our cells with energy. Nutrient timing entails the targeted intake of nutrients (most often protein and/or carbohydrate) in and around the workout window.īut, there are other times when it may be beneficial (and even necessary) to consider prioritizing the intake of certain nutrients.