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CARBOHYDRATES --
IS AN ULTRA LOW CARB DIET GOOD FOR YOUR SPORTS PERFORMANCE?
Most experts say no! There are right and wrong carbs to eat, just as there is the right and wrong time to eat them.
Not all carbs are created equally. As you know, carbohydrates when digested turn to sugar; sugar then turns into energy
and if not used transforms itself into the fat cell.
What makes carbohydrates different from one another?
A
scale called the glycemic index. The index ranks foods on how they affect our blood sugar levels by testing blood sugar levels
2-3 hours after eating.
Carbohydrates with a high glycemic index cause a
rapid rise in insulin or blood sugar.
Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (GI) do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar.
So what does this mean
to your workout?
By eating food with a high GI prior to a workout, you may get some instant energy but it also spikes
your insulin and you end up burning carb calories and not fat calories. Also, within a very short period of time you have
burned these calories and then the weakness sets in and hunger ensues because you still have a high level of insulin in your
body.
By switching to a low GI food your body takes a lot longer to turn it into blood sugar, thus slowing down
the need for a vast amount of insulin. This will help to burn fat.
Just remember that carbohydrates are the main
source of energy for your muscles. Next, but not as efficient, come fatty acids and amino acids. Without carbs, endurance,
strength and muscle growth drop drastically.
Is there a good time to have a high GI food?
Yes if you must.
Many sources agree that within 15-30 minutes after exercise a high GI food is fine. Most of these calories will go to muscle
growth and repair for a faster recovery. High quality carbohydrates and protein should be part of your pre and post work out
or activity.
A properly balanced eating life style made just for your requirements is what you need.
YOU
CAN DO IT. I CAN HELP!
E-mail for an appointment:
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