25/03/2021
🍞CARBS & TIMING⏱
Timing carb intake is essential around training. What, when and how much carbs to eat will affect performance, strength and endurance
🍞What?
Having enough carbs in the muscles will delay the onset of fatigue while training. 🧇The type of carbs will depend on how close you are to training. Aim for low to medium GI (glycemic index) carbs a few hours before training to fill up the glycogen stores, for example, porridge, cereal, pancakes, bowl of pasta / rice / noodles / potato. Closer to training, a snack containing high GI carbs will top - up the glycogen stores for training, for example - banana, dates, energy ball, sports drink, jellies, toast with jam / honey, some cereals. During competition days or between training sessions, high GI carbs will top - up glycogen stores in the muscles to prevent fatigue.
⏰When?
Aim for a meal 2-3 hours before training and a snack 30 mins to 1 hour before.
🍝How much?
The amount will depend on the intensity and duration of training. Aim for 1-4g of carbohydrate per kilogram of bodyweight. For example; for an 80kg individual, the minimum amount of carbs should be 80g. This can be spaced over the 1-3 hours before with a small meal and snack or a large meal. The longer the session, the more carbs required 🧇🥞🥖🍠
🤓Keep in mind the pre - training meal doesn’t always have to be a large meal of pasta / spuds. A bagel or sandwich will do the job along with a high carb snack 30 minutes pre-training. Preparation is key for competition days so see what pre - training meals / snacks work best for you 👍🏼