Why Athletes Need More Carbs Than Regular People?

As opposed to the normal individual who may require fewer carbs for regular functioning, sports people use up energy at a much higher rate. Their muscles draw upon stored glycogen (which is derived from carbs) to drive workouts, sustain endurance, and recover effectively afterward. With insufficient carbs, they become fatigued, muscle damage sets in, and their performance slows down.

a)     Carbs are the body's preferred fuel source

Your body is powered by energy, and the easiest and most efficient fuel is carbohydrates. When you consume carbs, your body processes them into glucose, which is immediate energy. According to sports nutrition expert Victoria, any excess glucose is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen, to be used whenever you need it.

Sports nutritionist in VIC Australia says that; for daily activities such as walking or sitting at a desk, your body can manage with less carbohydrate consumption. With less carbohydrates, energy levels decline, and performance is affected.

b)    Carbs enhance endurance and stamina

Ever strike the dreaded "wall" while exercising? That's typically an indication that your glycogen levels are depleted. Midian Fitness will help you maintain the optimum level of glucose in your blood for optimum performance.

When it's gone, fat and protein become the reserve fuel sources, but they don't fuel as well. According to sports nutrition expert Victoria, this is the reason why most endurance athletes do carb-loading prior to major competitions, filling up their glycogen tanks so they are prepared for the test.

c)     Carbs facilitate muscle recovery and growth

Everyone assumes that protein is the most important nutrient for muscle recovery, but carbs have an important role as well. When doing extreme physical exertion, muscles are glycogen-depleted and must be restored.

Consuming carbs following a workout speeds up recovery by restoring these glycogen stores, lowering muscle soreness, and conditioning the body for the next workout. Sports nutritionist in VIC Australia says that without carbs, your body might use muscle for fuel rather than building it up.