Carbohydrates are your body's preferred source of energy. Fats "burn in a carb flame." And, carbs spare proteins to rebuild your body's tissues. If you are on a "carb restriction" diet, your athletic performance will suffer.
During intense physical or sports activity, your body depends on glycogen made from the carbohydrates that you eat. Glycogen is stored in your liver and muscles and it is broken down into glucose. Glucose is then used by your body to make energy. As a result, when your glycogen levels are low, your performance will suffer.
Fruits, veggies and whole grains are great carbohydrates to consume before games (and every day for that matter). After a game, practice or workout, you should consume a healthy carbohydrate/protein drink or snack within 45 minutes to 1 hour of the activity.
This will help your body resynthesize glycogen quickly, rebuild tissues (especially after a weight workout) and get your glycogen stores ready for your next game, workout or practice. The ratio of the drink should be 2:1 (2g carbs/1g protein). Carbohydrates should comprise 60%-70% of your daily calories.
Download your Free Book, "What to Never Eat After You Workout."
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
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