Carbohydrate Blend

Carbohydrates are the simplest form of food your body can convert into glucose for immediate energy usage in muscles, organs, and the brain.

Carbohydrates have received a fairly bad name in the media over the last decade because of their association with obesity and other related diseases.

Thankfully though, for athletes, carbohydrates have an incredible effect on performance, recovery, growth, and endurance. They sound pretty good now, right?

Performance: During an activity the body runs on stored carbohydrates called glycogen if carbohydrates are not consumed. To ensure maximum performance, whether it be running 10km or improving bench press strength, add a carbohydrate blend to an intra-workout drink. This way the body has something to run on throughout the entire workout.

Recovery and Growth: The body needs more than amino acids for proper muscle recovery and growth. After a tough weight training session the body has depleted its glycogen stores. The stores need to be replenished at the same time as amino acid stores (post-workout) to enhance and speed up recovery. By neglecting carbohydrate consumption post workout the body has to take some of the protein consumed and convert it to glucose for storage. This is not the optimal strategy.

Endurance: During a sporting event or long-distance event the body starts running on fumes when the glycogen runs out. After that the body starts tapping into fat and muscle stores to make energy. Not only is muscle loss a big No-No but it is also an inefficient way to make energy as it is slow. Drinking a carbohydrate mix before and during these types of high energy activities will keep glucose in the blood stream for the muscles to use throughout the activity sessions.

Some carbohydrate blends come with flavours and others may come with no added flavours. Be sure to pick up a product that will fit your taste needs so you can actually enjoy improving your muscular performance!