Need a Quick Fix?
Uriia Underhill, B.Sc
It seems most of the carbohydrates mentioned for pre workout fuels are things such as ready to eat bars, oatmeal, and supplementing with easy sports drinks. While these forms of carbohydrates might make for a quick fix, it seems we have gotten away from the fact that the truest forms of vitamins and minerals come from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits in their raw form give a boost of quick digesting carbohydrates as well as a handy even more convenient form when dried. Vegetables can be easy cut and carried for a nutritious go-to snack. When ingesting a better form of carbohydrate compared to a processed product, it is shown to improve athletic performance. Loren Cordain, PhD and writer of the Paleo Diet for Athlete’s suggest that carbohydrates ingested remain low to moderate on the glycemic index. He also suggests that a carbohydrate/ protein combination meal be eaten with a 30-minute window after any type of workout.
Reference:
Cordain, L., Friel, J., (2005) The Paleo Diet for Athletes, A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance