The Role of Carbohydrates and Strength Training

The Importance of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are vitally important for your muscle’s ability to contract. As you digest your food, carbohydrates break down into glucose. Glucose is then delivered to the blood, which transports glucose to the brain and nervous systems. Glucose is also converted into glycogen to be stored in both the muscles and the liver. For the muscles to use the stored energy, muscles break glycogen back down into glucose. The body of every athlete, whether endurance runners or weightlifters, uses carbohydrates as the major fuel source.

Muscles use carbohydrates over fat and protein as their major source of energy. This frees up protein for its main function of repairing and building body tissues, like muscles. Thus, in order for your body to be able to repair the muscles after an intense workout, you must eat plenty of carbohydrates in order for protein to be freed up to rebuild your muscles. Without plenty of carbohydrates in your system, protein will not be used to rebuild muscles, but will be used for energy. It is important that you eat a high carbohydrate diet if you are strength training or bodybuilding.

Starting a High Carbohydrate Diet

It is not very difficult to start a high-carb diet for strength training. Foods like cereal, bread, pasta and rice are all excellent sources of carbohydrates. They include a number of different nutrients other than carbohydrates, like vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. The fiber in grains is important for strength training and bodybuilding. If you are trying to lose body fat, fiber is very important. High fiber foods, like grain, will make you feel more full. They also lower insulin levels, resulting in less of a hungry feeling. The body also takes longer to digest high fiber food, resulting in more energy expenditure. Fiber may also be able to keep fatty oils from being absorbed by the intestines.

Conclusion

These are some important steps to take if you want your muscles and your body to be in their best condition. Strength trainers should eat a high carbohydrate diet along with plenty of fiber.