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Tag: Glycogen stores

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Why Endurance Athletes Eat Carbohydrates Before a Long Race

3 min read
According to sports nutrition research, carbohydrate loading can improve an athlete's endurance performance in events lasting over two hours by up to 3%. This critical strategy of eating carbohydrates before a long race is designed to super-compensate muscle glycogen stores, which are the body's primary fuel source for high-intensity, prolonged exercise.

What is a carb load before a long run?

3 min read
According to a 2017 meta-analysis, carbohydrate loading can improve endurance performance in events lasting longer than 90 minutes by 2–3%. But what is a carb load before a long run and how can you do it effectively to get a performance boost without gastrointestinal distress?

In which of the following events would carbohydrate loading not be beneficial?

2 min read
Carbohydrate loading is a proven nutritional strategy that can improve performance by up to 3% in endurance events lasting over 90 minutes. However, it is not beneficial for all types of exercise, particularly those that are of short duration or rely on anaerobic energy systems. Understanding the distinction is crucial for athletes aiming to optimize their fueling strategy without experiencing potential downsides like bloating or weight gain from unnecessary calories.

Do I Really Need to Have Recovery Nutrition?

6 min read
According to sports nutrition experts, the importance of recovery nutrition varies depending on the type and duration of exercise, as well as an individual's specific goals. For many, the necessity of carefully planned recovery nutrition is not just a myth but a critical component for optimizing training adaptations and supporting long-term health.

How to Increase Your Glycogen Stores for Peak Performance

4 min read
Glycogen is a complex molecule composed of linked glucose molecules, serving as the body's primary energy storage in muscles and the liver. For athletes in particular, maximizing this energy reserve is a critical strategy to delay fatigue and enhance endurance. Discover exactly how to increase your glycogen stores and elevate your performance.

Does Eating Candy Before a Run Help Fuel Your Workout?

4 min read
According to sports nutrition research, simple carbohydrates can provide a quick source of energy for muscles during intense or prolonged exercise. However, understanding the timing and type of sugar is crucial to avoid a mid-run 'sugar crash'. While a small, strategic dose of candy might provide a fast boost, a larger intake or poor timing can seriously derail your workout.

Can Pasta Be a Pre-Workout Meal? The Athlete's Guide

4 min read
According to sports nutrition research, carbohydrates are the body's primary and most efficient fuel source for high-intensity exercise. This is why many athletes, from professional runners to bodybuilders, turn to carbohydrate-rich foods like pasta to fuel their performance. However, not all pasta dishes are created equal for pre-workout purposes, and proper preparation and timing are crucial to avoid digestive distress and maximize energy.

Should You Eat Carbs Before or After a Race? The Ultimate Runner's Guide

6 min read
According to sports nutrition experts, carbohydrates are an endurance athlete's primary fuel source, with insufficient intake potentially hindering performance. For runners, maximizing glycogen stores through strategic carbohydrate consumption is key to sustaining energy, preventing fatigue, and optimizing recovery around a race.