All Sport Science: How it Works.
Dr. Kristine Clark Focuses on Carbohydrates
No matter what you’ve read or heard CARBOHYDRATE-RICH foods are KEY to optimal athletic performance. Carbohydrates are the main nutrient used by the MUSCLE cell for fuel during short-burst, high-intensity anaerobic sports such as playing basketball, weight lifting, and short distance running. For training: You MUST eat and / or drink carbohydrate-rich foods before and after every practice session. You also need to pay attention to drinking plenty of fluids, especially in weather that increases your sweat output. Sports drinks which contain carbohydrates and important minerals like sodium can be very beneficial for keeping blood sugar high, which means ENERGY.
Sports drinks contain carbohydrates. (All Sport contains 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving). They provide energy (carbohydrates) for keeping your blood sugar high and water to keep you hydrated.
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of premature fatigue on the field. By drinking plenty of water and sports drinks you can be confident you're adequately hydrated plus getting more carbohydrates.
Another BIG KEY to sports drinks is their ability to STIMULATE THIRST. Sports drinks contain sodium, a mineral lost in sweat. One of the main reasons it's in sports drinks is that it causes you to feel thirsty so you wind up drinking MORE. Hydration is about VOLUME or QUANTITY consumed - it is not about merely "quenching your thirst." Drink A LOT - and drink OFTEN.
Facts on Carbohydrates:
- Carbohydrates form glycogen – muscle fuel (protein and fat do not).
- Glycogen does not come from food. Glycogen is made in the body BY EATING CARB.
- Glycogen is the name for "fuel" used by the exercising muscle cell in ALL ANAEROBIC sports.
- Your goal: Eat a high carbohydrate diet to maximize your ability to make and store glycogen and be prepared for workouts at any time of day.
- 55-60% of your diet should come from CARBOHYDRATES.