THE BEST TIME TO EAT CARBS
Here’s a cool thing about muscles that you probably didn’t know.
Muscles have the ability to take in carbs from our bloodstream, but lack the ability to let carbs out. So once those carbs are in our muscles, they are locked in and can only be used by our muscles.
- Exercise makes our muscles carb sponges.
- This makes after exercise the first and best time to eat carbs.
- So eating more carbohydrate-dense foods like starches and grains after exercise will go to our muscles.
Now don’t go thinking your leisurely walk is exercise in this context.
What I’m talking about here is a solid strength training session, circuit training session or moderately intense cardio session.
Something that pumped a lot of blood into the muscles and left you feeling really worked.
THE SECOND BEST TIME FOR CARBS
Other research shows that our body is slightly more apt to absorb and process carbs earlier in the day. This has to do with how our body is synced to the rising and setting of the sun, or what is called our circadian rhythms. Also, in the morning, we are coming off the fasting period of sleeping. Some research shows that a higher-carbohydrate breakfast makes our body more efficient at using carbohydrates that you eat at lunch. Scientists call this the “second meal effect”. - Dr. Mike Rousell
Get the most out of your workout by following it up with a good quality meal containing protein and carbs.
Put more emphasis on fruits and veggies (both carbs) during lunch and dinner.
This is another simple approach to nutrition and a great reason to lift those weights and challenge your body with physical activity.
Keep moving,
Coach Dom
