fit info

Is there a fitness subject that you would like to know more about? If so, email me at cpkarkow@sportswestreno.com and let me know! I'll be happy to find out some info and post it here!
Christine

August 13, 2007

Low-Carb Diets and endurance training

With so much emphasis on high-protien, low-carb diets as a way to lose weight, some athletes also might wonder if this is a good diet to follow in order to enhance performance. I have always maintained that for endurance activities, one should not worry about eating too many carbs. In fact, a diet rich in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, sweet potatoes, etc) might help you train more efficiently and thus be able to burn more fat in the long run! Here is an answer to a question of this effect that was submitted to Dr. Mirkin's website and his response.-christine

Dear Dr. Mirkin: Will following a low-carbohydrate diet help me run faster?

There is no evidence that it will. Runners get fuel for their muscles from fat and sugar in muscles, fat and sugar in the bloodstream and, to a lesser degree, from protein. The key to increasing endurance for racing is to store as much sugar in muscles before you race and keep it there as long as possible. Muscle sugar gives you the most energy for the least amount of oxygen.

Restricting carbohydrates does not stimulate muscles to store more sugar (Sports Medicine, April-May 2007). A low carbohydrate diet may impair performance if carried out for extended periods because a runner cannot train on a low- carbohydrate diet. If there are benefits from depleting muscles of their stored sugar supply, they probably come from the high- volume depletion workouts, not from the diet. To maximize stored muscle sugar, a runner should reduce his workouts for two to three days before a race. He should not restrict carbohydrates.

From Dr. Gabe Mirkin's Fitness and Health e-Zine www.drmirkin.com This is a great website for all issues concerning health and fitness. Plus, a wealth of healthy, delicious recipes!

Past SWAC Fitness Info Articles