Many athletes fuel up before a workout to boost energy and enhance performance. Experts often advocate for carb-rich meals, citing their ability to provide energy and replenish muscle glycogen. Is that truly how it works? Do you really need carbs before training?
Dr. Mike Israetel and Dr. Jake Remmert, a researcher at Florida Atlantic University’s Muscle Lab, recently explored the topic of carbs before training; drawing from scientific studies and personal experience, they shared their insights on the benefits of pre-workout carbs.
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Pre-workout carbohydrates can curb hunger, enhance performance, and improve focus during training. While Dr. Israetel acknowledges ongoing debates within sports nutrition over the role of eating before workouts, he highlights three notable considerations:
- Glycogen — Muscles primarily rely on glycogen stores (i.e., energy reserves built from the food consumed the day before) to fuel performance.
- Blood Glucose — consuming carbs in a pre-workout meal can elevate blood glucose levels, providing an immediate energy …