WHY ARE CARBS IMPORTANT?
Carbohydrates are an important fuel and energy source for muscles, particularly during intense bouts of activity.
WHAT DO CARBS CONSIST OF?
Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – the simplest are monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose. The human muscle and liver stores carbohydrates as glycogen.
Carbohydrates are found in a wide array of foods such as; bread, pasta, potatoes, milk, soft drinks and beans.
HOW DO CARBS BECOME ENERGY?
Carbohydrates are broken down into carbon dioxide and water for the generation of usable energy in the form of ATP.
To engage in intense bouts of activity, it is only possible if the muscle glycogen stores are not completely depleted. Depletion of muscle glycogen stores is a major factor in the onset of fatigue and can reduce exercise performance.
HOW MANY CARBS SHOULD I EAT?
General guidelines recommend that carbohydrates should make up 45-55% of your total daily calories.
We typically need in the region of 3-5 grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per day.
As such, a 75 kg individual would need between 225 and 375 grams of carbohydrate per day.