Carb-loading is a popular practice among gym members and others who take on intense workouts, and who want to reach their goals more efficiently. That said, there is some debate as to whether or not it is actually good for you.  Moreover, it is unclear as to whether or not it will help you to be able to see results any faster than you would if you used a different type of eating strategy.

Good quality carbohydrates are a vital source of muscle and overall energy for the body.  This is the case regardless of whether you run or jog everyday or work out at the gym. They can fuel your body with the energy it needs to run faster or longer and to perform optimally in the gym.

Therefore, while carbohydrates will be an important part of your diet as you pursue your goal, it’s important to learn more about carb-loading before deciding if it’s for you.  Here are some interesting points you should consider regarding the carbohydrates you’re eating ahead of your gym sessions.

Your Body Needs the Fuel

You can’t go for a workout without first fuelling your body with the energy it needs to endure a grueling exercise routine. Lifting heavy weight puts a lot of pressure on the body, and your body in the process needs to endure and repair itself. Bananas are an excellent source of energy and carbohydrates for the body. Potatoes are also an excellent option for carb-loading before working out.

Now, you don’t have to eat 12 bananas or two plates full of mashed potatoes just to ensure sufficient carb-loading before a workout. Remember always to consume carbohydrates in moderation and an hour and a half before your workout. No use fuelling up five minutes before the workout because then you’ll just end up feeling full and weighted down. Plus, your body needs time to process carbohydrates and convert them into the energy required to lift heavy weights.

The idea is to have each gram of carbohydrates utilized in the workout. Otherwise, carb-loading will only lead to fat buildup in the body, which is a big no-no if you lift heavy weights.  It will also work in direct opposition to your efforts to drop body fat. This is the case regardless of whether you’re on a weight loss diet or whether you are trying to minimize body fat to ensure your muscles are as visible as possible. After all, the more body fat you have, the tougher it is to see your muscle definition.

That being said, the specific number of grams you should be consuming while carb loading depends on many factors. This can include your current body weight, gender, fitness level, the workout you intend to complete and your fitness goals. An athlete will need a different number of carbohydrates from a bodybuilder, whose number is different than a dieter.

How Many Carbs Do Athletes Require?

The requirements vary depending on how a person trains. The specifically recommended amount of carb consumption also depends on how intense your workout or training is. Since athletes and bodybuilders change their activity every now and then, it is essential that they also change their carb intake to match their workout.

Taking in adequate amounts of carbohydrates only helps to maximize a bodybuilder’s performance at the gym. A smart way of regulating healthy carbohydrate intake is to list what you eat in your meal before your training session. This way, you can either increase or decrease the amount of carbohydrates you consume, depending on the intensity of your training.

When Do You Need Carbohydrates?

A person’s carbohydrate intake before, during, and after a workout depends on a variety of different factors like:

• Type of workout, intensity, and duration
• The regularity of the training and how much time you have for recovery
• Body composition goals
• Environmental conditions
• Training background

The bottom line is that no matter what type of workout you do or how often you do it, you must consume a daily dose of carbohydrates to keep your body energized. Lack of sufficient carbohydrates will only result in injury and the body’s inability to recover properly, which can result in a number of other complications, like muscle fatigue and muscle soreness.