Athletes should avoid low-carb diet
Chris Rosenbloom, an associate professor of nutrition at Georgia State University said, "[Atkins is] a trendy diet that is a big mistake for athletes."
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Carbohydrates are essential to athletic performance because they are converted into glucose, which is needed to power muscles. Carbohydrates stimulate the production of insulin, which helps release amino acids into muscles so they can be built, maintained and repaired.Carbohydrates also supply more energy for muscles -- and do it more efficiently -- than either proteins or fats, nutritionists say. Eating enough carbohydrates is crucial for almost any activity -- regardless of the fitness level of the athlete -- especially if the exerciser has low body fat and is unable to call upon fat reserves for energy.
Written By J. Foster
It's what we've been taught for as long as most of us can remember, but it may not be completely true. Top athletes are not always eating carb heavy diets and their performance is not an issue.
From a recent article about Englands rugby team:
Diet
The England players consume around 6,000 calories, 300g of protein and nine litres of water and sports drinks every day. Under advice from team nutritionist, Matt Lovell, the team are on a high protein diet that allows no carbohydrates after midday. The old Weetabix breakfast has been replaced by egg white omelettes with bacon or gammon steaks and porridge mixed with quinoa - a grain rich in protein. Lunch is fish or chicken with vegetables, potatoes and bread - the last carbs of the day.
The full article can be found here : http://observer.guardian.co.uk/2003rugbyworldcup/story/0,13946,1054742,00.html
ReplyI'm a long-distance runner and I try to limit my intake of refined carbohydrates, but not nearly to the extent of the Atkins diet. I probably consume about 100g of carbs a day (which is not a lot, compared to the average diet), but I NEED that energy for glycogen production. I can usually feel it when I run if I haven't gotten enough carbs because I get dizzy and lightheaded. The important thing is, my carbs come in the form of oats, apples, whole wheat bread, fruit, vegetables, etc. I eat refined carbs (white rice, pasta, etc) only on the night before a race.
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