Carbohydrates have gotten a pretty bad rap in the past few years. It seems like carbs have been the scapegoat for many health issues. The simple truth is, carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. Here are a few important facts to keep in mind about our misunderstood ally in the fight to stay fit: Out of Breath? Send in the Carbs! • Oxygen deficit is described as “the difference between oxygen intake of the body during early stages of exercise and during a similar duration in a steady state of exercise” • In order to fuel your workout, protein and fat both need oxygen. Carbs don’t. • In those early stages of exercise, carbs are responsible for 100% of your body’s fuel Customize Your Carbs • The Glycemic Index (GI) of a carbohydrate indicates the effect of that carb on an individual’s blood sugar level • Low-GI carbs such as soy products, fruit, beans, whole grains and nuts are great for helping to keep cholesterol under control • High-GI carbs like potatoes, white bread, pasta and short-grain rice are ideal pre-workout foods. Think of consuming high-GI carbs before exercise as “filling the tank” before starting your car and hitting the road.
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