Carbohydrates for Fuel and Energy

Carbohydrates: What are Carbs? What can you use them for?

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient. Your body’s main source of energy.  Carbohydrates can be useful to fuel the body for exercise.  There are two different types of carbs: simple and complex. These carbohydrates are suitable for different types of activities.  Simple carbs are fast digesting. Carbohydrates for Fuel and Energy. They will provide the body with an instant bout of energy.  Complex carbs are slower to digest. But will provide the body with energy for a longer duration than simple carbs.  While carbs can be obtained through whole food sources, carbohydrate supplements can be convenient and useful for those with an active lifestyle.

SportsNutritionCenter.com offers both simple and complex carb sources.  The assortment of carbohydrates include single ingredient carb sources, such as Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Karbolyn, Vitargo, cyclic dextrin and Waxy Maize.  There are also varieties of carbohydrates blended with ingredients such as whey protein, creatine, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.

Simple Carbs : Fast Digesting

Complex carbs have additional nutrients that simple carbs do not. Simple carbs consist of one or two sugars. That your body breaks down and absorbs. Your body then converts it to glucose. Glucose then enters your bloodstream. Because simple carbs lack fiber or fats to slow digestion, they can spike your blood sugar and insulin quickly. Natural sources of simple carbs like milk and many fruits contain other nutritional factors like protein, fat and vitamins that can benefit your diet. Simple sugars like table sugar, candy, and soda contain carbs without nutrition value that can hinder your diet. It is a balance of natural simple and complex carbs that can help you maintain your blood sugar, body weight and energy levels. Carbohydrates for Fuel and Energy.

Complex Carbs: Slow Digesting

Complex carbs are starches rich in other nutrients. Such as fiber and fats that aid in slowing digestion. Unlike simple carbs, complex carbs are absorbed into the body over time. Which can help regulate your sugars.  By slowing the process of converting the carbs to sugar and then into energy. Some common foods that are considered complex carbs are legumes and beans, sweet potatoes, brown rice, barely and quinoa. Bloating can occur when you ingest too much fiber, so many people take carb supplements or have a high carb meal after a workout to enhance the energy benefits and decrease the possibility of bloating. Some bloating is normal and should not be viewed as a negative side effect, but rather your body’s way of slowly processing the carbs you ingest, keeping you fuller longer and giving you the strength you need to get your last mile, punch, or rep.

Eating these kinds of carbohydrates can assist a workout program by giving you increased energy when you need it the most. Complex carbs are an endurance enhancing supplement. Some examples of complex carbohydrate mixes we have are Real Carbs, CytoCarbs, and AfterShock. Check out more on our website at SportsNutritionCenter.com/shop