A high-carbohydrate meal plan can help increase your energy levels, as the body uses carbs as a primary energy source. Therefore, if you consume more carbohydrates, you will have more energy to burn throughout the day. Athletes find high-carbohydrate diets especially rewarding, as it help them perform at a higher level towards the end of a game than a traditional diet would allow them to.
Function
The body stores carbohydrates as glycogen, which it then turns into energy when needed. MayoClinic.com reports that a high-carbohydrate diet remains particularly important for athletes who complete in high-intensity events lasting 90 minutes or longer. You do not need to increase your carbohydrate diet for shorter activities, as your everyday diet likely provides you with enough energy already.
Features
You can find carbohydrates in a number of foods, but certain foods provide more energy than others do. Colorado State University suggests eating foods like pasta, bread and oatmeal to increase your carbohydrate intake, as these foods contain high carb values. By making grains and starches a part of your diet in the day leading up to your event, you can give yourself the energy boost you desire.
Considerations
Because endurance athletes benefit most from high-carbohydrate diets, they have different needs when consuming these carbs. Colorado State University recommends endurance athletes have carbohydrates make up about 70 percent of their caloric intake for three days leading up to an event. By doing this for three days, athletes can avoid battling water retention problems that often go along with a high-carb diet.
Misconceptions
Fad diets suggest that eating too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, but this will not happen if you exert the energy you put into your body. According to MayoClinic.com, much of the weight that you gain will come in the form of extra water, but this weight will not stick around and, hopefully, will not hinder your performance. As long as you use the energy that you consume, you will not gain weight by eating carbs.
Warning
Make sure your high-carbohydrate diet remains a part of a balanced diet, as you use other types of food for energy as well. Colorado State University reports that proteins and fats also provide energy for the body and will help promote overall health. Even if you need more energy for an upcoming event, do not stick to a diet exclusively made up of carbohydrates, as this could lead to digestive problems because of a lack of fiber.
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