Racer X Virtual Trainer

Hi,
I have been following this site for about 2 years now and I have a good diet and eating schedule depending on what part of the training season I’m in, and what my workouts are going to be for any particular day. I train for motocross and do cycling specific training as well.

I have read many articles about the negative effects that processed carbs and refined grains do to insulin response and blood sugar levels, which is why I avoid them. However, it seems that for recovery purposes it would make sense to get the insulin spike and fast digesting carbs to the muscles right after a hard training day. Can foods with “bad carbs” actually be a better way of recovering after training rather than “good carbs”? Thanks

Your thinking is correct regarding the use of fast acting/simple carbs for recovery. Indeed, one of the goals in recovery is to bring blood sugar levels back to normal and this happens faster when simple carbs are consumed as opposed to complex carbs.

In addition, there is evidence that a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein in a recovery drink is the most efficient means of recovery.

_________________
Kim Wathen M.S.
Exercise Physiologist/Dietitian/Personal Trainer
kim@fitnessandfuel.com