Carbohydrate Confusion

When it comes to food and nutrition, we tend to overcomplicate things. Eat this, not that. Run fasted, restrict sugar. Unfortunately, much of the controversy stems from observations and sensationalized media headlines vs. actual data, leaving the consumer more confused from their Google search than they were before.

- By Kylee Van Horn, RDN

One of the top casualties of this confusion is carbohydrates. Instead of enjoying bread, pasta, or cookies, athletes might restrict food for performance and weight loss, feeling a twinge of guilt every time they attend to their hunger.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates can be divided into three types: sugars, starches, and fibers that are found in food. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, fructose, and galactose. Once broken down, they are taken into cells and used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through two processes called glycolysis and cellular respiration. ATP is what allows you to perform and run efficiently.

What about Carbohydrates and Running Performance?