You Need Carbs

Carbohydrates are the bodies main source of energy. They are a vital part to anyones diet and even more so for endurance athletes.

Many people consider cutting carbs in a bid to loose weight. But, it's not something that is easy to stick to and you may end up with lack of energy and heavier than you started.

Carbs will give you more energy, so having more carbs will make you want to move more and promote a healthier lifestyle.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are your bodies main source of energy. They are what is going to keep you fuelled during your rides. They can be stored in your muscles, so it is important to have them in a steady supply to your body. Carbohydrates come in two forms.

Complex Carbohydrates:

These are good carbs. They come in the form of pasta, rice, potatoes, bread etc. Complex carbs slowly release the energy to your body so it can use it as fuel. You should aim to have some form of complex carbohydrates in every meal.

Simple Sugars:

They come in the form of sugar, sweets, confectionary, jelly babies etc. Simple sugars will give you an instant kick of energy. Because of this they can become quite addictive. They can come in use on rides when you 'bonk' which is when you literally run out of energy and need a quick fix.

How much carbohydrates should I have in my diet?

Around 50% of your calorie intake should come from carbs, that's 50% if you are dieting or not. The rest should be 30% protein and 20% fat. You can use the app 'myfitnesspal' to log all your food in to work out what you are consuming.

Share in the comments, do you find having carbs gives you more energy?

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