One of the main hormones that control important processes in human body is cortisol. This is quite catabolic agent as some of its amino acids may come from muscle tissue. It is crucial that one consumes carbohydrates before exercise for several reasons:
- Dietary carbohydrates will assure persons with fuel for the anaerobic pathway, and spare muscle tissue from being converted to glucose for fuel.
- Dietary carbohydrates will cause the discharge of insulin, which blocks the release of cortisol from the pancreas.
- Dietary carbohydrates will increase muscle glycogen levels which will advance performance and reduce fatigue.
Persons should consume 35% of their total daily carbohydrates in a meal 1.5 to 2 hours before their workout as this will allow the carbohydrates sufficient time to be digested and enter the bloodstream. It is also suggested consuming a shake composed of 30-40g of whey protein along with dextrose or maltodextrin during the workout. The carbohydrates in the shake should account for about 20% of one’s total daily carbohydrate intake.
