Summary:
Carbohydrate is the preferred fuel for exercise, but many people think carbohydrate is the fattening enemy. Carbohydrate is the only fuel that can be used for high-intensity training and competition and the stores of carbohydrate (glycogen) in the liver and muscle are limited. Diet and training status influence carbohydrate stores; diets containing sufficient carbohydrate combined with training can enhance glycogen storage. The current guidelines for carbohydrate intake for athletes are based on ensuring sufficient carbohydrate for training and competition based on body weight rather than a percentage of total calories. Glycemic index of a food or glycemic load of a meal may be a useful tool for choosing carbohydrates, but many other factors influence blood glucose response, so athletes are encouraged to choose carbohydrates that are palatable, nutrient-rich and well-tolerated.
Objectives:
The goal of this course is to identify how carbohydrate is stored, made available and used, leading to recommendations for dietary carbohydrate consumption by exercisers and especially by athletes seeking optimum performance. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to —
- Explain the importance of carbohydrate as fuel during moderate and high-intensity exercise
- Describe the recommended carbohydrate intake based on training intensity and duration
- Discuss the limitation of using the glycemic index/load to provide guidelines for food intake around an exercise session.
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Accreditation Information
Gannett Education is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Accredited Provider (#GD001) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This course is a Level 2 course.
Gannett Education is also accredited by the Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition (provider # FBN 50-1489).