| Carbohydrates are one of the most important sources | | | | block for muscle-as a source of energy. If the body is |
| of energy for any athlete; they are the source of | | | | forced to rely on protein for energy, this can cause |
| power for muscles and an important source of fuel for | | | | stress on organs and harm the wellness of the athlete. |
| muscle contractions. If a carbohydrate is not used as | | | | Carbohydrates, stored as glycogen, can supply the |
| energy in the body right away, it is stored as glycogen, | | | | body with energy for thirty to ninety minutes or more, |
| which can be used as a source of energy later. Any | | | | depending on the exercise. But the best way to make |
| of the glycogen left in the body that is not used, is | | | | sure that the body has plenty of energy and will avoid |
| converted to and stored as fat in the body. | | | | using protein as an energy supply is to supply the body |
| When an athlete plays a sport or performs a task, it is | | | | with carbohydrates before playing a sport or |
| glycogen that the body uses because glycogen is | | | | exercising is to consume carbohydrates before, during, |
| easily accessible in the body. Short exercises such as | | | | and after a sport. It is also important to understand that |
| weight lifting and sprinting use up stores of glycogen, | | | | some carbohydrates are simple and some are |
| and more drawn out exercises such as long distance | | | | complex. Simple carbohydrates, such as fruit or energy |
| running rely on stores of glycogen as well. | | | | drinks, can be converted into energy very quickly. |
| The most important reason for an athlete or a sports | | | | Complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, take longer |
| player to consume carbohydrates when exercising is | | | | for the body to absorb. |
| to prevent the body from using protein-the building | | | | |