Sugars comes in many forms and all serve different purposes. Simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and lactose can be found in fruits, dairy products, and honey. Complex carbohydrates like starches are composed of long chains of simple sugars and are found in grains, beans, nuts, and potatoes. Both types of sugar give you energy when broken down by your body.
Knowing the difference between good and bad sugar can help you make healthier choices. Although all sugars contain calories, natural sources such as fruits and vegetables are better for your health as they contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. Refined sugars found in processed foods have been stripped of these nutrients.
Carbohydrates can be beneficial to athletes during training sessions. In order to perform optimally, athletes need a steady supply of energy from carbohydrates and other micronutrient-rich sources. If you’re looking to maximize your performance, it’s important to eat healthy carbs that will provide long-lasting energy throughout the day instead of relying on sugary snacks or drinks which only offer temporary bursts of energy followed by an energy crash.
"In order to perform optimally, athletes need a steady supply of energy from carbohydrates and other micronutrient-rich sources."
Learning how to use carbs to your advantage can give you an edge in training. Incorporating complex carbohydrates into your diet such as whole-grain breads and pastas, fruits, vegetables, and beans provide sustained energy over time. Eating these types of foods a few hours before a workout will ensure that you have adequate fuel for physical activity while still providing nourishment from their natural sources. Including healthy snacks full of protein and good fats like nuts or avocado can also help with maintaining energy levels during workouts. By understanding the differences between simple and complex sugars, along with being mindful of what foods contain them, you’ll be able to make smart decisions about your health and well-being both inside and outside of the gym.
Developing a diet that incorporates the right types of carbs will help fuel your body and keep you energized for any activity. In addition to eating healthy, it’s important to stay well-hydrated throughout the day in order to maintain optimal levels of performance during training sessions.
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