fitFAQS search

For all the controversy that Dr Atkins created by preaching the benefits of low-carbohydrate diets, he certainly made a lot more people aware of the impact that certain types of carb can have on our insulin levels. Although vilified by many nutritional scientists for his method of dieting, the underlining point made by him on the importance of stabilising blood-sugar levels to improve energy levels and control body fat is upheld by all nutritionists.

 

If you are on a low GI diet and therefore avoiding high GI foods such as potaotes and bread, then you just have to ensure that you are eating sufficient amounts of low GI carbs to replace the energy you would have expended through your running. It doesn’t mean that you have to eat huge piles of low GI carbs,  but the amount of running you are doing does depend on how much you need.

 

 

As you can see, unless you are running or exercising very regualry and for long periods, there is no need to go overboard.

 

I must stress that you must use this table as an approximation, as people metabolise carbs differently. You may need more, you may need less, it’s really just experimentation. You will know you have got it right when you have the energy to finish a run strongly and you remain the same weight.

 

Try experimenting with different types of low GI foods for variety. Pulses and beans are great, and nutritious sources, but it takes a few attempts to find a way to cook them to make them palatable. There are a few websites such as http://www.glycaemicindex.com/ where you can go which tell you the GI of the food you are eating.

 

Sports nutrition is not an exact science. There are general rules, but everyone is different, which is why you need to experiment and find out what works for you.