Over the last decade, the lower-carb movement has gathered some momentum. I will attempt to cut through many of the promises and tell you what we have learnt from recent studies into this space.
When we use fat as our primary fuel source, we can only achieve a certain intensity. That intensity isn't anywhere near our potential. When we want to push toward that potential, we cross over into an intensity zone that requires carbohydrate as the fuel source. In an oversimplified version of events, fat requires more oxygen to break it down; carbohydrate requires less. We can operate closer to the maximum intensity/ capacity of the lungs when utilising carbohydrate as our fuel source.
From park run to a marathon, to quote the author od the study: 'When the going gets tough, the tough go carbohydrates!'
So when you want to push for that extra bit in your next training session or improve that park run time, make sure you have your old mate carbohydrate in the meal before you do!
Yours in health
Sean Cornish
1/2 Jenner St, Nundah, Queensland 4012
