When Does The Glycemic Index Matter?
If you are training less than 90 to 120 minutes at a moderate level of intensity, high glycemic indexed carbs are noted not to help your body’s energy needs. If you’re an endurance athlete, then glycemic index matters. High Glycemic carbs are recommended to athletes during prolonged exercise that require quick access to the glucose. Endurance athletes typically need to replenish their carbohydrate levels once they’ve moved beyond the 90 to 120 minute mark. If you’re an endurance athlete, you should be reloading your carbs every 15 to 30 minutes from the time of starting your activity as your core glycogen stores will deplete within 90 to 120 minutes depending on the level of intensity. What’s the optimal carbohydrate to use? While athletes typically use sports drinks and gels, these sorts of products can have adverse affects on your body in the long term, and have been shown to damage athletes’ teeth. However, they’re currently the best products we’ve got, and are reasonably effective.
