One of the most important aspects of an athletes diet is maintaining high muscle stores of glycogen. Glycogen is a fuel for the body that is essential for high level performance.
Dietary starches and sugars are the body's number one source for producing muscle glycogen. Protein and fat doesn't do the trick. Athletes and sports scientists have known this for at least 40 years. Unfortunately some scientists took this concept to extremes- and recommended that athletes eat a diet high in cereals, starch and carbohydrates 24/7.
It is a little known fact, but, similar to the situation with BCAAs, glycogen synthesis by muscles occurs most effectively in the anabolic window(the hour following exercise). Muscles can build all the glycogen they need when they get starch and sugar during this short time frame following exercise or an event.
Eating carbs all day, everyday is over doing it and actually serves to displace the musclebuilding lean protein and alkalinity-enhancing, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that are needed to promote muscle growth and bolster the immune system.
Eating starches and sugars is only necessary; just prior exercise, during an exercise, or during the anabolic window. Certain Carbohydrates are more effective than others in restoring muscle glycogen- particularly specific types of sugar, such as glucose and net-alkaline-producing starches found in bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams.
