What exactly do we mean by
power? Well, a simple, unofficial
definition of power is “speed
plus resistance.” Eating certain
carbohydrates, it turns out, will
help when you want to do training
that incorporates explosive
movements, since glucose
(the breakdown component of
carbohydrate) is the fuel your
muscles and organs prefer when
operating at high intensities.
Since power moves are quick
and intense, your body will need
some fast-release carbohydrate
to help you muscle through,
though not as much as you might
for endurance training.
To stay agile, focus on carb
sources that won’t weigh you
down. For example, choose
carbohydrate foods with fiber
instead of those with added
sugars. “Sweet potatoes are a
voluminous food that help fill
you up with a good quantity of
fiber and micronutrients without
overloading on calories,” says
Pasternak. Scott-Dixon agrees,
noting that any type of tuber
(sweet potatoes, taro, yams,
turnips or parsnips, for example)
will provide your body what it
needs in a power situation. “Any
of these choices will replenish
glycogen (the storage form of
glucose), give you energy and
help in recovery,” she says.WHAT TO EAT...
For Power
44 cleaneating.com