Why do endurance athletes load up on carbohydrate-containing foods before a big event? Why don't they just fill up on fat and protein as well?
Athletes eat carbohydrates to maximize the stored glycogen in their livers and muscles. Athletes' muscles use glucose from glycogen alongside fats throughout the duration of the activity. If the glycogen stores are depleted, the muscles will have difficulty using energy from fats or from any other source. Muscles can use protein for energy but it is metabolically "costly" to the body and does not supply glucose to the blood as efficiently as stored glycogen. Also, a severe depletion of glycogen can affect the nervous system, which can make the activity difficult to continue.
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Which of the following foods is the least expensive per ounce?
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