The skinny on carbs.

One of my biggest challenges in doing an endurance sport like triathlon has been eating enough. I'm one of those people who, if given the choice, would swallow a pill instead of sitting down for a meal. That, however, is not an option. Therefore, I have read and studied nutrition for the past year. Gaining this knowledge, I have realized how important the amount and the type of fuel you take in truly is.

The misconception when it comes to eating carbohydrates has messed with peoples minds. When I say carbohydrates I don't mean that you should eat more bread and candy (yes, sugar is carbohydrates). The carbohydrates I'm talking about are: brown rice, brown pasta, and any fiber-rich alternative you can find. The body needs carbohydrates to function. If you feed the body a protein rich diet that is more than 30% of your daily caloric intake, the body will use the proteins, as well as muscle (breaking it down!), to make carbohydrates. The best breakdown of your diet is 50% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 30% fat. For endurance athletes, you might have to add more carbohydrates in there. Most people make eating so complicated. We tend to cut all the good things out because we think they are bad, but that is not such a good thing. If you cut out all your favorite things you are more likely to over eat when you do have them, or sneak them in when you can. Just eat smart, portion controll!