In recent years the debate between the pro carb and pro fat camps has reignited with many suggesting ketosis is the optimal way to achieve athletic performance and carbs should be avoided at all costs. On the other hand, for many decades the importance of dietary carbohydrates and carb loading for endurance events has been espoused by scientists and sports nutritionists. So what is the truth? What is important for fighters?…. What are carbohydrates?
At the basic level, carbohydrates are all constructed of individual sugar molecules, known as monosaccharides, which include glucose, fructose and galactose. These monosaccharides combine to form disaccharides (glucose + glucose = maltose, glucose + fructose = sucrose, glucose + galactose = lactose etc.). Multiple disaccharides combine to form polysaccharides such as glycogen in humans and starch and cellulose in plants.
We are constantly being told seemingly contradictory information on how to eat. In this video Firas Zahabi discusses his experiences with mainly the Low Carb diet and the High Carb Diet.
