Carbohydrates serve as an essential energy source, but processed versions can lead to inflammation and weight gain. Understanding the difference between complex carbs like oatmeal and simple sugars is key to metabolic health.
Sports drinks like Gatorade are designed to give you an [energy boost](https://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1011517-8-noncaffeine-ways-boost-energy/) before and during training or sporting competition and help you [recover afterward](https://www.livestrong.
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One thing people often neglect to think about when planning a muscle-building diet is carbohydrate. As protein is the main building block of muscle tissue, it often takes center stage, but carbs are vital, too.
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Some claim that pineapple can speed up your metabolism and boost fat loss. While there's nothing wrong with including pineapple in your weight-loss diet, this claim is overstated, and you need to be careful not to consume so much pineapple that you overshoot your daily calorie allowance.
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Marathon runners, endurance cyclists and elite athletes all know the feeling when, during a big competition or long training session, energy levels plummet. This is due to a lack of readily available fuel to power the muscles.
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When you're looking for an easy, versatile carb source, pasta may top your list. The main macronutrient contained in pasta is carbohydrate, which is largely responsible for providing your body with energy. However, some types of pasta are better than others for providing you with energy and keeping you healthy.
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The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet was designed by husband and wife duo Dr. Rachael Heller and Dr. Richard Heller. First published in 1993, the book is based on the premise that many people are addicted to carbs, which leads to unstable blood sugar and energy levels and ultimately results in weight gain.
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The glycemic index is a measure of how different carbohydrate foods affect your blood sugar levels. Food receives a score of zero to 100, depending on how quickly blood sugar rises after you eat it; the faster the rise, the higher the GI score.
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With a big sporting event or mammoth training session on the horizon, you may be worried about sustaining your energy levels and maintaining performance. Fear not -- with a concept known as carb loading, you can manipulate your nutrition to ensure that you're feeling and performing your best come the big day.
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Your body weight can fluctuate by a great degree on a day to day basis -- in some cases up to a few pounds. This is often caused by a change in your body's level of stored carbohydrate, known as glycogen.
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When you're looking for something to cure a sweet craving, fruit is a much better alternative than sugar-packed cookies, pastries and candy. Raspberries and blackberries offer numerous health benefits in addition to being low in calories.
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Kidney beans are often recommended as a protein source for vegetarians, but their other main benefit is as a source of healthy carbohydrate. When including kidney beans in your diet, it's important to know not only their carbohydrate content but also the type of carbohydrates they contain.
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When talking about building muscle, many people place all their focus on protein. This results in a diet full of chicken, beef, fish and eggs. While protein does play a vital role in muscle recovery and growth, carbs are crucial too.
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Sweet potatoes feature in many a bodybuilder's daily diet. Alongside rice, potatoes, oats and pasta, sweet potatoes are a top source of carbohydrate, meaning they're a good source of energy for anyone hitting it hard in the gym.
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