Nutri-Sport Nutrition tip: Best carbs pre/post workout

As many of you are aware of their are several different sources of carbohydrates out there, Waxy Maize, Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Karbolyn,Vitargo, and the list goes on.  Now most of us know that we should consume some sort of carb Pre/Post workout but which one is best when. It seems typical for the bodybuiler/Fitness industry, a new “miracle” carb source burst onto the market almost monthly promising muscle growth. With that being said there’s been a great deal of information, misinformation, and down right disinformation, regarding these carb sources. The pinnacle of which is Waxy Maize Starch.

Following an intense exercise session, there’s a “metabolic window” so to speak where the body preferentially shuttles glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients into the liver and muscles via both insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent transport mechanisms. Translated, this means your body will shuttle carbs and protein in the tissues you want (muscles) instead of storing them as fat after a workout.

A number of studies have found that a postworkout drink containing high GI carbs is highly anti-catabolic. Adding protein to the mix depending on the protein has an additive effect with the two working hand and hand to create an anabolic environment that’s superior to either nutrient alone. Obviously there’s a great deal more to it.  We’re not saying that waxy maize starch is useless, far from it, but if you want to build maximum muscle size, a fast carb source (like Ignition) is key.  Adding waxy maize to your pre workout will help ensure you have a steady energy release during your training session.  Additionally if you are dieting and perhaps don’t want a huge blood sugar/insulin spike, than having some waxy maize post workout is not a bad option.  Adding some fast along with the waxy maize can even create a timed-release effect so that you are able to space your following meal out a bit more.