Avid athletes recognize the important role that nutrition plays in their performance. For those training for a marathon or partaking in a major sporting event, it’s especially important to load up on carbohydrates that help you maintain your strength while you’re active. If you happen to be a pizza aficionado or a bread addict, you’re in luck! Here are a few carbo-loading tips that will help make a difference.

5 Tips for Carbo-Loading & Fueling Your Workouts

1. Avoid Fibrous Carbs

Anyone who has indulged in a bit too much fiber before a workout understands that it can negatively affect the digestive system. That’s not a convenient time to experience discomfort, and it can impact both your physical and mental states. Instead, opt for less fibrous carbohydrate sources, such as rice, bagels, and pancakes. If you want to add fruit or beans to your meal, limit it to a smaller serving. You can even peel off the fruit’s skin to eliminate some added fiber.

2. Eliminate Fatty Add-Ons

Although butter makes toast taste better, and cheese sauce adds a special zing to your favorite Italian cuisine, it’s best to avoid these rich add-ons that contribute to your meal’s fat content. Your body tires out as it digests fat, which may make it more difficult to work out. Substitute these toppings for lighter options, like jelly or vinegar.

3. Start a Day Ahead

If you’re prone to stomach issues after eating a big meal before a workout, start carbo-loading ahead of time. Try consuming carb-rich meals the day before, and take it easy the next day by eating light crackers and soup instead. If you’re craving pizza and cake, make those a part of your pre-competition dinner. Don’t worry — the glycogen your body needs from the carbs will stay in your body until you start your workout.

4. Consume Smaller Meals

While you may envision sitting down for a large meal at an Italian restaurant or treating yourself to an entire pizza pre-workout, it’s best to spread your carbs out over several smaller meals. A super-sized plate is likely to make you feel uncomfortably full, which will impact your performance. Instead, add more carbs to five or six small meals per day.

5. Ignore the Weight Gain

For every gram of glycogen your body stores during carbo-loading, it also holds on to three grams of water. Bear in mind that your body uses up all of that during the period you’re exercising, so any weight gain you experience during this time is temporary. It’s also a good sign — it means you’ve loaded up on carbs correctly and are ready to do your best!

Fuel up for your workout or a big race with a delicious meal at The Pizza Haven. The leading source for freshly made pizza and authentic Italian cuisine in Rhinelander, WI, the restaurant offers a menu packed with favorites. Visit their website to view a menu, or give them a call at (715) 362-5942 to place an order today. You can also find them on Facebook.