What about afterward or during? I’ve read some stuff from people that even recommend low-carb/paleo the rest of the time but not during, after and sometimes before a intense cardio or weight lifting session. I’ve commented on Dr. Eades’ blog about this and he seems to think its correct also.

You only have so much reserve glycogen, enough for about an hour(?) of a workout. After that the body can’t convert fat fast enough so it starts uses muscle (I believe). So basically you want to get sugar into the body to be used as energy instead. Supposedly this doesn’t cause an insulin spike and get used directly as fuel. Also the same afterwards to replenish the glycogen stores and then the body can concentrate on building muscle and repairing damage with a good meal of fat and protein.

I’ve been trying this a little bit by adding straight table sugar to my low-carb protein shakes after riding at least 20 miles or a weight session. I’m just afraid to add too much. I’ve been only adding a tablespoon. I would really think this is nowhere where it would need to be. Since 12g (if I remember correctly) would be nothing when I’m 265# with 186# of muscle. I know its a lot of fat too. Still working on that, that’s why the weight and less cardio now. I don’t see how 12g could replace what’s got to be a lot more glycogen burned.

How much sugar should one consume afterward, if you support this theory? Should I be eating more sugar after my workouts? Not necessarily table sugar, but timing a meal after with carbs is hard to do during the week for me and I think you’re supposed to use sugar that gets processed quickly because you only have a certain window.

Thanks,
Joe