Fuelling your body effectively before and after an exercise is critical to getting the most out of every session, maximising your performance, recovery, and overall health. That’s why we have teamed up with Optimum Nutrition and Dr. Crionna Tobin from their Nutrition & Education Team. Together, we aim to provide nutrition advice tailored to our Castore customers.
First of all, what are calories? Calories are units of energy that our bodies need to perform various functions, from breathing to physical activity. When you eat the calories contained in food, your body converts it into energy through metabolic processes. This energy is then used to power your muscles during a run and to repair and build tissue afterward. Without sufficient calorie intake, your body might struggle to perform these essential functions, leading to suboptimal performance and recovery.
Understanding the roles of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—is essential for getting the most out of your runs.
Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy during exercise. When you consume carbs, your body converts them into glucose, which is then stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen. Glycogen is a readily available energy reserve that fuels your runs. Eating carbs beforehand ensures that your muscles have enough glycogen stores to sustain prolonged or intense exercise. Starting your workout with depleted glycogen stores can lead to early fatigue. After a run, your glycogen stores are lowered, and it’s crucial to replenish them to aid recovery and prepare for your next exercise session.
