Despite what the latest diet fads may suggest, eating carbohydrates is an essential part of nutrition after a strenuous workout. During exercise, carbohydrates, which are stored as glycogen in muscle cells, are burned off as energy. And research shows that failing to replenish them could result in fatigue and muscle breakdown. While eating anything is better than eating nothing, carbs are preferred to protein because they help the body rehydrate. Protein, rather than helping this process, slows it down.

Experts say it’s important to get some carbs in your system 30 to 60 minutes after your workout – even if you’re on a low-carb diet. They say choosing healthy carbs over those with simple sugars (such as cookies and cakes), should keep your weight-loss goals on track.

Source: Today’s Health & Wellness, July/August 2004.