Carbohydrate loading is a permissible technique of boosting the amount of glycogen in the body prior to a competition. Practice of some endurance athletes in training for a major event; it consists of exercising to exhaustion, so depleting muscle glycogen, then eating a large carbohydrate‐rich meal so as to replenish glycogen reserves with a higher than normal proportion of straight‐chain glycogen.

Carbohydrate loading will boost stamina for extended aerobic workouts. If your stamina falls off sharply during your workout you may gain from this easy technique. Your body has different metabolism processes to go down each type of food. The carbohydrate metabolic method is the most efficient metabolic method. It allows your body to store reserves which can be freed during extended aerobic exercise.

Normally when carbohydrates are taken in, they are completely metabolized in the small intestines to the simplest form of carbohydrate called the monosaccharide. These then, are absorbed by the intestinal vile and transported to the blood as a source of energy.

The most predominant monosaccharide in the bloodstream is glucose. Glucose is converted to glycogen and is stored primarily in the liver when the body does not need energy. This process is called glycogenesis.

The metabolic process for storing glycogen for energy, does not work as efficiently when using proteins and fats. Therefore, carbohydrates are your best source in storing the unused glycogen, which is stored in the muscles and liver. When this glycogen, stored as extra energy is utilized, there is an increase in the stamina and endurance of a person. This is great news for any person involved in lengthy aerobic performances.

Carbohydrate loading has improved from the earlier regimens that involved depleting the body of low carbohydrates and hard exercise, then following it with a phase of increasing carbohydrate loading.

Carbohydrate loading is more effective when the diet followed has been rich in carbohydrates the entire time. Even with carbohydrate loading athletes should still replenish their bodies during an event to keep up their stamina.

It is best to consult a dietician if you are not sure what foods to include in your carbohydrate loading, to bring out your best performance in your endurance event.

As with any activity or procedure, carbohydrate loading is not for everyone. The person’s stamina and biochemical make-up should be tested first before proceeding with the method.

In conclusion, carbohydrate loading can be beneficial to many people involved in endurance activities and athletic events if they follow the steps outlined above.