Two very different views here: Because of something called the "Glycemic Index," complex carbohydrates (starches) are better for the long haul than simple carbohydrates (sugars). Some of the "Power Bar" type of stuff some athletes eat contain a lot of protein (or its building blocks - the aminoacids). Unless you can drink large quantities of water, you are better off eating carbohydrates than protein. While you are actively exercising you are not building up muscle, that happens after the exercise. You will not break down muscle if you have enough carbohydrates in your system while you exercise. Therefore, if you exercise for hours and eat proteins, your body goes through a complex process to convert that nice protein into energy to burn (basically turning the protein into sugar) - and the process produces more waste than eating carbohydrates. > the difference will be "smoother" energy--less spikes followed by drops in > the "strength/speed" you feel capable of. And beyond this, this type of > feeding protects the muscle from catabolic metabolism, so recovery is > faster, and increases in fitness occur faster. Just any protein will not > do. It needs to be high in bioavailabilty, and you can pretty much rule out > soy protein. Any suggestions for a food plan - both in camp and on the water - for a 4-day paddling trip, maintaining moderate to somewhat elevated activity for 6-7 hours per day? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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