Using ClearFast as a Carb Loading Drink: The Ins-and-Outs of Carb-Loading for Optimal Athletic Performance
While ClearFast was developed to make for safer procedures and faster recovery for patients entering surgery, we’ve since found that runners, hot-yogis and endurance athletes are using ClearFast as a carb loading drink (which is awesome!). Today, then, we wanted to cover the ins-and-outs of carb-loading for athletic performance. We’ll discuss:
- What carb-loading is and how it’s used
- The difference between simple and complex carbs when carb-loading
- How to use ClearFast as a carb loading drink
Now, let’s dig in…
What is carb loading and how do athletes use it?
Carb-loading (or “carbo-loading”, as it’s often called) is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: loading up on carbohydrates in the body. Endurance athletes—like long-distance runners and cyclists—use carb-loading to maximize the amount of energy (or glycogen) they have stored in their body. These athletes carb-load before marathons or long rides/races to ensure they don’t hit that dreaded wall (i.e. run out of energy) during their long and trying event.
What’s the difference between simple and complex carbs as it relates to carb-loading?
Simple carbohydrates are sugars that are broken down and absorbed quickly by your body. Simple carbohydrates are found in things like: candy, sports drinks, table sugars, honey, sodas and fruit. Simple sugars are a good option for when you need a quick energy boost—but they’re also unfortunately often followed by a serious sugar crash, which means they’re not exactly ideal for proper carb-loading for a long athletic event.
Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are made up of a grouping of sugar molecules. You’ll find complex carbs in things like: oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, green vegetables, beans, lentils, and—yes!—ClearFast. Complex carbs tend to be much more effective for carb-loading, as our bodies break down and absorb complex carbohydrates at a much slower rate than simple carbs—giving us a constant, reliable source of energy for an extended period of time. If you need a quick boost of energy that lasts a few minutes, simple carbs are the way to go. If you’re looking to properly carb-load for a long marathon or cycle, on the other hand, complex carbohydrates are a much more reliable source of energy.
How do athletes use ClearFast as a carb loading drink?
Because ClearFast contains 50 full grams of complex carbs, it’s the perfect carb loading drink to consume before a big race, marathon, cycle, or long hot yoga class. High-performance athletes like to consume ClearFast before they embark on their athletic event as part of their carb-loading routine.
In addition to containing a great amount of complex carbs to get you through your endurance event, ClearFast is also gluten-free, contains all natural ingredients, is free of harmful colored dyes, is free of preservatives, and is chock-full of a number of other ingredients that can be beneficial to your athletic performance, including:
- Electrolytes (for optimal hydration)
- Zinc and L-Citrulline (properties that help heal)
- Vitamin A (supports health and tissue function)
- Selenium (a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant and contributes to healthy immune function)
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Overall, using ClearFast as a carb loading drink is the perfect option for those who are seeking extended energy for their athletic event, without having to consume crazy amounts of high-calorie, high-sugar, preservative-laced foods that contain harmful colored dyes and other unnatural ingredients.
Ready to use ClearFast as part of your carb-loading routine? Order your ClearFast Preop Drink here and, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ClearFast team at support@drinkcf.com if you have any questions about using ClearFast as a carb loading drink!