If you do resistance training during your workouts, you know how important carbs are to your diet. But what are the best carbs for resistance training? Here are 5 of the best.
Try These Carb Options for Resistance Training
There are two kinds of carbohydrates. Simple carbs are the fastest source of energy available. They include simple sugars like fruit sugar, table sugar, and glucose. Sodas and candy provide these types of energy rushes.
The second type of carbohydrate, complex, provides more sustained energy. They are in plant-based foods like starchy vegetables and whole grains. Potatoes are one such complex carb.
Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are a great complex carbohydrate to replenish your energy stores. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and provide some protein.
Oatmeal is also one of the best carbohydrates to eat. It is very nutritionally dense. Full of antioxidants. And low in cholesterol. Natural oats are more nutritionally sound than instant oats. The processing that occurs with instant oats strips some of the nutrients from the oats.
Another carb to consider is blueberries. They are a natural source of carbs, but also so much more. Called a superfood, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Though you probably do not need to eat avocados at every meal, it is good to incorporate into your meal plans. It is dense in nutrients, fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, and oleic acid (healthy fat).
Lastly, dried fruit is a great pick-me-up. It does not take long to metabolize. And provides instant energy in the form of natural fructose. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, depending on the variety of fruit chosen. Just make sure that you pick one without extra sugar additives.
Final Thoughts
There are many options you would benefit from, but make sure that they provide more nutrients than just a carb fix. These are the best carbs for resistance training because they nurture the body on multiple levels.