During physical activity your muscles are fueled by sugar that is stored in your muscles in the form of glycogen. Many athletes like to "carbo load" several days before an athletic event that will require long term energy such as a marathon. The theory behind carbo loading is it allows your muscles to store large amounts of glycogen to fuel your muscles with the much needed energy for the prolonged event. Day one of carbo loading starts with a tough workout to drain the muscles of glycogen. The following three days are used to further deplete the muscles of glycogen. This is done by following a high protein and high fat diet. In the last three days prior to the big event the individual will increase carbohydrate intake but reduce exercise. This will allow the muscles to fill with a greater amount of glycogen than before.
Carb loading can be successful. But keep in mind the days that your following a lower carbohydrate diet you still need to make wise choices regarding your sources of protein and fat. For example, try to stick with lean sources of protein that contain low amounts of saturated fats. And your source of fat should still come from sources that are high in mono and polyunsaturated fat.
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