fuel

Can somebody tell me how long after eating something is it available for fuel. Like after eating breakfast, long long before your body can use it for fuel? Thanks
 
Hm, toughy! Well, it depends on what you're eating I suppose if it's a monosaccharide then not long since the digestion of carbohydrate actually starts in your mouth by an enzyme caled amylase. A disaccharide will take a little longer because it must be broken down into a monosaccharide before being utilized. and there are polysaccharides which take even longer to digest, BUT they will release glucose more evenly than simple sugars (monosaccharides) Although, you have enough stored ATP to get you through about 15 minutes of exercise (if were talking about anaerobic) but at the onset of all activity ATP is utilized because it is a very quick source of energy.

So, to answer your question. if it's a simple sugar it is absorbed at once very quickly. if its a di it will take a little longer, poly will take a little longer. But you always have a quick source of stored ATP
 
yes, protein can be used in place of carbohydrates for energy and it is converted effectively. Although, I don't know exactly how long it takes but it is roughly the same as a carb. But we typically save the protein for muscle repair not for energy. So, IMO I would save the carbs for energy and the protien to do it's job which is repair damaged tissue
 
fuel for morning workout

I like to do cardio first thing in the morning. What would be the best thing to eat to fuel up for an hour workout. I've been currently eating a piece of fruit, usually a banana, and a handful of nuts. Is this sufficient?
 
Well, for cardio typically you are using oxygen to break down carbohydrates into energy. Complex carbs would probably be the best because they are slowly released and are spread out more evenly for sustained energy. Try a bagel or two. They hold around 50 grams of complex carbs I believe. Also, since you are running you will need more protein since your muscles are working longer hours than in typical anerobic exercise. around 1.4 grams per kg of body weight.

Oh, I forgot to mention fats or lipids. the o2 system uses fats as energy for aerobic exercise, polyunsat and monounsat are the ones you want
 
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