Active people need sugar

Like all carbohydrates, sugar provides energy. Carbohydrate is the preferred fuel for working muscles. Not eating enough carbohydrate makes it difficult to be physically active and can make us feel sluggish.

People who are very active (e.g. athletes, football players) have particularly high carbohydrate requirements. It is difficult for very active people to meet their carbohydrate needs without eating sugar. Starchy foods such as bread and potatoes are too bulky to be eaten in very large quantities, especially prior to exercising. Including sugary snacks and drinks in the diet helps active people to maximise their carbohydrate intake.

Carbohydrate is stored in muscles in the form of glycogen. The more glycogen people have stored in their muscles, the longer they can exercise before feeling tired. Many athletes consume a carbohydrate snack or drink during heavy exercise to delay fatigue. It is important to replenish carbohydrate stores soon after exercise. Most people can't manage a heavy starchy meal immediately after exercise, but having a soft drink or eating a sugary snack, can start to refill carbohydrate stores straight away.

Get Active

It is now well known that people who are more active are more likely to keep weight off when they have lost it. This is because being active boosts the amount of calories used each day, and helps to regulate the appetite, preventing overeating. Being active also gets the heart rate going and improves general health.

A lot of people find it difficult to start an exercise plan and a restrictive diet at the same time. While you are trying to lose weight, start off by generally being more active in your day to day routine. For example;
• Go for a brisk walk
• Walk to the shops if you’re planning to do some ‘light’ shopping
• Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalators
• Get off the bus or underground a stop early and walk home
• Walk your children to school instead of driving
• Cycle if you can
• Take young children and pets for walks in the park

As you can see, being active does not mean having to join a gym or buy expensive exercise equipment. It is all about becoming less of a ‘couch potato’! Getting friends involved and making exercise a social activity can help to keep you motivated. Why not plan a regular afternoon walk with a group of friends once a week or more.

Building up your activity levels as your fitness level increases will boost weight loss and help to keep off the weight you have already lost. Remember, losing weight and keeping it off is all about developing a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Sugar Bureau