Are High GI Carbs Necessary?

Are High Glycemic Index Carbs really necessary in post workout nutrition?
Wouldn’t you get the same results by eating lower GI carb’s and be avoiding any potential fat gain?

I use oats in my postworkout drink, I haven’t noticed a difference in my gains except that I don’t pick up fat so easily anymore. There’s a few studies out there say that post-exercise take up of nutrients is insulin INDEPENDANT. Anyway, the only way that you’ll be able to find out is if you try it yourself.

Cheers,

BMF

[quote]fedorov91 wrote:
Are High Glycemic Index Carbs really necessary in post workout nutrition?
Wouldn’t you get the same results by eating lower GI carb’s and be avoiding any potential fat gain?[/quote]

The thing is, a controlled insulin spike immediately after a workout is a good thing. And when done properly, it won’t cause fat gain. You can use lower GI carbs, and it’s not going to hurt you, but you won’t get the full benefits of a proper post workout nutrition.

After a workout, your muscle glycogen levels are severely depleted. In order to maximize recover and growth, you need to replenish that to stimulate optimum protein synthesis.

Read through some of the diet plans around here, and you’ll notice that even the “fat reducing” diets strongly encourage a high GI carbohydate and protein shake immediately after your workouts.

For additional information, read these:
http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=body_141post
http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=body_142post
http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=186nutri
http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=305nak2

After you’ve finished reading those, repeat to yourself at least 5 times before your workout: “High Glycemic Index Carbohydrates are not always bad. They do serve a purpose in a well balanced nutrition plan, like all other macronutrient types.” :wink: