In popular triathlon and sports magazines it is frequently suggested that multisport athletes consume a high carbohydrate, low fat diet. After this further advice is given on how to include the extra carbohydrates in the daily nutrient intake. Many athletes blindly adhere to this approach while failing to understand how the body uses each macronutrient. As individuals we have different needs however our sport taxes the body in such a way that some nutritional factors remain constant.
Carbohydrates are the key source of energy in the human body.
We can store approximately 200g in our muscles and an additional 90g in the liver. The liver stores fuel our brain and remain untouched in times of muscular distress. Averaging 600 calories per hour this translates into at least 300 calories or 75g or carbohydrate per hour. In sum that would equate to about 3 gels. The body also requires carbohydrates to burn fat.