What is carb timing?

Carb timing refers to strategically consuming carbohydrates at certain times, especially around workouts, to maximize muscle glycogen resynthesis and hydration. This is particularly important for athletes or individuals who have high physical demands and may train multiple times a day. Proper carb timing can help ensure that muscle glycogen levels are adequately restored, which is crucial for performance and recovery.

For instance, in high-energy expenditure workouts, it's recommended to ingest half a gram of carbohydrate per pound of body weight, which can be divided before, during, or after the workout. Adjustments can be made based on the workout intensity and individual needs, such as increasing carbs on more demanding days or reducing them on lighter days 1. Moreover, while the total protein intake throughout the day is crucial, the timing of carbohydrate intake is more critical for immediate recovery and preparation for subsequent training sessions 2.