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Yana Tymoshenko

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June 18, 2025

Carbs Aren’t the Enemy: How to Fuel Your Body for Energy and Performance

Carbs get a bad rap, but here’s the truth: your body loves them—especially if you’re working out consistently. Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy and a key part of fueling performance, recovery, and overall health.

At Fit Haus, we believe in fueling with intention—and that means not fearing carbs. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Why Your Body Needs Carbs

Carbohydrates break down into glucose, which your body uses as energy. When you train, your muscles rely on stored carbs (glycogen) to power through lifts, cardio, and even recovery.

Carbs help:

  • Maximize workout performance
  • Improve recovery
  • Support brain function
  • Boost mood and focus

2. Carbs Don’t Cause Fat Gain—Overeating Does

Weight gain happens when you consistently eat more than your body needs—not because of carbs alone. The right carbs, in the right amounts, help you train harder and recover faster.

What matters most: the quality and timing of your carbs.

3. Best Sources of Carbohydrates

  • Complex carbs (slow-digesting, high-fiber): Sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats, quinoa, fruit, beans, whole grain bread
  • Simple carbs (quick energy): White rice, bananas, rice cakes, dates, electrolyte drinks—ideal around workouts

Pro Tip: Combine carbs with protein post-workout to refill energy stores and rebuild muscle.

4. When to Eat Carbs

  • Pre-workout: Eat carbs 60–90 mins before for energy (oats, toast, banana)
  • Post-workout: Pair fast-digesting carbs with protein to jumpstart recovery
  • Throughout the day: Choose complex carbs to stay fueled, full, and focused

5. Signs You Might Need More Carbs

  • Constant fatigue or poor performance in workouts
  • Brain fog or irritability
  • Intense cravings or poor sleep
  • Plateauing progress despite consistent training

Your body might be trying to tell you it needs more fuel—not less.

Let’s Build a Fuel Plan That WorksAt Fit Haus, we help our members fuel their bodies based on real goals—not food fear. Want help creating a nutrition approach that works for your lifestyle?

Call or text us at 815-201-2444 or visit www.fithausfrankfort.com to get started!

#CarbsAreFuel #FuelYourPerformance #FitHaus #FrankfortIL #Frankfort #SmartNutrition #TrainAndRecover

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