carbo-load
To consume large amounts of carbohydrate-rich food(s), such as pasta, rice, potatoes, etc., as a means of increasing stored energy in preparation for a major athletic event (e.g., a marathon). While some have questioned whether it really helps one's performance, I still carbo-load before every big race. I'm making a big pasta dinner for us so we can carbo-load ahead of the marathon tomorrow. OK, you're an experienced runner—when should I start to carbo-load? My race isn't till Saturday.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
carbo load
Consume a large amount of carbohydrate food, as in Karen began carbo loading three days before the road race. This term, a clipping of "carbohydrate loading," originated among marathon runners, who were advised to build up their strength before a race by eating quantities of foods like spaghetti. [1970s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.