Idioms

carbo load

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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]
See also: carbo, load
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.
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References in periodicals archive
It has therefore been postulated that the addition of protein to carbohydrate-rich sip drinks would enhance the clinical benefits of carbohydrate loading. Importantly, by using non-particulate, fat-free, lactose-free protein sources, carbohydrate drinks containing medical nutrition therapy-grade protein still meet the characteristics of a 'clear' fluid.
High-fat diet versus habitual diet prior to carbohydrate loading: effects of exercise metabolism and cycling performance.
The night before marathons can see pasta parties, but this "carbohydrate loading" only benefits athletes.
"She is discussing topics like carbohydrate loading and fluid intake, which she believes are vital to today's footballers.
Today, endurance athletes know they can prolong activity by practicing carbohydrate loading prior to extended training sessions or long competitive events.
Finally, you need to be more concerued with carbohydrate loading prior to the race than during it.
It's possible for athletes competing in events lasting 90 minutes or longer to increase performance by carbohydrate loading. This dietary practice requires eating lots of carbohydrate-rich foods at least three days before a competition.
Many well-intentioned coaches have engaged in some questionable practices such as depriving their athletes of fluids and recommending: (1) such foods as french fries as a high-carbohydrate pre-game meal, (2) the use of salt tablets, (3) the use of candy bars prior to competition, and (4) the use of a spaghetti dinner the night before a competition as a means of "carbohydrate loading."
The classic "carbohydrate loading" regimen took a week and called for depleting the body's stores of glycogen through exercise and a low-carbohydrate diet, followed by rest and a very high carbohydrate intake.
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