Sports Nutrition for
Health Professionals

Carbohydrates serve as the body’s preferred energy
source and help to fend off the fatigue and exhaustion
that threatens the end of a prolonged workout. In recent
years there has been a backlash against carbohydrates

in popular diets, lay media stories, and now to some ex-
tent even in the scientific literature. While carbohydrates

such as refined sugars can pose health problems,
healthful carbohydrates chosen in appropriate amounts

and at the appropriate times can benefit athletic per-
formance, weight management, and optimal health.