Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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Hi, Just wondering if anyone has done any research or studies into the speed at which sweet potato is uptaken by the body and made available for use as an energy source. I am thinking in terms of a practical application, as a fairly low carbing crossfitter, when the best time (in terms of hours prior) to pre workout is to consume the starchy carb to aid fuelling the more glycotic pathway type workouts/wod's.

Thanks, Liam

edited Oct 6 2011 at 2:22

sage_
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asked Oct 5 2011 at 21:59

LiamDownUnder
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	I've been wondering this same thing -- I'm new to paleo, doing fairly low-carb (trying to lose weight) and just started CF. I keep reading that you should eat a sweet potato (or similar starchy veg) "right after" working out... not sure about the timing/practicality of that – goodgravymissmaisy Oct 5 2011 at 22:53
	You can take the sweet potato to the box with you and eat right after the workout or try to get the nutrition in you within 30 minutes post-WOD if you can for best results. – jesuisjuba - paleorepublic.com Oct 5 2011 at 23:47

miked · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-05 22:46:40Z UTC

For me, what works best is to have the sweet potatoes immediately post-WOD. You don't really need it pre-WOD because once you've gotten them converted to muscle glycogen, it'll stay there until you need it, so just replenish after the workout (when you're insulin is already up) and you'll be fine. Another benefit to not having them pre-WOD is that since they're starch, they will raise your insulin a bit, when your insulin is up, you have a much harder time pulling energy out of fat cells to be used, so if you're slightly hungry (not starving) and running on low insulin during the WOD you can both use your muscle glycogen and pull energy out of fat.

Jaimie · Answer 2 · 2011-10-05 22:32:43Z UTC

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My trainer has said its best to have post workout because your muscles need the sugar for repair..

answered Oct 5 2011 at 22:32

Jaimie
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cliff · Answer 3 · 2011-10-05 22:53:39Z UTC

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it doesn't matter. pre-workout might enable you to push it harder due to higher liver glycogen.

answered Oct 5 2011 at 22:53

cliff
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Suz - Paleo Oz · Answer 4 · 2011-10-06 12:50:14Z UTC

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Hey Liam - good to see another Aussie on here!

My housemate is a runner & has been experimenting with this. He's been consuming pre-workout with great results. Very interested to hear what works for you...

answered Oct 6 2011 at 12:50

Suz - Paleo Oz
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will let you know, playing around with it at the moment. crossfitter/triathlete and have noticed somewhat of an improvement on the runs, will keep you posted – LiamDownUnder Oct 20 2011 at 6:11

pbo · Answer 5 · 2011-10-06 14:43:47Z UTC

I would go with having the sweet potato post workout.

One additional point would be you might want to have a regular potato or possibly a yam as they have more starch, whereas sweet potatoes have been bread for sweetness and contain more fructose.

For more info see http://perfecthealthdiet.com/?p=1848

Sweet potato as energy source - speed and timing

5 Answers