How to deal with hunger

During training sessions and competitions many people have a sense of hunger. Physical exercise usually burns energy in the form of carbohydrates which means that they glycogen levels are reduced and hunger develops quickly. The intake of a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates either in fluid or solid form, such as a bar, is effective. Before and during long-lasting exertions easily digestible bars with readily assimilated carbohydrates and small quantities of protein and amino-acids are preferred. After sport exertion, carbohydrates are still recommended to restore the energy supplies, however, protein and amino-acids must not be forgotten to aid recovery of muscle fibre. In both cases, the presence of the vitamins (B, E, C, A) are essential together with mineral salts (potassium, magnesium, iron). Bars for sportsmen and women can be considered 'technical' foods, with ingredients and formulas designed to replenish the body which has been subject to intense physical exercise. For this reason, products with complex carbohydrates (cereal, honey, fructose, dried fruit, high value biological protein and amino-acids) are suitable.

Energy
Anyone who wants to be fitter and more energetic during sports activity needs to know that:
1. a suitable carbohydrate intake before and during exertion can really improve performance, especially during lengthy exercise;
2. carbohydrates taken after exertion allow a quicker and more complete recovery of during lengthy exercise;

Those who really want to make the best use of these energy supplements should realise that not all carbohydrates are equal and have the same effects on the body. The simple carbohydrates consist of monosaccharides or a combination of a small number of them; this group includes glucose, saccharose, fructose, lactose and others. The complex carbohydrates consist of a number of monosaccharides chained together; this large family also includes the starches, which are abundant in bread, pasta, potatoes etc. The simple carbohydrates can be assimilated rapidly by the body due to their elementary structure; they are consequently ideal during exertion and constitute the basis for energy giving products.
Enervit has chosen the ideal carbohydrates for you in every situation and has developed a complete range in either solid, granular or fluid form.

Maltodextrin and fructose: a winning combination
The simple carbohydrates supply energy rapidly, but raise the blood sugar level considerably, causing the release of insulin. After exertions, an increase in insulin can be useful as it helps accumulate energy in the muscles in the form of glycogen, but during exercise it hinders the use of fats as fuel, and can cause a faster decline in the available energy. The simple sugars are therefore suitable for recovering energy, but they can cause problems immediately before and during exertion (especially during the initial stages). The exception to this rule is fructose, which does not alter the blood sugar level or increase the insulin level. That is why Enervit uses fructose as the basis of its energy intake before and during physical activity, combining it with maltodextrin; these consist of carbohydrate chains of various lengths which supply energy gradually.