What is carbohydrate loading?

Carbohydrate loading is a technique used to increase the stores of glycogen in the muscles before an endurance event.

The process usually takes place over 1 week. On day 1 a carbohydrate depletion event should take place, to reduce carbohydrates in the body. On days 2-3 a low carb and high protein diet should be followed. On day 4 a final carb depletion activity should be completed. Then on days 5-7 tapering and a high carb diet should be followed.