Fall 2024 - 16

POLICE
CARB CONSCIOUS
The importance of carbohydrates in the tactical athlete's diet
By Daniel Borowick, MS, CSCS, Former DEA Special Agent, Founder of DOMEX Strength & Fitness
T
actical athletes, members of law enforcement,
firefighters, first responders, and the military
field are in careers that require a keen awareness
of nutritional intake for optimal performance
throughout their day.
In theory, the human body is like a vehicle. For
the vehicle to run efficiently, the proper amount of
gasoline needs to be placed in the vehicle. Proper
nutritional adherence focuses on macronutrients -
protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Macronutrients are
the chemicals needed by the body in great amounts
for sustainability throughout the day. Also, the body
needs adequate amounts of micronutrients, which
are vitamins and minerals. They are both chemicals
that the body requires to function properly. For
the body to perform at optimal levels, a proper
understanding of these nutrients should be adhered
to. These three all act upon the body in different
ways but give the body calories and energy for life's
16 | Tactical Training & Conditioning | Fall 2024
daily activities. However, of all the macronutrients,
carbohydrates are considered the body's main fuel
source for energy.
Carbohydrates can be in three forms - simple
carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, and
dietary fiber. Carbohydrates help the onset
of fatigue in the body which sustains you not
only in your workouts but during the day. What
sets them apart are their units of sugar. Simple
carbohydrates are fast-acting because of their
structure and are used primarily for a short and
quick burst of energy because they raise blood
glucose levels.
Complex carbohydrates are slow-acting and
are appropriately used for long-term energy.
Complex carbohydrates are found in whole
grains, starchy vegetables, oatmeals, and brown
rice. Complex carbohydrates are more commonly
utilized before athletic competitions and benefit

Fall 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fall 2024