simple sugars in the form of dextrose/maltodextin are needed to replenish muscle glycogen after intense training....post training insulin sensitivity is also increased so the simple sugars shuttle any nutrients such as bcaa's, creatine, ect. into the muscle cells...there are many other reasons why proper post workout nutrition is so important.
you guys who think its ok just to eat a pwo solid meal are missing the boat...there is much scientific data out there about the window of opportunity and why a pwo shake is needed for optimal recovery and growth.
I'm not saying that I totally disagree with you, but you need to ask yourself some questions. Why is it important to replenish glycogen after a workout and how does this equate to muscle growth. The average male stores about 300 grams of glycogen in the muscles and about 100 or so in the liver. How much of this are you using during a workout?? I have heard so much talk about how important the molecular weight is as far as the type of carbs used when taking insulin, but no one seems to be able to tell us why it is so important?
Protein is the main nutrient that you need to build muscle and using BCAA are IMO a good idea, but I think that too much emphasis is being put on carbs than protein. Once a muscle is damaged you need protein to rebuild. I also understand about insulin shuttling nutrients into the muscle and this is true, but there is also a huge difference in taking something like Celltech after a workout to stimulate you own insulin levels and taking 15 to 30 units of insulin a day so we may be on two different pages here.
BTW, it's not the sugar that is shuttling or acting as a carrier for the nutrients, but the insulin itself that is creating the anabolic environment and therefore giving your body the ability to repair and stimulate growth of the muscle. I have known plenty of guy to use a low carb diet and grow just the same when using insulin. As long as your essential fats are present you will grow. Remember that the carbs are there to cover the effects of low blood sugar from the insulin. I do not think that carbs are as important as people might think other than for the reasons that I have stated.. I would love to here other opinions as I am always open to knew ideas and info.
