That’s a gross oversimplification, but what’s helpful about this book is that it’s actually for athletes in training; not just another all-purpose nutrition guide.

According to the authors, carbohydrates are our primary source of fuel — something most athletes know. But what they don’t often understand, is that our stores of carbohydrate energy are extremely limited: 450 to 475 grams. Interestingly, athletes can actually increase this capacity by utilizing a high-carbohydrate diet. As the result of a high carbohydrate diet, the body manufactures more glycogen-storing enzymes, which can actually double carbohydrate storage capacity.

As I’ve begun to integrate their thinking into my own eating patterns, I notice both a sound awareness of how strength and energy comes from food, as well as an increased feeling of preparedness before, during and after workouts. For those who feel like nutrition for performance has been a guessing game, this is a great book. The authors make extra efforts dispel confusion around supplements and other tactics that may or may not actually be as effective as a balanced, well-timed diet.