[Shells]

I attend a bootcamp type exercise class 3 times a week. They last an hour and they are tough .....

My problem is that I burn out mid-way through the class and I have a pretty good idea its because I am not eating very many carbs which is what the body needs to do an extended period of exercise. I know that fat will also burn but I also know that its the carbs that give you the staying power as they burn quicker and are a more efficient energy source for the body.

So .... do any of you have the same problem?? I know that if my exercise for the day is a long walk then I am ok, the carbs don't play such an important role ...but for the fast and hard exercise I don't know what to do.

[Joy2MeNu]

You might be needing some extra protein in your diet. Perhaps consider some protein supplements to keep you burning fat, and not muscle, while you are in workout mode!

[Shells]

I have a high protein diet ..... its the fact that carbs turn to available glucose for your muscles that makes them so important for the exercise. Protein will also burn of course, but it takes much longer exercise to access protein into the sugars.

[readyfreddy]

Shells - 20 carbs is for those on moderate exercise. If you are doing extreme (boot camp) you may need more.

A thought is to try a 15 carb bfast on those days before your bootcamp and then eat light the rest of the day?

[mkroyer]

Try a pre workout shake consiting of (ideally) 30g High GI carbs and 15 g protein

[fatmad]

I also wonder about fat content. Over time, with enough fat intake, you burn fat more efficiently. But lots of us don't actually get enough fat. I feel much better since I upped my fat at jerseygirl's suggestion. I have more "staying" power, and don't burn out as fast. Don't exercise as intensely as you right now though. WHen I was quite intense during cross-country ski season last winter, I did eat more carbs, about 40g/day.