Carbohydrates are important for athletes. The energy from carbohydrates is used to power the body during an event or a training session. Many athletes even go for a strategy that is known as “carb loading” to make sure that their body has an increased amount of energy stored in the muscles.

This is one way in which a vegetarian diet can really help an athlete and one of the reasons that so many endurance athletes have found vegetarian and vegan diets to be so beneficial. A vegetarian diet is almost certain to be high in carbohydrates, so it is easy to ensure that you have the amount of energy that you need to compete and train.

The trick to carb loading and getting the right amount of carbohydrates in a vegetarian athlete’s diet is to get the best healthy carbs and avoid food sources that are unhealthy carb providers. Whole grains will be one of your best sources for carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables are also good ways to introduce carbs to the diet. Sources to avoid include potatoes, white bread, pastries, and anything that is refined or processed.