Walking Fuels Up: How Your Body Uses Carbohydrates for Energy
BOSTON, MA – A brisk walk isn’t just good for your heart; itS a powerful engine for carbohydrate metabolism. Understanding how your body utilizes carbs during exercise,specifically walking,can optimize energy levels and support weight management.
The process begins when we eat carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugars and transported through the bloodstream, according to the Mayo Clinic. This raises blood sugar,prompting the pancreas to release insulin,which lowers blood sugar and makes carbohydrates available for immediate energy or storage.
These carbohydrates are stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver, or as body fat. During walking,the body initially relies on these glycogen stores for fuel. A sufficient carbohydrate intake ensures ample glycogen reserves, enhancing walking endurance.
Harvard Health Publishing notes that walking burns approximately 200 to 400 calories per hour, depending on body size and workout intensity. To support this energy expenditure,the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines for Americans recommend obtaining 45 to 65 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public health identifies healthy carbohydrate sources as:
* Whole grains
* Fruits
* Vegetables
* Beans
Conversely, limiting refined carbohydrates like white rice and baked goods is advisable to avoid excess calories and potential weight gain. Ultimately, when calorie expenditure exceeds intake, the body turns to stored fat for energy, leading to weight reduction.
