343: How to Fuel for Health

In this episode of the Fast Talk podcast, experts Dr. Mikki Williden and Dr. Paul Laursen challenge the common practice in endurance sports nutrition of consuming high levels of simple sugars—sometimes as much as 120 grams per hour. They stress the importance of balancing health with performance, highlighting research that reveals the negative health effects of excessive sugar intake, even among athletes. The conversation advocates for a focus on whole foods and essential micronutrients, encouraging a move away from processed carbohydrates like gels in favor of nutrient-rich options such as fruits, vegetables, and natural protein sources. They also delve into the advantages of fat adaptation and the strategic timing of carbohydrate intake, while offering solutions for digestive issues that often arise from high sugar consumption in athletes.