carbohydrate – simple sugars and starches that provide a quick source of muscle energy. One gram has 4 calories. Carbos are plentiful in fruits, grains, potatoes, breads, bagels, pasta, etc., and once converted in the body to glycogen, are stored in the liver and muscles. It is the muscles’ preferred endurance fuel, but human body can store only about 4,000 calories of carbohydrate.

A snack that is usually made up with either high protein or carbohydrates. Triathletes use these during racing and training for easy “food on the go.” They are wrapped like a candybar and are easy to eat and carry.

fat – an essential nutrient in food that is also stored in the body. Even highly–fit athletes with low body–fat levels store about 50,000 calories of fat that can be used as energy.

folic acid – considered brain food, folic acid is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. Functioning as a coenzyme in DNA synthesis, it is important for healthy cell division and replication, especially the rapid changing muscle and blood cells of athletes.

gels – carbohydrate gels.

GI distress – Gastro-Intestinal condition resulting from carbo imbalances, muscular and digestive tract problems.

glucose – a sugar, energy-producing fuel of the cells.

glycogen – a sequence of glucose molecules that forms the principal carbohydrate storage material in the body and muscles’ preferred fuel for endurance exercise.

glycogen window – period within one to two hours after exhaustive exercise that refuels the muscles more rapidly than if feeding is delayed.

gorp – a high-energy mix of dry fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, etc.