why is this and anyone else have this?

[tygra]

So, I've never had a real sweet tooth. Usually craved salt. Since I've started really kicking up my workouts (mainly Cathe) - similar to the Bootcamp rotation and Jan 06, I get incredible cravings for sweets now....what could be causing it? Anything in particular or just that I'm craving more sweets now then before?

TIA

 

[pink_fortitude]

Don't have any scientific or degreed answer but when you up the intensity of your cardio, you burn a lot of glycogen (carbs, carbs, carbs). Your body is trying to replenish your glycogen levels and sugar is the quickest way to get it.

HTH
Missy

 

[FiddleFit]

I agree with Missy. Your body wants some extra carbohydrates to restore your muscles' glycogen supplies. Simple carbs like sugar are absorbed by the muscles the fastest, but if you want to avoid sugar, just try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into your eating.

Sandra
- also not a degreed answer; just based on reading a sports nutrition book by Nancy Clark.

 

[kathryn]

I agree with Missy and Sandra.

It's a good idea to refuel right after a tough workout by having something easily digestible (like a smoothie) that has about 4 parts carbs to 1 part protein (I use a Vega smoothie, in rice milk or juice--to up the carb content. When I did a P90X rotation, I would drink a soy milk based beverage --Power Dream--that had about that macronutrient breakdown).

By giving your body carbohydrates when it needs them (right after a workout), you might find that your cravings for sweets diminish, because you body got what it needed when it needed it).

Here's and article that might help:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/Nutrition_articles.asp?id=627&page=3

 

[tygra]

Thanks so much everyone for your help! Appreciate it!