Paleo Friendly Carb Sources for Intense Training Sessions

What about beets? I've heard the nitrates are great for blood flow, but I’m not sure about the carb load. Are they enough for a heavy session?

I have been Paleo for a while now but I am finding that my energy levels for my heavy squats and deadlifts are starting to dip. I know that I need more carbs for these intense sessions but I want to stay within the Paleo guidelines.

I already eat sweet potatoes and bananas but I am looking for some other options to help me fuel my workouts. Have any of you tried using things like plantains or honey around your training? I am in Canada and it is hard to find a lot of tropical fruit in the winter.

What are your favorite pre workout carb sources that do not cause bloating or energy crashes? I really want to keep my performance high as I move into a more intense phase of my training program. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I hear you, CarbCutter. The "low carb flu" is a real nightmare when you're trying to hit PRe. I found that upping my intake of sweet potatoes made a massive difference. I usually roast a big batch on Sundays so I can just grab them after a session at the gym here in London.

Sweet potatoes are solid, but plantains are the real MVP for heavy lifting. Down here in Texas, I fry them up in some coconut oil. They’re way more carb-dense than regular potatoes and they don't leave me feeling bloated before squats.

Totally agree with the plantain suggestion. Another good one is kabocha squash. It's a bit lower on the glycemic index but it sits really well in the stomach. I usually have a bowl with some sea salt about 90 minutes before I head to the rink.

Has anyone tried using raw honey right before a set? I've seen some guys at my local club doing it. Seems a bit 'anti-paleo' to some purists but it’s definitely a natural sugar source.

I use honey! A tablespoon in my pre-workout tea works wonders. It's much better than those artificial gels they sell at the chemists. Keeps me going through my morning hill sprints in the rain.

I stick to white potatoes mostly. I know the "paleo police" used to ban them, but the consensus has shifted. If you're training for hypertrophy, you need the glucose. Just avoid the chips and fries obviously!

Spot on, MapleLeafFan. I think the whole 'no white potato' thing was a bit overblown for athletes. If I’m doing a double session, I’ll even have some white rice—I call it 'Paleo-ish' since it's a safe starch.

Rice is a slippery slope, man. I prefer cassava. It's a bit more 'earthy' but the carb count is through the roof. Perfect for those 2-hour sessions.

Anyone using dates? I usually keep a bag of Medjool dates in my gym bag. Two of those mid-workout and I feel like I've had an espresso shot.

Dates are lovely but they’re so easy to overeat! I find myself snacking on them in my flat even when I haven't trained. Need a bit more self-colour... I mean self-control, haha.

I tried the plantain trick this morning. TXguy99, you weren't kidding. I hit a 5lb PR on my bench and felt like I could have done more. The coconut oil really makes them taste like a cheat meal.

Told ya! It's the secret weapon of the Paleo lifter.

Beets are great for the 'pump', but I wouldn't rely on them as your main carb. Maybe mix them into a salad with some roasted parsnips? Parsnips are surprisingly high in sugar once you roast them until they're caramelised.

I do a beet and carrot juice before my cardio days. For strength days though, I definitely need the starch from a tuber. Carrots just don't cut it when the bar is heavy.

Does anyone bother with tapioca? I found some tapioca starch crackers at a health food shop in Leeds. They’re basically pure carbs but very light.

I've used tapioca flour to thicken stews. Never thought of it as a standalone carb source. Might be worth a look if I get bored of potatoes.

I made some 'Paleo bread' with tapioca and almond flour. It was... okay. A bit rubbery. I think I'd rather just eat the potato.

Rubbery bread is the worst. Stick to whole foods, man. If nature didn't make it look like a loaf, don't try to force it.