Glycogen

Carbohydrate is stored in the muscle AND liver; the storage form of carbohydrate is called glycogen; it is what you rely on for energy during long bouts of exercise. You store approximately 300-400 grams (1200- 1600 calories) of glycogen in you muscle and about 75-100 grams (300-400 calories) in your liver. Your liver stores help regulate your blood sugar; so after a night of sleep your liver stores are depleted. This is why you need to include good carbohydrate in your breakfast!

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian for Ben Hogan Sports Medicine and serves as the sports dietitian for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, FC Soccer Dallas, Jim McClean Golf School, Texas Christian University Athletics, and University of Texas at Arlington Athletics. In addition, she is an adjunct professor and dietetic intern preceptor for Texas Woman’s University, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington and is a state media representative for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . She received her Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications from Texas Christian University and Masters in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University.