It is well documented that the level of intensity that a player is capable of performing at is directly related to their glycogen stores (energy stored in the liver and muscles). It is therefore no surprise that players will attempt to keep these stores as ‘stocked up’ as possible by consuming carbohydrates prior to exercise. However it is not just the consumption of carbohydrates that is important, it is also the kind of carbohydrate, as some can be used for a short-term energy solution while others provided a more prolonged source. A simple process that can be used by players to determine what time span it takes for the carbohydrates to provide energy is to look at the foods Glycemic Index. The Glycemic Index has been devised to categorise items of food into a ranking system that illustrates how quickly it can increase blood glucose levels. Foods are classified into 3 group’s dependant on whether they are considered to be high, medium or low Glycemic index;

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