Overview
There is well documented evidence that ingesting dietary carbohydrate in large amounts tends to increase postprandial glucose. In healthy populations, this is not necessarily a problem, but continuous exposure to high levels of glucose-hyperglycemia-is a defining characteristic and risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Consuming a carbohydrate-rich food as the final food in a meal sequence has been shown to significantly reduce postprandial glucose excursions in both diabetes patients and in healthy controls. The exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not well understood, but one proposed course is simply that the vegetable and protein already being digested slows the rate of glucose rise.
Despite the findings, little-to-no research has examined how manipulating the order of foods in a meal impacts subsequent exercise responses. In this experimental crossover study, each participant will undergo two acute feeding conditions (carbohydrate-rich foods first vs. last in a meal), which will be followed by exercise 60 minutes later. We will observe the effects of meal order on postprandial glucose, substrate/fuel utilization, and subjective perceptions at rest and during 30 minutes of exercise.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Currently physically active (scheduled exercise at least three days per week for 30 minutes each time over the last three months)
- Ability to perform moderate-to-high intensity running for at least 30 minutes
Exclusion Criteria:
- Any allergy or other condition that would prohibit the consumption of poultry, rice, or broccoli
- Any injury or disease (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease except controlled asthma) precluding physical exercise
- Currently pregnant
- Implanted electrical devices such as a pacemaker.