carbohydrate loading

noun

the practice of eating high amounts of carbohydrates, sometimes after a period of low carbohydrate intake, for several days immediately before competing in an athletic event, especially a marathon, in order to store glycogen in the body, thereby providing greater reserves of energy.

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In Kehlet’s ERP design, for example, pre-habilitation for bowel surgery included carbohydrate loading to prepare the body for going without food during the hours-long procedure, and to help patients more quickly regain eating abilities after surgery.