The Glycogen Primer

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The Glycogen Primer

Recipe by Dr. Kristi Funk
5.0 from 6 votes
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

serving
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

576

kcal
Protein

23

g
Fiber

19

g
Carbohyradtes

89

g
Total time

7

minutes

Scientific Insight: In a study published by the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found that consuming low-glycemic carbohydrates (like whole oats) 45–60 minutes before exercise resulted in a higher rate of fat oxidation and more sustained energy levels compared to high-glycemic alternatives.

The Ho’Omau Strategy: This is your primary “Fueling Floor” meal. Designed for the morning of a long-duration effort, these oats provide a high-volume, slow-release carbohydrate base that keeps blood sugar stable while restocking muscle glycogen. By utilizing whole oats and berries, we maximize fiber-bound energy without the insulin crash associated with processed cereals.

See Pure Food Talk | Briefing 001 for more on scaling your fuel during volume ramps

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • The Basics
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats or ½ cup steel cut

  • 1-2 cups plant-based milk (the less milk, the thicker your oats)

  • 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseeds

  • 1-2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 cup frozen berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)

  • Optional Additions
  • 1/4 tsp amla powder sprinkled on top of your oats to add the antioxidant power of the #1 superfruit in the world to your breakfast

  • 1 tbsp nuts or seeds to substitute ground flaxseeds (e.g., sliced almond, crushed pecans or walnuts; sunflower, chia, or hemp seeds)

  • 3 tsp chopped dried fruit (e.g., apricots, cherries, cranberries, raisins

  • 1 sliced banana

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 drizzle maple or agave syrup

  • 1/2 scoop vegan protein powder (any flavor)

  • 1 pinch orange or other citrus zest

Directions

  • Mix all ingredients into a serving bowl
  • Wait 2-5 minutes (10 hours for steel cut oats), or longer until your desired texture is achieved
  • Enjoy it cold

Notes

  • Science Reference: For a deep dive into how intact grains fuel endurance at a cellular level and the data behind the “Carbohydrate Floor,” visit our Science Log: Macronutrient Scaling.
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