GLOSSARY

Macronutrient Periodization adjusts the amounts or distribution of carbohydrate, protein and fat across training phases. The rationale differs between nutrients and should preserve overall adequacy.

Periodization adjusts nutrition across sessions, days or training phases to support the work and its goals. Carbohydrate can be concentrated around demanding or important sessions while the broader diet still meets energy and nutrient needs. A lower-demand day can also be a recovery or preparation day, so rest does not imply that food or carbohydrate should be removed. Describe what changes, when and why, and evaluate the quality of subsequent training rather than treating variation itself as beneficial.

Training with reduced carbohydrate availability is a specific strategy rather than a synonym for all fasted exercise. Low muscle glycogen, reduced liver glycogen and withholding carbohydrate during a session are different manipulations. Some can alter molecular signaling, but a larger signaling response does not guarantee superior long-term performance. Reduced session quality and inadequate energy supply are relevant tradeoffs. Important high-intensity work and competition often require sufficient carbohydrate, and chronic underfueling should not be presented as a necessary adaptation method.