Carbohydrate loading is a frequently used technique to improve performance by altering an athlete's diet. The objective is to increase glycogen stored in muscles for use in prolonged strenuous exercise. For two to three days, the athlete consumes a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein while continuing to exercise and deplete muscles of their glycogen. The diet is then drastically changed to a low-fat, moderate-protein, high-carbohydrate diet for two to three days prior to the event. During this time, training should be light. On the day of competition, the athlete may eat whatever he or she feels will enhance performance, avoiding high-fat foods and sweets. This is an effective practice for endurance exercises which last an hour or more. Carbohydrate loading should be undertaken with the supervision of a physician. (DC)