Carbo-loading — increasing the intake of carbohydrate in the diet over a short period — is a popular technique among marathon racers as it increases energy stored in muscles that will improve overall performance.

Training website Livestrong.com says the five best foods for carbo-loading are pasta, potatoes, pancakes and waffles, rice and snack foods. It suggests avoiding a lot of cheese and fiber as their digestive effects aren't ideal on race day.

Carbo-loading is more effective if you start a week before the race, but you can aslo do it upto 12 hours prior to the the race. If you're carbo-loading the day before the race, we suggest you have an early dinner. Also try to avoid eating a lot of meat or other protein-rich food the day before the race - concentrate on carbohydrates.

We thought it would be a great idea to suggest some places that can provide the right food for you to carbo-load in preparation before the race.

Biella

Biella is a popular Italian restaurant in the malls here in Qatar. They are located in The Mall, Landmark Mall and The City Centre. It's a great place to carbo-load as they offer some great variety of Italian pastas and pizzas.

Carluccio's

Carluccio's is another great Italian restaurant that has plenty of carbohydrate on their menu. It will serve your need of stocking up on those much needed carbs for the sports day activities and at the same time, you will feel like you're in a restaurant in Italy.

After all, Carluccio's is located in The Pearl-Qatar that will give you a Venician experience. Try some of their great pastas and pizzas.

Maya La Chocolaterie

Maya La Chocolaterie is a place to go if you are looking for for some 'sweet' carbohydrates. This is the place if you're looking to indulge in some chocolate treatment before you get ready to run that tiring marathon for Sports Day.

Maya has a great selection of crepes and waffles that are ideal for carbo-loading. We recommend their popular Banana Crepe with a side of milk chocolate or Waffles with strawberries. They are located in Landmark Mall and Villaggio Mall.

If you have the Entertainer mobile app or book, you can redeem your buy-one-get-one-free vouchers at all the above listed restaurants. So take your marathon buddy along with you and stack up on those carbs.

Visit www.theentertainerme.com for more information.

Cover image courtesy of shortroundandfast.com