And yes, that includes potatoes…
Kevin David Rail, fitness expert at Trainingnets.com shares his thoughts with ATV Today Health. Are you eating your carbs all wrong? Science says you might be, especially if you’re skipping cold pasta, rice, or even potatoes in your diet.
According to fitness expert Kevin David Rail, chilled carbs could be the unexpected secret to better weight management, gut health, and sustained energy, a trick even top footballers use to stay at peak performance.
The Science of Cold Carbs: Why Athletes Swear By Them
“When you cook and cool foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes, their starch transforms into something called resistant starch,” explains Rail. “This type of carb digests more like fiber, meaning it slows down sugar absorption, helps regulate appetite, and provides long-lasting energy. That’s why elite footballers often fuel up with cold carb-based meals before big matches.”
Wait… Cold Potatoes? Don’t Be Scared!
Potatoes have long been demonized in diet culture, but the truth is, they’re packed with nutrients and can actually help with weight loss—especially when cooled. “Forget the fear of potatoes,” Rail insists. “When you eat cold potatoes in a salad or as leftovers, their resistant starch content increases, making them better for blood sugar control and gut health.”
How to Use Cold Carbs for Weight Loss and Energy
Even if you’re not a pro athlete, you can steal their secret to keep energy levels stable and reduce cravings: Cook, cool, and reheat – The resistant starch remains even when you warm the food back up. Make meal-prep your best friend – Cold pasta, rice, and potato salads aren’t just easy—they’re backed by science. Pair with protein and fats – Adding lean proteins and healthy fats can further enhance the metabolism-boosting effects.
Elite Athletes Do It, So Why Aren’t You?
“This is a small change that can lead to big results,” Rail concludes. “If top footballers rely on cold carbs to perform at their best, there’s no reason everyday fitness enthusiasts shouldn’t try it too.” So next time you’re avoiding pasta, rice, or potatoes, think again—your body (and your waistline) might thank you.
