SPORTS NUTRITION
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Sports Nutrition – Optimise Your Performance
Have you ever wondered how you could be a better athlete, have more stamina and optimise your performance, of course you have. All athletes want to come in first place and to do so you must have a competitive edge over your opponents. By knowing the different components of sports nutrition and applying them daily to your routine and training regimen, you can optimise your performance and come out on top the winner.
There are many factors of sports nutrition, the first being hydration. It is critical to properly hydrate your body and maintain hydration for peak performance. Almost every process of the human body requires water. The average person needs 8 cups of water per day to stay hydrated. However, athletes need more because they lose their water easily through sweat and urine. The daily water intake for an athlete fluctuates based on several variables such as, the individual’s body, weather conditions, the sport they are participating in, and the rate in which their body perspires to name a few. Drinking small amounts of cool water often, even when you are not thirsty will help keep your body hydrated.
Another factor of sports nutrition is a balanced diet. Food is the body’s source of fuel and when your diet is a balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats your energy level will be set on high. The amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats needed by the body will be different from one athlete to another depending on their fitness level, the intensity of the sport they are competing in, and their total daily calorie intake. A sports nutritionist can access these variables and give the proper levels of each to best suit your body’s specific needs.
Carbohydrates are the most important fuel source because the body converts the sugars and starches into energy. If there are not enough carbohydrates in an athlete’s diet, the body will burn protein as a secondary energy source, which will reduce the overall performance level. The purpose of protein in an athlete’s diet is to give the body power and to help build up new tissues and fluids. The body burns protein as a secondary energy source or stores it as fat. The body needs fat in small amounts to assist with bodily functions and burns it as a source for energy.
Vitamins, minerals and health supplements also play an important role in sports nutrition. When coupled with proper hydration and a balanced diet, vitamins, minerals, and health supplements help the body to run and perform in peak condition. Vitamins and minerals are essential to the body, aiding all bodily functions such as muscle growth and development, digestion by converting food into fuel and energy, tissue repair, and strong bones to name a few.
Health supplements work alongside vitamins and minerals, filling any gaps and aiding peak performance. Health supplements help improve force and stamina, energize muscles, increase muscle mass, repair and develop muscle, keeps the mind sharp, supplies energy to muscles and boosts overall health and wellness.
Proper sports nutrition will assist you in performing at an optimised level. You should always consult with a personal trainer, sports nutritionist, or doctor before starting any exercise or supplement regimen. By discussing your needs with them, they can help you formulate a plan that will combine proper hydration, a balanced diet, specific vitamin and mineral needs, and any necessary health supplements that will ensure you perform at the top of your game and have the most optimised performance possible.