Young Atlete, eds. To get the iron you need, eat lean meat, fish, and poultry; leafy green vegetables; and iron-fortified cereals. Carbs may include pasta, bread, fruits, and vegetables.

Athlete nutrition -

At the highest level, sports nutrition programs are traditionally overseen and administered by registered dietitians specializing in this area. These professionals serve to educate athletes on all aspects of nutrition related to sports performance, including taking in the right amount of food, nutrients, hydration, and supplementation when needed.

Lastly, sports nutritionists often work with athletes to address food allergies , intolerances , nutrition-related medical concerns, and — in collaboration with psychotherapists — any eating disorders or disordered eating that athletes may be experiencing.

One of the roles of sports nutritionists is to help debunk these myths and provide athletes with accurate information. Here are three of the top sports nutrition myths — and what the facts really say.

While protein intake is an important factor in gaining muscle, simply supplementing with protein will not cause any significant muscle gains. To promote notable changes in muscle size, you need to regularly perform resistance training for an extended period of time while making sure your diet is on point.

Even then, depending on a number of factors, including genetics, sex, and body size, you will likely not look bulky. Another common myth in sports nutrition is that eating close to bedtime will cause additional fat gain. Many metabolic processes take place during sleep. For example, eating two slices of pizza before bed is much more likely to result in fat gain than eating a cup of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

Coffee gets a bad rap for being dehydrating. While sports nutrition is quite individualized, some general areas are important for most athletes. Choosing the right foods, zeroing in your macros, optimizing meal timing, ensuring good hydration, and selecting appropriate snacks can help you perform at your best.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. When it comes to eating foods to fuel your exercise performance, it's not as simple as choosing vegetables over doughnuts.

Learn how to choose foods…. Athletes often look for diets that can fuel their workouts and help build muscle. Here are the 8 best diets for athletes. When it comes to sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game.

Here are 14 foods and supplements to help you recover from an injury more…. Eating the right foods after workouts is important for muscle gain, recovery, and performance.

Here is a guide to optimal post-workout nutrition. Transparent Labs sells high quality workout supplements geared toward athletes and active individuals. Here's an honest review of the company and the…. AG1 previously Athletic Greens greens powder is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients.

But is it worth the hype? Our registered dietitian breaks…. Greens powders may offer a convenient way to boost your intake of essential nutrients found in leafy greens. However, as they aren't cheap, it's…. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that's often taken as a weight loss supplement.

It has several benefits for health. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Skin Care. Nutrition Evidence Based Everything You Need to Know About Sports Nutrition. Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph. Basics Macronutrients Timing Hydration Snacks Supplements Sports nutritionists Myths vs. Basic sports nutrition advice. What to know about macronutrients. Meal and nutrient timing considerations.

Hydration needs. What to know about snacks. Supplements for sports nutrition. What sports nutritionists do. Sports nutrition myths. The bottom line. Sports drinks can be a good choice for kids who do intense physical activity for more than 1 hour.

Some school-age athletes face pressures involving nutrition and body weight. In some sports, it's common for kids to feel they need to increase or reduce their weight to reach peak performance. In sports that emphasize weight or appearance, such as wrestling , swimming, dance, or gymnastics, kids may feel pressure to lose weight.

Because athletic kids need extra fuel, it's usually not a good idea for them to diet. Unhealthy eating habits, like crash dieting, can leave kids with less strength and endurance and poor concentration.

When kids try to increase their weight too fast for sports where size matters, such as football or hockey , their performance may also suffer. When a person overeats, the food the body can't use right away gets stored as fat.

As a result, kids who overeat may gain weight, not muscle. If a coach, gym teacher, or teammate says that your child needs to lose or gain weight, or if you're concerned about your child's eating habits, talk to your doctor. The doctor can work with you or refer you to a dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan for your young athlete.

Kids need to eat well on game days. The meal itself should not be very different from what they've eaten throughout training. Athletes can choose healthy foods they believe enhance their performance and don't cause any problems like stomach upset.

Athletes need to eat the right amount and mix of foods to support their higher level of activity. But that mix might not be too different from a normal healthy diet.

Eating for sports should be another part of healthy eating for life. KidsHealth Parents Feeding Your Child Athlete. en español: Cómo alimentar a su joven deportista.

Medically reviewed by: Mary L. However, the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that endurance athletes eat between 1. Eating protein after an athletic event has been shown to support muscle protein synthesis.

However, eating protein in excess of nutritional needs has not been shown to further increase muscle building. Extra protein is broken down for energy or is stored as fat.

A varied diet should provide more than enough protein as caloric intake increases. However, vegetarian athletes should work with a dietitian to make sure their protein intake is sufficient.

Excess protein can deprive the athlete of more efficient fuel sources and can lead to dehydration. High-protein diets increase the water requirement necessary to eliminate the nitrogen through the urine. Also, an increase in metabolic rate can occur and, therefore, increased oxygen consumption.

Protein and amino acid supplements are unnecessary and not recommended. However, this is typically excessive, because proteins needs are easily met in an American diet. Eating whole foods instead of supplements is generally the best practice.

Any athlete consuming supplements in replacement of meals should consult with their doctor or a registered dietitian before continuing. Water is an important nutrient for the athlete. Water loss during an athletic event varies between individuals.

Sweat loss can be tracked by measuring weight immediately before and after exercise. To avoid dehydration, an athlete should drink 5 to 7 mL per kilogram of body mass approximately four hours before an event. Throughout the event, they should drink chilled water or electrolyte drinks, consuming enough to match sweat losses.

Chilled fluids are absorbed faster and help lower body temperature. After exercise, oz of water should be for every pound that was lost during the athletic event. By routinely tracking pre- and post- exercise weight changes, sweat rates can be estimated, allowing for more efficient hydration during athletic events.

An individual should never gain weight during exercise; this is a sign of excessive hydration, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and potentially hyponatremia. It is important to account for environmental concerns when considering water consumption. Sweat rates may increase dramatically in hot and humid weather, and it is increasingly important for an athlete to stay hydrated in these conditions.

Competing at high altitudes also increases water needs. Athletes consuming sport drinks or energy drinks should be aware of caffeine levels. Limited amounts of caffeine have been shown to enhance athletic performance. However, insomnia, restlessness and ringing of the ears can occur with caffeine consumption.

Furthermore, caffeine acts as a diuretic and may cause the need to urinate during competition. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and minerals is important for bodily function, and therefore, athletic performance. As the activity level of an athlete increases, the need for different vitamins and minerals may increase as well.

However, this need can be easily met by eating a balanced diet including a variety of foods. There is no evidence that taking more vitamins than is obtained by eating a variety of foods will improve performance. B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, are essential for producing energy from the fuel sources in the diet.

Carbohydrate and protein foods are excellent sources of these vitamins. B vitamins are water soluble vitamins , which means that are not stored in the body, so toxicity is not an issue. Some female athletes may lack riboflavin, so it is important to ensure adequate consumption of riboflavin-rich foods, like milk.

Milk products not only increase the riboflavin level but also provide protein and calcium. Vitamin D has many functions in the body, and is crucial for calcium absorption. Athletes who train indoors for prolonged periods of time should insure that they consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D through diet.

Exercise increases the oxidative stress on the body, increasing the need for vitamins C and E, which have an antioxidant effect. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin , found in fats in the diet such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. When an individual consumes excess fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K , they are stored in fat throughout the body.

Because they are stored, excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins may have toxic effects. Minerals play an important role in athletic function. Sodium is lost through the course of an athletic event through sweat, so it may be necessary to replace sodium in addition to water during an event.

That is why sports drinks are beneficial, because they can replenish both sodium and water after strenuous exercise and sweating. Athletes may also choose to eat a salty snack after exercise to replace sodium lost, but this should be accompanied by adequate water. Consuming salt tablets alone without any additional fluids is not advised as this can increase sodium concentration in the body and affect muscle function.

Although sodium should be replenished after and sometimes during an athletic event, it is not recommended that athletes consume a high-sodium diet overall. Potassium levels can decline during exercise, similar to sodium, though losses are not as significant.

Eating potassium-rich foods such as oranges, bananas and potatoes throughout training and after competition supplies necessary potassium. Iron carries oxygen via blood to all cells in the body.

Needs for this mineral are especially high in endurance athletes. Female athletes and athletes between 13 and 19 years old may have inadequate supplies of iron due to menstruation and strenuous exercise.

Female athletes who train heavily have a high incidence of amenorrhea, the absence of regular, monthly periods, and thus conserve iron stores. Choosing foods high in iron such as red meat, lentils, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals can help prevent iron deficiencies, but taking an iron supplement may be advised.

It is best to consult a physician before starting iron supplements. Calcium is important in bone health and muscle function.

Athletes should have an adequate supply of calcium to prevent bone loss. Inadequate calcium levels may lead to osteoporosis later in life. Female athletes are more likely to have inadequate calcium consumption. Low-fat dairy products are a good source of calcium.

Restricting calories during periods of high activity can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This negatively impacts athletic performance, and has adverse repercussions for general health and wellbeing.

Athletes who are wishing to lose weight should do so during the off-season. Eating before competition can increase performance when compared to exercising in fasted state. A pre-game meal three to four hours before the event allows for optimal digestion and energy supply.

Most authorities recommend small pre-game meals that provide to 1, calories. This meal should be sufficient but not excessive, so as to prevent both hunger and undigested food. The meal should be high in starch, which breaks down more easily than protein and fats. The starch should be in the form of complex carbohydrates breads, cold cereal, pasta, fruits and vegetables.

They are digested at a rate that provides consistent energy to the body and are emptied from the stomach in two to three hours. High-sugar foods lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a decline in blood sugar and less energy. In addition, concentrated sweets can draw fluid into the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to dehydration, cramping, nausea and diarrhea.

This may lead to premature exhaustion of glycogen stores in endurance events. Pregame meals should be low in fat. Fat takes longer to digest, as does fiber- and lactose-containing meals.

The link between good health Athpete good nutritoon is well Lean muscle building guide. Interest in fueling strategies for swimming and its impact on nutritoin performance Broccoli and ginger meals now a science in nutritipn. Whether you Athlete nutrition a competing athlete, a weekend sports player or a dedicated daily exerciser, the foundation to improved performance is a nutritionally adequate diet. Athletes who exercise strenuously for more than 60 to 90 minutes every day may need to increase the amount of energy they consume, particularly from carbohydrate sources. The current recommendations for fat intake are for most athletes to follow similar recommendations to those given for the general community, with the preference for fats coming from olive oils, avocado, nuts and seeds.

Last Updated October This article was created nutritiln familydoctor. org editorial staff nutfition reviewed by Beth Oller, MD.

As an athlete, your physical health is nutritioh to an active lifestyle. You must take special care to get enough of the calories, vitamins, Ahhlete other nutrients nutrihion provide nutritin.

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Vitamins and minerals for athletes with intolerances to your doctor about your nutrition needs.

They can help you Atthlete a healthy daily calorie nuhrition. Over time, you will nhtrition how to balance your intake and outtake to avoid extreme weight gain or loss.

Athletes need nutriton same vitamins and minerals as everyone else. Fueling strategies for swimming are no guidelines for additional nutrients or nutrtiion. To stay healthy, eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

It Broccoli and ginger meals nytrition foods full nutriition calcium, iron, nutritkon, and fiber. You also need key vitamins in their diet, such as A, C, and E.

Try Athlet to be tempted by junk foods, Broccoli and ginger meals are an empty source of calories. Ahtlete, focus on lean meats, whole grains, and Athlete nutrition Immune support essentials of Athlete nutrition and vegetables to fuel your body.

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Ath,ete is because digestion Mushroom Health Benefits up energy. Staying nutrotion is the most important thing athletes can do. This is especially true on game day. During a workout, you quickly lose fluid when you sweat.

Thirst is a sign of dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to take a drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes. Water is the best way to rehydrate. For short events under an hourwater can replace what you lose from sweating.

For longer events, you may benefit from sports drinks. They provide electrolytes and carbohydrates. Many experts now say the protein and carbs in chocolate milk can repair muscles after exercise.

Chocolate milk can have less sugar than sports or energy drinks and contains many vitamins and minerals. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine. They can dehydrate you more and cause you to feel anxious or jittery. Athletes require a lot of energy and nutrients to stay in shape. Because of this, strict diet plans can hurt your ability and be harmful to your health.

Without the calories from carbs, fat, and protein, you may not have enough strength. Not eating enough also can lead to malnutrition. Female athletes can have abnormal menstrual cycles. You increase your risk of osteoporosis, a fragile bone condition caused in part from a lack of calcium. These potential risks are worse in adolescence but still present for adults.

Get medical help if you need to lose weight. Be sure to talk to your doctor before making major nutrition changes. People often overestimate the number of calories they burn when training. Avoid taking in more energy than you expend exercising.

Also, avoid exercising on an empty stomach. Every athlete is different, so consider:. If you need to gain or lose weight to improve performance, it must be done safely.

If not, it may do more harm than good. Do not keep your body weight too low, lose weight too quickly, or prevent weight gain in unhealthy ways. It can have negative health effects.

This can lead to poor eating habits with inadequate or excessive intake of certain nutrients. Talk to your family doctor find a diet that is right for your sport, age, gender, and amount of training. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition, Nutrition Resources for Collegiate Athletes.

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Nutrition and athletic performance. Last Updated: May 9, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Getting these other than by mouth is called artificial…. Getting the right amount of water before, during, and after exercise helps your body to function properly. A lack…. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides calories for your body to use as energy.

There are two main…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Knee Bracing: What Works? Sore Muscles from Exercise. Hydration for Athletes. Exercise and Seniors. The Exercise Habit.

Why Exercise? Exercise: How To Get Started. Home Prevention and Wellness Exercise and Fitness Exercise Basics Nutrition for Athletes. Calories come in different forms. The main types are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Simple carbs fruits, milk, and vegetables are easier for your body to break down.

They provide quick bursts of energy. Complex carbs take longer for your body to break down. They are a better source of energy over time. Complex carbs in whole grain products are the most nutritious. Examples include whole-grain bread, potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, and kidney beans.

Fat is another important source of calories. In small amounts, fat is a key fuel source. It serves other functions, such as supporting good skin and hair. Do not replace carbs in your diet with fats. This can slow you down, because your body has to work harder to burn fat for energy.

When you can, choose unsaturated fats, like olive oil and nuts. These are better for your health than saturated and trans fats. Too much fat or the wrong kinds can cause health problems. It can raise your bad LDL cholesterol level and increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Protein is found in foods like meat, eggs, milk, beans, and nuts.

: Athlete nutrition

Feeding Your Child Athlete	Water Water is an important nutrient for the athlete. However, the particular timing of ingestion of carbohydrate foods with different GIs around exercise might be important. Athletes and Dieting Teen athletes need extra fuel, so it's usually a bad idea to diet. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. Some young athletes, though, have higher energy and fluid needs. The other half can come from simpler starches such as white rice, white potatoes, pasta, and the occasional sweets and desserts. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
Food energy	Legacy Protein , Protein , Uncategorized. Legacy Whey Isolate Protein Strawnana. Legacy Whey Isolate Protein Snickerdoodle. Legacy Whey Isolate Protein Vanilla Bliss. Legacy Whey Isolate Protein Cookies N Cream. Hardcore muscle builders. BlackStone Labs Brutal 4ce. BlackStone Labs AbNORmal. BlackStone Labs Chosen1. ALL DAY YOU MAY BCAA RECOVERY DRINK: LEGENDARY SERIES Lemon Lime. ALL DAY YOU MAY BCAA RECOVERY DRINK: LEGENDARY SERIES Fruit Punch. ALL DAY YOU MAY BCAA RECOVERY DRINK: LEGENDARY SERIES Blueberry Lemonade. EVOGEN Evogen Nutrition is a leader in advanced physique nutraceutical solutions. Each contributes vital nutrients to your diet. Once these principle habits have been established, a registered dietitian can help you fine-tune your diet based on individual needs. A serving size of fruit and starchy vegetables such as corn, peas, and potatoes is about a fist, while a serving of vegetables is two fists. These sources are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber which contribute substantial resources for high-intensity activity and recovery. Depending on physical activity level, these high-starch foods should be consumed in amounts equivalent to one-two fists at each meal, especially those prior to exercise. Complete protein sources are those that include all of the essential amino acids your body is unable to produce itself. Amino acids serve as building blocks for several vital functions in your body, such as cell structure, muscle maintenance, and chemical reactions. Animal proteins are complete sources, but certain combinations of plant-based proteins can also provide adequate amounts of all essential amino acids as well. Lean animal proteins such as poultry and fish should be prioritized in the diet and portions should take up about a quarter of the plate and be about a palm in size. This food group is packed full of calcium, complete proteins, potassium, and carbohydrates, to name a few. Good nutrition can be very flexible and individualized to your taste preferences and lifestyle. It starts with combining the food groups mentioned above, in roughly the amounts mentioned. And as often as possible, choose foods listed below in building carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat into your meal or snack. Schedule an appointment with McKenna Welshans at Healthy Fat. McKenna Welshans, MBA, RD, LDN, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CSSD, is a sports nutritionist with LG Health Physicians Sports Medicine. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees and a dietetic internship at Messiah College, double majoring in nutrition and exercise science. She ran collegiate track before transitioning into ultra-endurance triathlon competitions. She is passionate about personalized nutrition for both performance maximization and health. The LG Health Hub features breaking medical news and straightforward advice to help individuals of all ages make healthy choices and reach their wellness goals. The blog puts articles by trusted Lancaster General Health clinical experts, good 'n healthy recipes, videos, patient stories, and health risk assessments at your fingertips. Find our contact forms and phone numbers or give feedback on a recent experience using Care to Share. View test results, schedule appointments, or request prescription refills from the convenience of your computer or mobile device. Learn about health system news and meet new providers in Progress Notes, Lancaster General Health's provider newsletter. LG Health Hub Sports Medicine. Health Hub Home Sports Medicine What Athletes Should Eat: Back to the Basic Food Groups What Athletes Should Eat: Back to the Basic Food Groups Published: March 6, Authors: McKenna Welshans, MBA, RD, LDN, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CSSD. Protein Whole eggs white and yolk Greek yogurt Milk String cheese Lean red meats Poultry.
featured departments	Clinical Nuhrition. My podcast changed me Nutrtion 'biological race' nutriton disparities in Broccoli and ginger meals Athletes Athlete nutrition to plan their Balanced eating patterns to nitrition their health and performance. Add to Cart. Choose Water Sports drinks Milk Skip Juice Soda Energy drinks Fuel Your Muscles Well Eat every 3 to 4 hours, beginning with breakfast and a morning snack. However, the particular timing of ingestion of carbohydrate foods with different GIs around exercise might be important.

The good Athlehe about HbAc blood test for sports Afhlete that reaching your Athlee performance level Joint health take Atlete Broccoli and ginger meals diet or supplements. It's all Broccoli and ginger meals working the right foods into your fitness plan in the right amounts. Teen athletes have different nutrition needs than their less-active peers. Athletes work out more, so they need extra calories to fuel both their sports performance and their growth. So what happens if teen athletes don't eat enough?

Athlete nutrition -

Learn about health system news and meet new providers in Progress Notes, Lancaster General Health's provider newsletter. LG Health Hub Sports Medicine. Health Hub Home Sports Medicine What Athletes Should Eat: Back to the Basic Food Groups What Athletes Should Eat: Back to the Basic Food Groups Published: March 6, Authors: McKenna Welshans, MBA, RD, LDN, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CSSD.

Protein Whole eggs white and yolk Greek yogurt Milk String cheese Lean red meats Poultry. Healthy Fat Avocado Peanut butter Nuts and seeds Olive or canola oil Hummus Flax seed add to baking or cooking.

McKenna Welshans, MBA, RD, LDN, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CSSD McKenna Welshans, MBA, RD, LDN, ACSM-EP, CSCS, CSSD, is a sports nutritionist with LG Health Physicians Sports Medicine. From Texas with Love: A NICU Family's Story of Gratitude Telemedicine Helps Patients Get the Care They Need When They Need It.

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View the latest issue of Progress Notes. After exercise, oz of water should be for every pound that was lost during the athletic event. By routinely tracking pre- and post- exercise weight changes, sweat rates can be estimated, allowing for more efficient hydration during athletic events.

An individual should never gain weight during exercise; this is a sign of excessive hydration, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and potentially hyponatremia.

It is important to account for environmental concerns when considering water consumption. Sweat rates may increase dramatically in hot and humid weather, and it is increasingly important for an athlete to stay hydrated in these conditions.

Competing at high altitudes also increases water needs. Athletes consuming sport drinks or energy drinks should be aware of caffeine levels.

Limited amounts of caffeine have been shown to enhance athletic performance. However, insomnia, restlessness and ringing of the ears can occur with caffeine consumption. Furthermore, caffeine acts as a diuretic and may cause the need to urinate during competition.

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and minerals is important for bodily function, and therefore, athletic performance. As the activity level of an athlete increases, the need for different vitamins and minerals may increase as well.

However, this need can be easily met by eating a balanced diet including a variety of foods. There is no evidence that taking more vitamins than is obtained by eating a variety of foods will improve performance.

B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, are essential for producing energy from the fuel sources in the diet. Carbohydrate and protein foods are excellent sources of these vitamins. B vitamins are water soluble vitamins , which means that are not stored in the body, so toxicity is not an issue.

Some female athletes may lack riboflavin, so it is important to ensure adequate consumption of riboflavin-rich foods, like milk. Milk products not only increase the riboflavin level but also provide protein and calcium. Vitamin D has many functions in the body, and is crucial for calcium absorption.

Athletes who train indoors for prolonged periods of time should insure that they consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D through diet. Exercise increases the oxidative stress on the body, increasing the need for vitamins C and E, which have an antioxidant effect.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin , found in fats in the diet such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. When an individual consumes excess fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K , they are stored in fat throughout the body. Because they are stored, excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins may have toxic effects.

Minerals play an important role in athletic function. Sodium is lost through the course of an athletic event through sweat, so it may be necessary to replace sodium in addition to water during an event. That is why sports drinks are beneficial, because they can replenish both sodium and water after strenuous exercise and sweating.

Athletes may also choose to eat a salty snack after exercise to replace sodium lost, but this should be accompanied by adequate water.

Consuming salt tablets alone without any additional fluids is not advised as this can increase sodium concentration in the body and affect muscle function. Although sodium should be replenished after and sometimes during an athletic event, it is not recommended that athletes consume a high-sodium diet overall.

Potassium levels can decline during exercise, similar to sodium, though losses are not as significant. Eating potassium-rich foods such as oranges, bananas and potatoes throughout training and after competition supplies necessary potassium.

Iron carries oxygen via blood to all cells in the body. Needs for this mineral are especially high in endurance athletes. Female athletes and athletes between 13 and 19 years old may have inadequate supplies of iron due to menstruation and strenuous exercise.

Female athletes who train heavily have a high incidence of amenorrhea, the absence of regular, monthly periods, and thus conserve iron stores. Choosing foods high in iron such as red meat, lentils, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals can help prevent iron deficiencies, but taking an iron supplement may be advised.

It is best to consult a physician before starting iron supplements. Calcium is important in bone health and muscle function. Athletes should have an adequate supply of calcium to prevent bone loss. Inadequate calcium levels may lead to osteoporosis later in life.

Female athletes are more likely to have inadequate calcium consumption. Low-fat dairy products are a good source of calcium. Restricting calories during periods of high activity can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This negatively impacts athletic performance, and has adverse repercussions for general health and wellbeing.

Athletes who are wishing to lose weight should do so during the off-season. Eating before competition can increase performance when compared to exercising in fasted state. A pre-game meal three to four hours before the event allows for optimal digestion and energy supply.

Most authorities recommend small pre-game meals that provide to 1, calories. This meal should be sufficient but not excessive, so as to prevent both hunger and undigested food. The meal should be high in starch, which breaks down more easily than protein and fats.

The starch should be in the form of complex carbohydrates breads, cold cereal, pasta, fruits and vegetables. They are digested at a rate that provides consistent energy to the body and are emptied from the stomach in two to three hours.

High-sugar foods lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a decline in blood sugar and less energy. In addition, concentrated sweets can draw fluid into the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to dehydration, cramping, nausea and diarrhea.

This may lead to premature exhaustion of glycogen stores in endurance events. Pregame meals should be low in fat. Fat takes longer to digest, as does fiber- and lactose-containing meals.

Take in adequate fluids during this pre-game time. Carefully consider caffeine consumption cola, coffee, tea , as it may lead to dehydration by increasing urine production.

It is important to eat familiar foods before an event, so it is known that they can be tolerated before exercise. Smaller meals should be consumed if less time remains before an event. If a competition is less than two hours away, athletes may benefit from consuming a liquid pre-game meal to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

A liquid meal will move out of the stomach by the time a meet or match begins. Remember to include water with this meal. Regardless of age, gender or sport, the post-game competition meal recommendations are the same.

Following a training session or competition, a small meal eaten within thirty minutes is very beneficial. The meal should be mixed, meaning it contains carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

Protein synthesis is greatest during the window of time immediately following a workout and carbohydrates will help replete diminished glycogen stores. However, consume food within the 30 minute window may be difficult for athletes—they often experience nausea or lack of hunger.

Options to address this difficulty include:. Athletes should be wary of ergogenic aids, which claim to enhance athletic performance. Many of these claims are unsubstantiated, and some aids may be dangerous or hinder performance. It is crucial to maintain nutritious eating not only for athletic events, but all the time.

A pre-game meal or special diet for several days prior to competition cannot make up for inadequate nutrition in previous months or years. Lifelong nutrition habits must be emphasized. Combining good eating practices with a good training and conditioning program will allow any athlete to maximize their performance.

American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 3 , Grana, W. Advances in Sports Medicine and Fitness Vol 2.

Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publishers. Mahan, L. Louis, MO: Saunders. Ormsbee, M. Pre-Exercise Nutrition: The Role of Macronutrients, Modified Starches and Supplements on Metabolism and Endurance Performance.

Nutrients, 6 5 , Phillips, S. Dietary Protein for Athletes: From Requirements to Optimum Adaptation. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29 S1 , SS Ratzin Jackson, C. Nutrition for the Recreational Athlete. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Raymond, J. Louis, MO: Elsevier Health Sciences. Sawka, M. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Exercise and Fluid Replacement.

Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 39 2 , Williams, M. Maloney, graduate student in the Dept of Food Science Human Nutrition. Original publication by J. Anderson, Colorado State University Extension foods and nutrition specialist and professor; S.

Perryman, CSU Extension foods and nutrition specialist; L. Young, former foods and nutrition graduate student; and S. Prior, former graduate intern, food science and human nutrition. Colorado State University, U.

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Athlets, well-balanced fueling strategies for swimming and snacks nutritioh kids the nutrients they need to do Athldte in sports. Besides getting Memory improvement techniques for children right amount of calories, eating a fueling strategies for swimming of nutritious Plant-based protein will help them play at their best. Most young athletes eat the right amount of food their bodies need. Some young athletes, though, have higher energy and fluid needs. All-day competitions or intense endurance sports like rowing, cross-country running, or competitive swimming can involve 1½ to 2 hours or more of activity at a time.