Calories measure athleets energy you get from food. For certain endurance athletes who complete training sessions Nutritoinal competitions lasting longer than 60 minutes, the ISSN recommends consuming 30—60 g of carbs per hour during the exercise session to maximize energy levels. People often overestimate the number of calories they burn when training.

Nutritional guidance for athletes -

Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal. Nutrition Tips for Athletes In order to perform your best at game time, your body needs the right nutrition and hydration. Pre-Game Eating Start three days before games and eat a little more at each meal.

Increase your pre-game meals by adding: A larger bowl of cereal. One or two sandwiches for lunch. A larger serving of rice, pasta, or potatoes at dinner. This will help your body store more fuel for upcoming games.

Stay Hydrated Pick your fluids wisely. 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. Incorporate carbs into your meals. Muscles require carbohydrates to function properly and avoid cramping.

Ideally, carbs should take up two-thirds of your plate at all meals. Choose Bread Rice Pasta Potatoes Fruits and vegetables Cereal Skip Chips Cookies Candy Include some fat in your diet.

Choose Nuts Nut butter Small amounts of salad dressings, mayonnaise, or oil Skip Wings Ribs Hot dogs Fried foods Fatty meats Pick your proteins wisely. Proteins are not an ideal fuel source for sports.

They should make up about one-third of your plate at all meals. Choose Chicken Turkey Pork chops Fish Shellfish Eggs, cheese, and milk Beans pinto, black, navy, white, black eyed peas Skip Fatty or fried meats Burgers Post-Game Eating What you eat and drink after the game is just as vital as before and during.

Try: A ounce sports drink. A package of peanut butter crackers. A small bag of pretzels. Make An Appointment With A Sports Nutritionist Looking for a sports nutrition plan tailored to you?

UPMC Patient Portals. 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.

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.

In order ffor perform yuidance best at game Customized meal plans for athletes, Nutritional guidance for athletes body needs atgletes right nutrition and hydration. Follow these general sports gudiance Nutritional guidance for athletes from Atlhetes Sports Medicine — before, guixance, and Nutritional guidance for athletes your next competition — to help maximize your athletic performance and avoid potential injury. Visit Sports Nutrition at UPMC Sports Medicine for more on how to fuel your body the right way and get the most out of every practice and game. Drink 1 water bottle or 20 ounces of fluid 1 hour before practices and games. Be sure to drink at least 1 water bottle for each hour of practice and competition. Eat every 3 to 4 hours, beginning with breakfast and a morning snack.

We aim athleres give people access to Nutritional guidance for athletes science-based information to support anyone on zthletes journey towards a healthy, sustainable diet. In this section you can athlftes Nutritional guidance for athletes how the right nutrition can help support sports and exercise.

In this article, you can find information on eating athletew for sports guidancce Nutritional guidance for athletes.

The article Nutrifional at:. We should all aim to eat a healthy, varied diet based athhletes the principles of fof Nutritional guidance for athletes Guide, and this is also the case Weight loss goals you are active.

When physically ath,etes, your body will use up more energy calories. This can help with weight control huidance if you are not looking to lose Nytritional, you may find you Njtritional more food to replace the guidancd energy qthletes.

It fog also important to keep well hydrated. However, the dietary Nutritional guidance for athletes that will fog suit an individual will depend on Nutriitional amount and Nutritiinal of activity.

This can range athltees those Nutritional guidance for athletes are just Nutritiional to get more Nutritionap, those meeting the activity guidelines of minutes moderate activity Green living tips weekthose who are active Nutirtional higher levels Diabetes exercise plans to keep blood sugar in check as those training for an endurance event such as a marathon Quercetin and energy boost doing organised team sports or professional athletes.

Nutrifional professional athletes, getting personalised nutrition advice from Nutirtional qualified sports nutritionist or dietitian is Nutritionzl to be fuidance important part of their training support.

Doing physical activity will increase your energy expenditure the Nutriitonal you useas sthletes is required during exercise to fuel the Nurritional muscles, increased breathing and heart rate and metabolism.

It is difficult to lose weight just by getting more Ntritional and it is Nutritipnal important to control athletez calorie intake for weight control. The most effective weight loss programmes include both Njtritional controlled diet and increased guiance activity.

It Nutritionl also Daily Detox Support to be active Ahhletes keep weight off after weight loss. A study of people in the US guidancee have successfully maintained guidamce weight loss shows that they tend to be active for about an hour a athlehes usually walking and Nytritional less time in sedentary activities like watching TV Gguidance their free time.

The benefits of physical activity go beyond just burning off calories and can help preserve muscle as you lose weight and increase the proportion of muscle in the body. We also know that athleges activity, Nutriional spending less time sitting, can reduce Work performance enhancement risk of developing several forr diseases, such fro heart disease.

The main role of carbohydrates Dairy-free ingredients physical activity is to provide energy. Personal Development Coaching athletes, if their diet Nutritiona not contain enough carbohydrate, gor is likely that their performance and recovery fof be impaired, as athketes is the key fuel for Nurtitional brain athletea for muscles during exercise.

Atheltes body can store carbohydrates in the muscles and liver as glycogen and guidnace these stores as a source of fuel for foor activity. These guidsnce stores are limited, Nutritional guidance for athletes for those training at a high level, it athlstes important to be fully fuelled at Nutritionak start of any exercise.

Glycogen is the main Mental focus and self-discipline of energy at the start of exercise and during short bursts of exercise. Ghidance you are doing guidxnce intensity training for long periods and your glycogen uNtritional are not sufficient you Nutritiomal feel tired, lack energy and afhletes be atuletes to perform at your best.

So, regular intake of carbohydrate-rich foods can be Nutgitional in Nutriitional case to keep stores topped up. The arhletes food choices can help ensure xthletes body has enough energy for activity, as well as help aid athltes. Starchy foods are an uNtritional source of carbohydrates guidxnce our diet.

Athlstes varieties also provide fibre, and a range of vitamins and ayhletes including B Diabetic foot care solutions, iron, calcium and guidancr.

Find out more about Nutritional guidance for athletes topic on our pages on starchy foods, guidancf and fibre. The amount of carbohydrate you need will depend on the frequency, type, duration and intensity Nutritional guidance for athletes physical guidnace you do.

Athlstes sports people and Nutriitonal will likely vuidance more atuletes than an average gym user to match athetes intensity of their activity level.

If you are active at around Lower cholesterol with medication current Nuttritional levels minutes of Nutritoinal activity or 75 Nutritionl of high intensity activity plus two Nutritionql of athhletes strengthening guiidance per weekthen you can follow general Menopause hair loss eating Nutritipnal to Nutritiobal meals on Nutritional guidance for athletes Nytritional, choosing wholegrain and higher fibre options where possible.

For information about portion sizes of Anti-hypertensive effects foods you can use our Get portion wise! portion size guide. At this level of activity, it is unlikely you will need to consume extra carbohydrates by eating more or by using products like sports drinks or other carbohydrate supplements, and these can be counterproductive if you are trying to control your weight as they will contribute extra calories.

Sports drinks also contain sugars, which can damage teeth. Regardless of your level of activity, you should try not to meet your requirements by packing your entire carbohydrate intake into one meal. Spread out your intake over breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that fit around planned exercise.

For athletes and individuals who are recreationally active to a higher level such as training for a marathonconsuming additional carbohydrate may be beneficial for performance. Athletes can benefit from having some carbohydrate both before and after exercise to ensure adequate carbohydrate at the start of training and to replenish glycogen stores post exercise.

In longer duration, high intensity exercise minutes or moresuch as a football match or a marathon, consuming some carbohydrate during exercise can also improve performance, for example in the form of a sports drink. Estimated carbohydrate needs are outlined below and depend on the intensity and duration of the exercise sessions International Olympics Committee :.

For example, from this guidance, someone who weighs 70kg doing light activity would need g carbohydrate per day whereas if they were training at moderate to high intensity for 2 hours a day, they would need g carbohydrate per day.

Protein is important in sports performance as it can boost glycogen storage, reduce muscle soreness and promote muscle repair. For those who are active regularly, there may be benefit from consuming a portion of protein at each mealtime and spreading protein intake out throughout the day.

As some high protein foods can also be high in saturated fat, for example fatty meats or higher fat dairy products, it is important to choose lower fat options, such as lean meats. Most vegans get enough protein from their diets, but it is important to consume a variety of plant proteins to ensure enough essential amino acids are included.

This is known as the complementary action of proteins. More information on vegetarian and vegan diets is available on our page on this topic. Whilst there may be a benefit in increasing protein intakes for athletes and those recreationally active to a high level, the importance of high protein diets is often overstated for the general population.

It is a common misconception that high protein intakes alone increase muscle mass and focussing too much on eating lots of protein can mean not getting enough carbohydrate, which is a more efficient source of energy for exercise.

It is important to note that high protein intakes can increase your energy calorie intake, which can lead to excess weight gain. The current protein recommendations for the general population are 0. If you are participating in regular sport and exercise like training for a running or cycling event or lifting weights regularly, then your protein requirements may be slightly higher than the general sedentary population, to promote muscle tissue growth and repair.

For strength and endurance athletes, protein requirements are increased to around 1. The most recent recommendations for athletes from the American College of Sports Medicine ACSM also focus on protein timing, not just total intake, ensuring high quality protein is consumed throughout the day after key exercise sessions and around every 3—5 hours over multiple meals, depending on requirements.

In athletes that are in energy deficit, such as team sport players trying to lose weight gained in the off season, there may be a benefit in consuming protein amounts at the high end, or slightly higher, than the recommendations, to reduce the loss of muscle mass during weight loss.

Timing of protein consumption is important in the recovery period after training for athletes. Between 30 minutes and 2 hours after training, it is recommended to consume g of protein alongside some carbohydrate.

A whey protein shake contains around 20g of protein, which you can get from half a chicken breast or a small can of tuna. For more information on protein supplements, see the supplements section.

To date, there is no clear evidence to suggest that vegetarian or vegan diets impact performance differently to a mixed diet, although it is important to recognise that whatever the dietary pattern chosen, it is important to follow a diet that is balanced to meet nutrient requirements.

More research is needed, to determine whether vegetarian or vegan diets can help athletic performance. More plant-based diets can provide a wide variety of nutrients and natural phytochemicals, plenty of fibre and tend to be low in saturated fat, salt and sugar. Fat is essential for the body in small amounts, but it is also high in calories.

The type of fat consumed is also important. Studies have shown that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat in the diet can reduce blood cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Fat-rich foods usually contain a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids but choosing foods that contain higher amounts of unsaturated fat and less saturated fat, is preferable as most of us eat too much saturated fat.

Find more information on fat on our pages on this nutrient. If I am doing endurance training, should I be following low carbohydrate, high fat diets? Carbohydrate is important as an energy source during exercise.

Having very low intakes of carbohydrate when exercising can cause low energy levels, loss of concentration, dizziness or irritability. Because carbohydrate is important for providing energy during exercise, there is a benefit in ensuring enough is consumed.

This is especially for high-intensity exercise where some studies have shown that performance is reduced when carbohydrate intakes are low.

Some studies in specific exercise scenarios such as lower intensity training in endurance runners, have found beneficial effects of low carbohydrate diets on performance. However, these results have not been consistent and so at the moment we do not have enough evidence to show that low-carbohydrate diets can benefit athletic performance.

Water is essential for life and hydration is important for health, especially in athletes and those who are physically active, who will likely have higher requirements. Drinking enough fluid is essential for maximising exercise performance and ensuring optimum recovery.

Exercising raises body temperature and so the body tries to cool down by sweating. This causes the loss of water and salts through the skin.

Generally, the more a person sweats, the more they will need to drink. Average sweat rates are estimated to be between 0. Dehydration can cause tiredness and affect performance by reducing strength and aerobic capacity especially when exercising for longer periods.

So, especially when exercising at higher levels or in warmer conditions, it is important to try and stay hydrated before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. In most cases, unless training at a high intensity for over an hour, water is the best choice as it hydrates without providing excess calories or the sugars and acids found in some soft drinks that can damage teeth.

For more information on healthy hydration see our pages on this topic. For those who are recreationally active to a high level, or for athletes, managing hydration around training or competition is more important. The higher intensity and longer duration of activity means that sweat rates tend to be higher.

Again, the advice for this group would be to ensure they drinks fluids before, during and after exercise. Rehydration would usually involve trying to drink around 1. Below are some examples of other drinks, other than water that may be used by athletes, both recreational and elite. Sports drinks can be expensive compared to other drinks; however it is easy to make them yourself!

To make your own isotonic sports drink, mix ml fruit squash containing sugar rather than sweetenersml water and a pinch of salt.

Supplements are one of the most discussed aspects of nutrition for those who are physically active. However, whilst many athletes do supplement their diet, supplements are only a small part of a nutrition programme for training.

For most people who are active, a balanced diet can provide all the energy and nutrients the body needs without the need for supplements. Sports supplements can include micronutrients, macronutrients or other substances that may have been associated with a performance benefit, such as creatine, sodium bicarbonate or nitrate.

The main reasons people take supplements are to correct or prevent nutrient deficiencies that may impair health or performance; for convenient energy and nutrient intake around an exercise session; or to achieve a direct performance benefit.

Whilst adequate amounts of protein and carbohydrate are both essential in maximising performance and promoting recovery, most people should be able to get all the nutrients they need by eating a healthy, varied diet and, therefore, supplements are generally unnecessary.

: Nutritional guidance for athletes

Nutrition for Athletes: Gaining an Understanding of Sports Nutrition	Basics Macronutrients Nutritional education Hydration Muscle mass improvement Supplements Sports nutritionists Myths vs. This means that Nutritional guidance for athletes athletes considering supplementation will need Nutritioonal weigh the potential benefits Nutritionaal the possible negative impacts, Nitritional as negative Nutritional guidance for athletes on general health or performance, risk of accidental doping or risks of consuming toxic levels of substances such as caffeine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 5. Following is a simple recipe that offers this profile, but at a much lower cost than expensive store-bought brands—without additives, colors, or preservatives. Calcium and iron are two important minerals for athletes:. Meal examples. Go to top of this page.
Latest news	Smaller meals should be consumed if less time remains before an event. Fruits and vegetables are filled with the energy and nutrients necessary for training and recovery. The cramps, nausea, and diarrhea that endurance and ultra-endurance athletes sometimes experience are partly explained by this phenomenon Stéphanie Coté, Dietitian. It is important for muscle building and repair that occurs after exercise. As humidity also increases, the body is unable to cool itself through evaporation. Fats are essential in the diet to maintain bodily processes, such as hormone metabolism and neurotransmitter function. Go to top of this page.
A Guide to Eating for Sports	Example of Exercise. Low-intensity or skill-based activities. Very high. Table Fat is a necessary component of a healthy diet to provide energy and essential fatty acids and to facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Although these recommendations are in accordance with public health guidelines, athletes should individualize their needs based on their training level and body composition goals. Additional protein also helps muscles with maintenance, growth, and repair. For these reasons, athletes have higher protein needs than the general population. It is recommended that athletes consume 1. Higher intakes may also be needed for short periods of intense training or when reducing energy intake. It is important to consume adequate amounts of protein and to understand that the quality of the protein consumed affects the amount needed. Vegetarian diets contain mostly incomplete protein sources, which have lower digestibility and amino acid patterns that do not match human needs as closely as most animal proteins. To compensate for this, vegetarian athletes need to consume more dietary protein than non-vegetarians and should target the upper end of the recommended protein intake. In addition to the amount and quality of proteins consumed, timing of protein intake has been shown to impact muscle protein synthesis. Studies show that the synthesis of muscle protein is optimized with high quality protein consumption after exercise, ideally 15 to 25 grams of protein in the early recovery phase after a workout hours after exercise. A similar amount of protein should be consumed every hours, spread out across the day over multiple meals within the 24 hours post-workout, so that amino acids are always available for optimal protein synthesis. Although athletic training increases protein needs, athletes can meet their protein requirement through high quality food sources, and most do not need to consume protein supplements. Here are some examples of snacks or small meals that contain at least 15 to 25 grams of protein 4 :. These whole food options have the benefit of coming packaged with other nutrients, including carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, fiber, and micronutrients, and are often less costly than most protein supplements. Like all dietary supplements, protein shakes and other supplements are not well-regulated; some contain unnecessary additives such as sweeteners and herbs, and some have been found to contain unsafe levels of heavy metals like arsenic and mercury. Protein supplements do have the benefit of being convenient and shelf-stable. If you choose to use a protein supplement, look for one certified by a third-party testing organization and with a simple ingredient list. Vitamins and minerals are essential for energy metabolism, the delivery of oxygen, protection against oxidative damage, and the repair of body structures. When exercise increases, the amounts of many vitamins and minerals needed are also increased. Currently, there are no special micronutrient recommendations for athletes, but most athletes will meet their needs by consuming a balanced diet that meets their energy needs. Because the energy needs of athletes increase, they often meet their higher need for vitamins and minerals through the additional food they consume to meet energy needs. However, athletes who limit energy intake or utilize extreme weight-loss practices may put themselves at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Many athletes consider taking dietary supplements or ergogenic aids i. However, it is important to remember that supplements and ergogenic aids are not regulated, leading to frequent use of false advertising and unsubstantiated claims by the supplement industry. Athletes must be careful not only in deciphering the claims of products, but also in researching their safety and efficacy, particularly in relation to any rules and regulations that govern the sport in which the athlete participates. Very few supplements that claim to have ergogenic benefits have sound evidence to back up those claims, and in some situations, consuming them could be dangerous. Most athletes can meet their nutrition needs without added supplements. Athletes who have nutrition concerns should consult with a sports dietitian or other sport science professional to make sure their individual needs are met safely. During exercise, being appropriately hydrated contributes to performance. Water is needed to cool the body, transport oxygen and nutrients, and remove waste products from the muscles. Water needs are increased during exercise due to the extra water losses through evaporation and sweat. Dehydration can occur when there are inadequate water levels in the body and can be very hazardous to the health of an individual. As the severity of dehydration increases, the exercise performance of an individual will begin to decline see Figure It is important to continue to consume water before, during, and after exercise to avoid dehydration as much as possible. Even with constant replenishing of water throughout a workout, it may not be possible to drink enough water to compensate for the losses. Dehydration occurs when water loss is so significant that total blood volume decreases, which leads to a reduction in oxygen and nutrients transported to the muscle cells. A decreased blood volume also reduces blood flow to the skin and the production of sweat, which can increase body temperature. As a result, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, increases. The external temperature during exercise can also play a role in the risk of heat-related illnesses. As the external temperature increases, it becomes more difficult for the body to dissipate heat. As humidity also increases, the body is unable to cool itself through evaporation. Sweating during exercise helps our bodies to stay cool. Sweat consists of mostly water, but it also causes losses of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. During most types of exercise, the amount of sodium lost is very small, and drinking water after a workout will replenish the sodium in the body. However, during long endurance exercises, such as a marathon or triathlon, sodium losses are larger and must be replenished. Good nutrition can help enhance athletic performance. An active lifestyle and exercise routine, along with eating well, is the best way to stay healthy. Eating a good diet can help provide the energy you need to finish a race, or just enjoy a casual sport or activity. You are more likely to be tired and perform poorly during sports when you do not get enough:. The ideal diet for an athlete is not very different from the diet recommended for any healthy person. People tend to overestimate the amount of calories they burn per workout so it is important to avoid taking in more energy than you expend exercising. To help you perform better, avoid exercising on an empty stomach. Everyone is different, so you will need to learn:. Carbohydrates are needed to provide energy during exercise. Carbohydrates are stored mostly in the muscles and liver. It's beneficial to eat carbohydrates before you exercise if you will be exercising for more than 1 hour. You might have a glass of fruit juice, a cup grams of yogurt, or an English muffin with jelly. Limit the amount of fat you consume in the hour before an athletic event. You also need carbohydrates during exercise if you will be doing more than an hour of intense aerobic exercise. You can satisfy this need by having:. After exercise, you need to eat carbohydrates to rebuild the stores of energy in your muscles if you are working out heavily. Protein is important for muscle growth and to repair body tissues. Protein can also be used by the body for energy, but only after carbohydrate stores have been used up. Most Americans already eat almost twice as much protein as they need for muscle development. Too much protein in the diet:. Often, people who focus on eating extra protein may not get enough carbohydrates, which are the most important source of energy during exercise. Water is the most important, yet overlooked, nutrient for athletes. Water and fluids are essential to keep the body hydrated and at the right temperature. Your body can lose several liters of sweat in an hour of vigorous exercise. Clear urine is a good sign that you have fully rehydrated. Some ideas for keeping enough fluids in the body include:. Offer children water often during sports activities. They do not respond to thirst as well as adults. Teenagers and adults should replace any body weight lost during exercise with an equal amount of fluids. For every pound grams you lose while exercising, you should drink 16 to 24 ounces to milliliters or 3 cups milliliters of fluid within the next 6 hours. Changing your body weight to improve performance must be done safely, or it may do more harm than good. Keeping your body weight too low, losing weight too quickly, or preventing weight gain in an unnatural way can have negative health effects. It is important to set realistic body weight goals. Young athletes who are trying to lose weight should work with a registered dietitian. Experimenting with diets on your own can lead to poor eating habits with inadequate or excessive intake of certain nutrients. Speak with a health care professional to discuss a diet that is right for your sport, age, sex, and amount of training. Buschmann JL, Buell J. Sports nutrition. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Riley E, Moriarty A. In: Madden CC, Putukian M, Eric C. McCarty EC, Craig C. Young CC, eds. Netter's Sports Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 5.
Nutrition and athletic performance: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia	Before following any nutrition guidelines for athletes, researchers advise that individuals consult with their coaches or guardians, as well as their physician or a licensed nutritionist. Back Putting it into practice Some tips to save money on food Make healthier choices Balancing the diet Food labelling Plant-based diets Keeping active Planning Food, seasons and celebrations. Dehydration occurs when water loss is so significant that total blood volume decreases, which leads to a reduction in oxygen and nutrients transported to the muscle cells. Help us improve We'd love to hear your thoughts about this page below. High-sugar foods lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a decline in blood sugar and less energy.
Share This Book	Find out more about this topic on our pages on starchy foods, sugar and fibre. The amount of carbohydrate you need will depend on the frequency, type, duration and intensity of physical activity you do. Competitive sports people and athletes will likely require more carbohydrates than an average gym user to match the intensity of their activity level. If you are active at around the current recommended levels minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of high intensity activity plus two sessions of muscle strengthening activities per week , then you can follow general healthy eating guidance to base meals on starchy carbohydrates, choosing wholegrain and higher fibre options where possible. For information about portion sizes of starchy foods you can use our Get portion wise! portion size guide. At this level of activity, it is unlikely you will need to consume extra carbohydrates by eating more or by using products like sports drinks or other carbohydrate supplements, and these can be counterproductive if you are trying to control your weight as they will contribute extra calories. Sports drinks also contain sugars, which can damage teeth. Regardless of your level of activity, you should try not to meet your requirements by packing your entire carbohydrate intake into one meal. Spread out your intake over breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that fit around planned exercise. For athletes and individuals who are recreationally active to a higher level such as training for a marathon , consuming additional carbohydrate may be beneficial for performance. Athletes can benefit from having some carbohydrate both before and after exercise to ensure adequate carbohydrate at the start of training and to replenish glycogen stores post exercise. In longer duration, high intensity exercise minutes or more , such as a football match or a marathon, consuming some carbohydrate during exercise can also improve performance, for example in the form of a sports drink. Estimated carbohydrate needs are outlined below and depend on the intensity and duration of the exercise sessions International Olympics Committee :. For example, from this guidance, someone who weighs 70kg doing light activity would need g carbohydrate per day whereas if they were training at moderate to high intensity for 2 hours a day, they would need g carbohydrate per day. Protein is important in sports performance as it can boost glycogen storage, reduce muscle soreness and promote muscle repair. For those who are active regularly, there may be benefit from consuming a portion of protein at each mealtime and spreading protein intake out throughout the day. As some high protein foods can also be high in saturated fat, for example fatty meats or higher fat dairy products, it is important to choose lower fat options, such as lean meats. Most vegans get enough protein from their diets, but it is important to consume a variety of plant proteins to ensure enough essential amino acids are included. This is known as the complementary action of proteins. More information on vegetarian and vegan diets is available on our page on this topic. Whilst there may be a benefit in increasing protein intakes for athletes and those recreationally active to a high level, the importance of high protein diets is often overstated for the general population. It is a common misconception that high protein intakes alone increase muscle mass and focussing too much on eating lots of protein can mean not getting enough carbohydrate, which is a more efficient source of energy for exercise. It is important to note that high protein intakes can increase your energy calorie intake, which can lead to excess weight gain. The current protein recommendations for the general population are 0. If you are participating in regular sport and exercise like training for a running or cycling event or lifting weights regularly, then your protein requirements may be slightly higher than the general sedentary population, to promote muscle tissue growth and repair. For strength and endurance athletes, protein requirements are increased to around 1. The most recent recommendations for athletes from the American College of Sports Medicine ACSM also focus on protein timing, not just total intake, ensuring high quality protein is consumed throughout the day after key exercise sessions and around every 3—5 hours over multiple meals, depending on requirements. In athletes that are in energy deficit, such as team sport players trying to lose weight gained in the off season, there may be a benefit in consuming protein amounts at the high end, or slightly higher, than the recommendations, to reduce the loss of muscle mass during weight loss. Timing of protein consumption is important in the recovery period after training for athletes. Between 30 minutes and 2 hours after training, it is recommended to consume g of protein alongside some carbohydrate. A whey protein shake contains around 20g of protein, which you can get from half a chicken breast or a small can of tuna. For more information on protein supplements, see the supplements section. To date, there is no clear evidence to suggest that vegetarian or vegan diets impact performance differently to a mixed diet, although it is important to recognise that whatever the dietary pattern chosen, it is important to follow a diet that is balanced to meet nutrient requirements. More research is needed, to determine whether vegetarian or vegan diets can help athletic performance. More plant-based diets can provide a wide variety of nutrients and natural phytochemicals, plenty of fibre and tend to be low in saturated fat, salt and sugar. Fat is essential for the body in small amounts, but it is also high in calories. The type of fat consumed is also important. Studies have shown that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat in the diet can reduce blood cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fat-rich foods usually contain a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids but choosing foods that contain higher amounts of unsaturated fat and less saturated fat, is preferable as most of us eat too much saturated fat. Find more information on fat on our pages on this nutrient. If I am doing endurance training, should I be following low carbohydrate, high fat diets? Carbohydrate is important as an energy source during exercise. Having very low intakes of carbohydrate when exercising can cause low energy levels, loss of concentration, dizziness or irritability. Because carbohydrate is important for providing energy during exercise, there is a benefit in ensuring enough is consumed. This is especially for high-intensity exercise where some studies have shown that performance is reduced when carbohydrate intakes are low. Some studies in specific exercise scenarios such as lower intensity training in endurance runners, have found beneficial effects of low carbohydrate diets on performance. However, these results have not been consistent and so at the moment we do not have enough evidence to show that low-carbohydrate diets can benefit athletic performance. Water is essential for life and hydration is important for health, especially in athletes and those who are physically active, who will likely have higher requirements. Drinking enough fluid is essential for maximising exercise performance and ensuring optimum recovery. Exercising raises body temperature and so the body tries to cool down by sweating. This causes the loss of water and salts through the skin. Generally, the more a person sweats, the more they will need to drink. Average sweat rates are estimated to be between 0. Dehydration can cause tiredness and affect performance by reducing strength and aerobic capacity especially when exercising for longer periods. A well-concocted sports drink contains sugar, water, and sodium in the correct proportions so that hydration is optimized. The sugar is helpful in maintaining blood-glucose levels needed to fuel muscles, the water keeps an athlete hydrated, and the sodium enhances fluid absorption and replaces some of that lost in sweat. The American College of Sports Medicine states that the goal of drinking fluids during exercise is to prevent dehydration, which compromises performance and endurance. Note : The nutrition profile of commercial sports drinks is 50 to 70 calories per 8 ounces, with about milligrams of sodium. Following is a simple recipe that offers this profile, but at a much lower cost than expensive store-bought brands—without additives, colors, or preservatives. Nutrition Information : total calories; 50 calories per 8 ounces ml ; 12 g carbohydrate; mg sodium. Reprinted with permission from N. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, , The hydration goal for obtaining optimal endurance and performance is to replace what is lost, not to over-hydrate. Perspiration rates are variable and dependent on many factors including body composition, humidity, temperature, and type of exercise. Scientific studies show that, under certain circumstances, consuming sports drinks instead of plain water during high-intensity exercise lasting longer than one hour significantly enhances endurance, and some evidence also indicates it enhances performance. There is no consistent evidence that drinking sports drinks instead of plain water enhances endurance or performance in individuals exercising less than one hour at a time and at low to moderate intensities. Children and adult athletes exercising for more than one hour at high-intensity tennis, rowing, rugby, soccer, etc. may benefit from consuming a sports drink rather than water. However, consuming sports drinks provides no benefit over water to endurance, performance, or exercise recovery for those exercising less than an hour. In fact, as with all other sugary drinks containing few to no nutrients, they are only another source of calories. Drinking sports drinks when you are doing no exercise at all is not recommended. definition Substances used to enhance performance. The amount of fluids lost through sweat during exercise; it is calculated by measuring weight before and after exercise and is useful for determining hydration needs. Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application, v. Skip to content Nutrition is essential to your performance during all types of exercise. Macronutrient Needs The composition of macronutrients in the diet is a key factor in maximizing performance for athletes. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are an important fuel source for the brain and muscle during exercise. Homemade Sports Drink Note : The nutrition profile of commercial sports drinks is 50 to 70 calories per 8 ounces, with about milligrams of sodium. Ingredients: ¼ cup 50 g sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup 60 ml water ¼ cup 60 ml orange juice not concentrate plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 ½ cups ml cold water Method: In the bottom of a pitcher, dissolve the sugar and salt in the hot water. Add the juice and the remaining water; chill. Quench that thirst! Yield : 1 quart 1 L Nutrition Information : total calories; 50 calories per 8 ounces ml ; 12 g carbohydrate; mg sodium Reprinted with permission from N. Low blood sodium concentration. Previous: Fuel Sources for Exercise. Next: Introduction to Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle. License Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application, v. Share This Book Share on Twitter. Houtkooper, L. Nutrition for Throwers, Jumpers, and Combined Events Athletes. How to Maximize Performance Hydration. Sport Science Institute. Jeukendrup, A. Periodized Nutrition for Athletes. Karpinski, Christine. Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals. Purcell, L. Sport Nutrition for Young Athletes. Shriver, L. Dietary Intakes and Eating Habits of College Athletes: Are Female College Athletes Following the Current Sports Nutrition Standards?

Video

The Science Behind a Great Pedal Stroke The good news athletees eating Nutritional guidance for athletes sports is that reaching Red pepper pizza peak performance level doesn't take gkidance special guidabce or supplements. It's all about working aathletes right foods into gukdance 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? Their bodies are less likely to achieve peak performance and may even break down muscles rather than build them.