Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, proper nutrition is key no matter your level of play. The homework this week will be having our FiT Athlete’s focus on improving their diet to boost their athletic performance. Below are some tips that athlete’s of all abilities should pay close attention to.
- Have a filling breakfast. A good breakfast containing carbs (think bread or cereal), and protein (eggs or yogurt), can help you feel energized from the get-go, and will fight off those hunger pains mid morning.
- Carbs are your source of energy. Carbohydrates delay fatigue, and will keep you going longer. If you are eating 2-3 hours before a game or match, look for pasta as your go-to meal. If you are in need of a snack 1 hour to 30 minutes before a game or match, look towards eating crackers or a granola bar.
- Stay hydrated. I know we stress this in almost every homework assignment, but drinking water is crucial when performing in endurance sports. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a game/match to replenish any lost fluids.
- Sean’s tip: Take a Vitamin water, and disperse it into 3 bottles ⅓ full. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Doing this not only keeps the flavor of the Vitamin water(motivation to drink it), but it also contains the electrolytes needed to improve performance and keep you hydrated.
- Sean’s tip: Take a Vitamin water, and disperse it into 3 bottles ⅓ full. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Doing this not only keeps the flavor of the Vitamin water(motivation to drink it), but it also contains the electrolytes needed to improve performance and keep you hydrated.
- Limit the fatty foods. Foods high in fat slow digestion and can often make you feel sluggish and/or tired. Limiting these foods will keep your energy levels high for competition.
- Pay attention to your body. Never ignore the signs or a growling belly or an oncoming headache. Your body needs proper nutrients to keep it going throughout the day and long into your athletic event.
- Devon’s tip: Write down what you’ve eaten. It’s never at the top of an athlete’s list because of homework, presentations, and social events, BUT it will help you focus on what you need to be eating to fuel your body. Keep a small notebook with you throughout the day, writing down your meals and how you feel before and after them. If you’re getting the proper nutrients and you’re timing your meals in conjunction to your sporting event, then you should be feeling energized throughout the day.
- Devon’s tip: Write down what you’ve eaten. It’s never at the top of an athlete’s list because of homework, presentations, and social events, BUT it will help you focus on what you need to be eating to fuel your body. Keep a small notebook with you throughout the day, writing down your meals and how you feel before and after them. If you’re getting the proper nutrients and you’re timing your meals in conjunction to your sporting event, then you should be feeling energized throughout the day.
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