![]() It is important that vegetables form a large part of the athlete’s diet. As a general rule whole grains should be eaten in moderation. To get a good variety of whole grains an athlete should choose quality breads, pasta and rice. Whole grains also provide a small amount of protein, as well as being the source of Vitamin B and Zinc. Whole grains are a very good source of carbohydrates and fiber. The type of foods an athlete should include in a healthy diet is as follows: Whole grains ![]() A good supply of carbohydrates and fats is also required as part of a healthy, nutritious diet. Athletes require protein to insure their muscles retain good mass and this can be obtained from lean meats, dairy and vegetables. So what constitutes good quality foods for athletes? Fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and lean meats. While low quality food will provide calories those same foods are unlikely to contain the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants an athlete’s body requires. Eating foods that contain the best nutritional value allows an athlete to consume sufficient calories to produce the amount of energy they require. Calories are essential to both building and maintaining muscle mass so it makes sense that an athlete needs to make every calorie count. Ensuring they get adequate caloric intake is essential, but as everyone knows not all calories are equal. Eating raw foods allows an athlete to convert food into the energy he or she needs to perform.Īthletes burn a lot of calories every day. The body uses energy to produce those enzymes that an athlete needs to perform. ![]() When the body doesn’t receive those enzymes from food it has to produce them. Raw foods provide the enzymes an athlete’s body needs to effectively convert food into energy. This is not always feasible but should be the first choice when available. Why? Organic foods have not been subjected to fertilizers and pesticides and therefore represent better nutritional value. ![]() Wherever possible an athlete should purchase and eat organic foods. Cooking does, however, reduce the health benefits of many raw foods which are why eating some raw is advised. Provided the foods are at their freshest when being prepared and turned into a cooked meal there will still be plenty of nutritional value left in them. While it is important that some foods be eaten raw it is not critical that all foods be eaten in their uncooked state. Typically when we talk about fresh foods we think of raw foods. Food can be instrumental in helping the brain to function at its best too, allowing an athlete to focus on achieving his or her best results. That ‘fuel’ is then turned into energy that allows an athlete to be in the best physical shape they can be. As food is fuel it is important that athletes put the best possible ‘fuel’ into their bodies. When a person is physically active and wishes to maintain the best level of health possible a diet packed full of fresh foods is recommended.įor athletes eating quality fresh food is critical to achieving optimum performance, maintain a healthy weight and retain/build muscle. Sadly, despite this knowledge, only a small percentage of people actually eat fresh foods on a regular basis and this is like playing slot machines online with your health. It is common knowledge that fresh foods are far better than anything that is pre-packaged, processed or purchased from a fast food outlet.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |