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As an athlete, engaging in proper sports nutrition is a must; although it isn’t as simple as just eating nutritious foods. In fact, there are three processes that you need to consider when creating the diet that will bring you the best results.
Timing
Your body needs different foods at different times of the day in order to function efficiently. For example, you want to eat every couple of hours so that your body has the energy it needs to power you through your sport of choice. This includes eating before and after your workouts to get your muscles and cells the nutrients they need to help you perform at peak levels.
Fueling
Another process of sports nutrition involves fueling your body to be able to handle your sport. For instance, for long distance sports such as cross country running or body building competitions, you want to fuel up with a high amount of carbs. This gives your body the glycogen it needs for optimal endurance. If you’re engaged in a sport that requires a lot of muscle strength, protein is your key to success.
Recovery
Just as you want to fuel your body pre-sport, you also want to give it the vitamins and minerals it needs afterword so that your muscles recover big and strong. Therefore, this process involves feeding them with quality protein within 30 minutes of your sport ending. Sports bars, protein drinks, and any other lean protein will do the trick.
In addition to these three processes, you’ll also want to ensure that you’re staying hydrated, so drink a lot of water before, during, and after your trainings and games. Additionally, if you’re playing hard or for long periods of time, supplement your beverage intake with sports drinks so that you get the electrolytes and sodium your body needs.
What do you do when it comes to sports nutrition?
