Nutrition for Athletes

In order to perform at peak potential an athlete must fuel their body with nutritious foods. Proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables; these three-core food groups fuel a winning athlete. Proteins help build, teeth, bones and muscles, and create enzymes, red blood cells, long-term energy, as well, boost the immune system. Its functions are the most diverse of any food group. Protein consists of combinations of structures called amino acids that combine in various ways to make muscles, bone and tissues. They serve other functions as well including nutrient transportation and enzyme production for overall health beneficence. Adequate, regular protein intake is essential because the body does not easily store it. Various foods supply protein in different amounts with the highest quantaty coming mostly from animal products such as meat, fish, and eggs.

I) Athletes need protein, primarily to repair tissues and rebuild muscle that is broken down during exercise and to help optimizes carbohydrate storage. This effect will help athletes gain immediate energy for competition or a workout.

II) Proteins are extremely important in the growth of muscles, combined with weight training; protein can enhance muscle mass gain. Dependent on the athlete, the balance between weight lifting and protein intake will vary; a professional or trainer will measure the needed amount. Thought, all athletes will need a high protein diet, short track sprinters will not intake as much as much as a football player, for the sprinter would have a high carbohydrate diet. Resulting in instant energy opposed to the football players need for muscle mass and stored energy for long exercise periods.

III) Health, is a key factor in the wellbeing of any person, athletes cannot perform when they are sick. The major health benefits of proteins are boosting the immune system and replacing red blood cells. The higher the immune system the change of sickness greatly diminishes. Red blood cells; are constantly traveling through your body delivering oxygen and removing waste. If they were not, the body would slowly die.

Whether it is on a track, a pitch, court or rink, nutrition is of vital importance in the development of a healthy, competitive athlete. Athletes must depend on highly nutritious and vitamin rich to keep their body at their healthiest, their mind focused to maximize their performance.