Healthy Diet for AthletesThis is why a healthy Diet for Athletes is important...The life of an athlete requires intense physical routines, including working out in order to stay in shape. There is a myth that suggests you can eat whatever you want if you are an athlete because of the high number of calories that are frequently burned. However, this information is false. Athletes must eat the right foods in order to gain endurance and strength to play sports. If they pig out on pizza, chips, and soda all the time, you can imagine the decrease in energy levels, not to mention the extra pounds piling on. A healthy diet for athletes consists of foods high in protein and carbohydrates. Proteins are the building blocks of the body, and are essential for the repair and growth of our muscles and cells, even our hair and skin! Proteins are digested in the body as amino acids, which are molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. They help to regulate cells and provide the body with the nourishment it needs to function.
Did you know that the brain can not properly function without the use of carbohydrates? Just like protein, carbohydrates are the glue that holds the building blocks of the body together. Carbohydrates are used as fuel for the body, and can be classified as either simple or complex sugars. Simple carbohydrates can be found in fruits and products that contain milk and sugar. Complex carbohydrates are found in pasta, breads, potatoes and other grain products. A high protein breakfast for athletes might consist of egg whites, Canadian bacon, whole wheat toast and a side dish of fruit. For lunch, grilled chicken, baked potato, and vegetables is a healthy way to get protein and carbohydrates in. Dinner could be a plate of whole wheat pasta with meat sauce with a side salad. Nuts and high protein snacks are great for in between meals. It is also important for athletes to stay hydrated. During training and sporting events, water is lost through the sweat glands, and will need to be replaced to avoid dehydration. Water carries oxygen to the cells, and helps regulate body temperature. Athletes should drink at least 72 ounces of water per day. A healthy diet for athletes is a key component in order to properly train for a sport. Without the proper foods, performance and energy levels would go down, causing the body to not reach its full potential. Eat healthy, train hard, and play good!
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