It would seem that athletes do have very different needs when you compare them to the general public. Most of the time they need to have different amounts of macronutrients and they also need to have way more calories too. This gives them the energy that they need to compete at a high level throughout the year. In addition to this, they also need to make sure that they have all of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients so that if they do happen to injure themselves then they can make a very quick recovery. If you want to find out why diet is so important to a sportsperson then take a look below.
Why is Nutrition So Important?
If you look at online sports betting then you will see that athletes who are injured, or athletes who are performing badly because of poor conditioning, usually get less favourable odds. At the end of the day, athletes want to be the best that they can be and for anyone, but most of all athletes, this starts with having a good level of nutrition. Nutrition is essential for supporting the general health of an athlete and it is also very important for helping them to meet their training targets too. When you look at an athlete’s diet, you will soon see that they have to consider things like their caloric needs as well as their macronutrients. They also have to think about their meal and snack timings as well. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for both recovery and performance, along with hydration.
Macronutrients
When you look at the dietary guidelines that are in place, it is evident that carbohydrates should consist of around 45% of calories. Protein should consist of 35% and then finally, fat should make up the rest. Athletes will have to make sure that they adjust their meals to meet their goals accordingly. If an athlete is trying to cut weight or slim down then they may need to focus more on having less fat and more protein, for example. Athletes often have their own tailored diet plans as well. Personal trainers often work with athletes to make sure that they are getting the right amount of protein, fat and carbs. They also make sure that they do what they can to do this in accordance to the workouts they are doing. If you look at personal trainers and what they suggest for athletes, you will see that protein shakes are a major thing, as it helps them to get the boost they need in terms of macronutrients and healthy vitamins. It also gives them an edge in the gym.
Carbohydrates and Glycogen Storage
Carbohydrates do receive a lot of attention when you look at the sporting world. This is because they play a huge role in terms of general athletic performance. Carbohydrates tend to be the most preferable source of fuel and this is especially the case with those who are undergoing long-duration exercise, or those who are trying to put more of a focus on things such as intensity. This is because carbohydrates can support glycogen storage and it also helps with blood glucose too. This is ideal when it comes to keeping up with the demands that accompany exercise. If you want to maintain liver health or if you want to support glycogen storage then you will need to make sure that you cater your carbohydrate intake in accordance with your exercise volume. This is the best way for you to ensure a positive result from your workout without risking weight gain.