Is the study and practice of nutrition and diet with regards to improving anyone’s athletic performance and Nutrition is an important part of many sports training regimens, being popular in strength sports and endurance sports or like bodybuilding. Sports nutrition plays a key role in optimizing the beneficial effects of physical activity, whether you’re a bodybuilder, a professional athlete in training or exercising to improve your mental and physical health.
The three principles are:
- Clean diet – Providing the body with food to enhance stamina, strength and clarity.
- Hydration – Preventing dehydration and fatigue, and optimizing muscle performance.
- Recovery – To aid in recovery after exercise.
Nutrition professionals offer a variety of services to support your health and sporting goals. This can range from a daily food diary to tips for eating after workouts or a comprehensive nutrition plan for training and competitions.
The importance of sports nutrition
Consuming the right balance of food and drink is important for everyone and those actively participating in sports need to be aware that it can also affect performance. For example, athletes may need more calories than the average person, or individuals training for bodybuilding competitions may need to increase their protein intake: a good nutrition diet plan is key to your success.
Supplements
Are too used by athletes, bodybuilders and sportsmen and women to boost their strength, performance and recovery. They are available in different forms ranging from multivitamins and minerals to protein, creatine and various other ‘ergogenic’ aids.
Whey protein
Is a natural protein present in milk, containing very little fat, carbohydrate or lactose? Whey is what is known as a naturally complete protein. This means that it contains all the essential amino acids needed in the average daily diet for sports nutrition.
As well as housing the perfect combination of amino acids, whey protein also contains what is known as a ‘branch chain of amino acids (BCAAs), which are the first ones to be used during intense training for athletes or bodybuilders. The whey protein provides the body with these amino acids and in turn, they assist with repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue.
A sports nutritionist can create a tailored diet plan to support an individual’s training regime and goals. The plan will incorporate both food and hydration for good performance, but a tailored nutritional diet can also help to:
- Increase energy levels
- Promote good health
- Help manage weight
- Improve concentration
- Develop body composition and growth
The types of food
You should include these in your diet for optimum sports nutrition include:
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Sources of lean protein
- Low-fat dairy products
Healthy fats or essential fats