Athletes’ Daily Nutritional Requirements

Athletes have special daily nutritional needs, but these can be complicated. Here are some of the basics you should know. Fats are important for everyone, but especially active muscles need fats to provide long-lasting energy. But not all fats are the same. Choose unsaturated fat, which is found in nuts and most vegetable oils. Saturated fat is found in fatty meat and dairy products like cheese and whole milk. Saturated fat slows digestion, which makes it best to avoid eating fatty foods at least a few hours before exercising.

Carbohydrates

Athletes’ carbohydrate needs depend on several factors. Their body mass, sex, total energy expenditure, and environment all determine their carbohydrate needs. If carbohydrates are the primary source of energy during intense exercise, they should consume eight to twelve grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this number may change. Some athletes require lower carbohydrate intakes during competition, while others may require higher amounts than average.

Before and after exercising, carbohydrates are essential for replenishing electrolytes and maximizing glycogen stores. A general strategy for eating close to an event is to consume 500 ml of fluid two to four hours before the activity. While some athletes may experience digestive discomfort after eating close to the event, this is unlikely to be the case with carbohydrates.

Athletes should aim to consume approximately 30 to 60 g of carbohydrates per hour, or 0.7 g of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight.

Fat

Adequate nutrition is vital for athletic performance. For example, athletes have higher energy needs and fluid requirements than the average person. Providing adequate nutrition is important for meeting these requirements, as well as for meeting the specific training schedules that athletes follow. The following are a few nutritional recommendations for athletes. Listed below are several of the … Read more