The Importance of Sports Nutrition

Athletes engage in high-intensity activity may require 40 to 70 calories per kilogram of body weight each day. The average person, on the other hand, requires only 25 to 35 calories per kilogram of body weight. Athletes weighing 50 to 100 kilograms should eat between 2,000 and 7,000 calories per day, according to the International Sports Science Network (ISSN). Athletes who weigh 150 kg or more should eat between 6,000 and 12,000 calories daily. The timing and content of meals are critical to reducing fatigue and ensuring optimum body composition.

Protein

Athletes need plenty of carbohydrates for optimal performance, and carbohydrates can help improve endurance and increase high-intensity performance. Carbohydrates also replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, which athletes need to replenish during intense training. Additionally, carbohydrates help athletes delay fatigue, and are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk are great sources of carbohydrates. However, athletes should avoid foods high in fat or saturated fat.

Protein requirements for athletes vary depending on the sport, level of activity, and body weight. An athlete’s daily protein intake should be 1.4 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. The recommended amount of protein depends on the intensity and mode of exercise, the quality of the protein ingested, and the energy consumed. Excess protein may be detrimental to performance and can change body composition. To ensure optimal performance, athletes should consume an appropriate amount of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Carbohydrates

The German Nutrition Society’s guidelines for food-based diets emphasize the importance of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be used to replenish glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, and they can help athletes recover after intense exercise. Studies have shown that athletes who eat a high-carbohydrate diet have higher glycogen stores, which correlates with the duration of … Read more