Food Is Fuel: Why Diet Is So Important For Athletes

Nutrition is a crucial aspect of any training plan. As the body's primary source of energy, food helps jocks perform to their greatest potential. Proper nourishment can also help with muscle recovery, allowing athletes to bounce back from their workouts more efficiently.

Calories are your friend

Although diet culture has pushed the idea that high calorie foods should be avoided at all costs, for athletes, consuming enough calories is absolutely essential. Fundamentally, calories are a unit of energy, and that energy is what humans use to perform their day-to-day tasks. Everyone has a baseline caloric expenditure - in other words, we all burn a certain amount of calories everyday by simply existing. Athletes, however, do a lot more than just exist. Sports training often involves high-intensity workouts on a regular basis. To perform at such a level on a consistent basis, an athlete must ensure that they give their body sufficient fuel.

Understanding macronutrients

All food is composed of three macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each of these compounds serve a very different purpose within the body. Carbs are a quick source of energy and often consumed by athletes before exercise to help with stamina, speed, and strength. Post-workout, carbohydrates will help replenish energy stores and get you ready for your next workout. Protein should also be a part of your after-workout regimen as it repairs and rebuilds your muscles. Finally, fats are a secondary energy source the body taps into during prolonged periods of physical activity. Healthy fats have other benefits including protecting the organs, maintaining healthy joints, and helping to absorb other nutrients. Getting a proper balance of carbs, proteins, and fats lets athletes keep their bodies running like a well-oiled machine.