Natural Sports Nutrition in Your Diet

Genetics may play a role in making an athlete, but diet and training can even bring the weakest body to peak form. Jack LaLanne was almost crippled, but built himself up to better form than most other athletes.

Nutrition from natural sources, especially raw foods, is always the best choice for athletes. Of course, nutrition is second to water intake for hydrating the body. Good water consumption and a balanced diet should provide an athlete with the energy required to boost performance.

Hydration is extremely important for life, but is even more important for athletes, because athletes lose vast amounts of water in sweat while training or performing. The human body is made up of about 50% to 70% water, and the cells in the body must be completely hydrated for the cells and organs to perform their biological functions. The old rule of 8 glasses of water a day is true, because the body needs water to remove toxins and waste as urine and the body regulates body temperature by sweating.

Athletes sweat heavily during training and performing, because they are burning lots of calories for energy. This raises bodily temperature, which is cooled down by sweating. Sports nutritionists recommend drinking 2 to 3 cups of water for each pound lost exercising.

Bodily functions need fuel. A balanced diet provides fuel for natural sports nutrition. Athletes should eat the right combination and quantity of foods for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and other nutirients to cultivate peak ability of their bodies.

Important energy sources of carbohydrates are found in potatoes, and grains like rice, wheat, oats, cereals, and fruits, and vegetables. Whole grains should be eaten whereever possible. 70% of the body's energy can be ingested from these foods. The starch in carbohydrates, or "carbs" as sports nutritionists often call them, are changed to sugar for energy, giving power and endurance to the body for activities requiring endurance.

To store a reservoir of carbs, many athletes eat a lot of carbs about a week before competition to gather reserve energy. During physical activity of more than an hour, lots of carbs should be consumed to prevent fatigue. These carbs can be fruits or fruit juices.

Proteins are important for natural sports nutrition. Eggs, dairy products, fish, meats, fowl, beans and nuts are all good sources and most athletes consume them regularly. 15% of the body's calories are supplied by proteins. Athletes should mtch their protein intake to their fitness level, and the type of exercise, its duration and intensity, and to their overall calorie and carb intake.

Fats and essential oils are also important for natural sports nutrition diets. Fats are essential, but should not be overdone, as only small amounts are needed for proper functioning. Too much fat, especially saturated fat, can lead to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

To excel in sports requires discipline, determination, courage, persistence and good dietary habits with natural sports nutrition. This will be worthwhile when that all-important race is run and victory achieved.

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