Athletes who want a winning edge should get the
right nutrition. When you drink enough water and eat a balanced
diet, your body can make energy efficiently and fuel top
performance. You can make the most of your athletic talents and
gain more strength, power and endurance when you train. Base
your diet on a variety of factors including your age, size and
physical condition; and the type of exercise you are doing. See
your doctor for individualized nutrition advice. Eat Right! Diet Right! Click here for a
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There are probably 3 basic dietary prescriptions for health
and fitness. These apply to athlete and nonathlete alike. They
are:
maintain a healthy body weight by adjusting food intake
and exercise
eat less fat and specifically less saturated fats, such
as those fats found in animal products and tropical
oils
increase total carbohydrate, especially complex
carbohydrate
In addition, it is recommend eating less
cholesterol, reducing intake of refined sugar, eating more
fiber, fruits and vegetables and drinking alcohol in
moderation. However, over and above these general
recommendations, athletes have certain critical areas of
nutrition. Given the extra caloric expenditure during exercise,
requirements for most nutrients may be increased.
Most athletes and trainers agree there are three components
to a successful fitness program: strength training,
cardiovascular training, and proper nutrition. In recent years,
some of the following dietary supplements—vitamins, herbs,
amino acids, and other ancillary nutrients—have become
important contributors to an athlete’s performance.
For many athletes, proper nutrition includes
the addition of sports drinks, shakes, bars, and gels. To
assist with achieving peak performance, some people have
used the following “power” foods. Designed originally as
meal substitutes for dieters or nutritional supplements
for athletes, soy and protein shakes are a fast way to add
vegetarian protein to any diet. They’re usually based on
whey, egg, or soy protein, and can provide a concentrated
source of nutrition. But they also tend to be high in
sugar and low in fiber, so moderation is required.
CHEWABLE SOY PROTEIN (80% PROTEIN FROM SOY
BEANS)
Energy bars are fortified foods containing a blend of
protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and
other nutrients. The primary source of protein in energy bars
is usually soy or milk, with fiber provided from grains, oats,
apple pectin, or other sources. Some bars also contain
additional herbs or nutrients thought to enhance energy,
promote weight loss, or increase endurance. Energy bars can be
consumed before, during, and after athletic events to ensure
sufficient energy and replace expended nutrients. They may also
be used as a snack or meal replacement.
Sports drinks provide carbohydrates and electrolytes that
are not found in water. They contain easily absorbed
carbohydrates, and have about half the calories of fruit
juices. They may also contain herbs and supplements purported
to enhance energy and boost weight loss. Originally designed
for athletes, sports drinks are useful for any sporting or
athletic event, or as an energy-boosting beverage enjoyed
anytime.
Sports gels are concentrated carbohydrates designed to
provide athletes with immediate energy during intense athletic
activity. They are excellent sources of carbohydrates,
providing fast fuel that is quickly absorbed into the body for
energy. Sports gels are also designed to quickly replenish
glycogen stores before, during, and after intense exercise to
boost recovery. Many people find them easier to eat and digest
than energy bars and sports drinks, and they can be easily
consumed during races and other competitive events. They may
also contain herbs and supplements.
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Disclaimer: The information presented in 1stHealthyChoice.com is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in different published material. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.