Sports Nutrition

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Sports Nutrition

Physical fitness is the goal of most people but as the article asserts, few of them consider the benefits of having a healthy dietary routine. In most instances, active people and lazy ones have similar nutritional needs except for their carbohydrate levels. Proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats are however integral in ensuring that an athlete has optimal performance. The authors note that the number of daily servings is vital in the maintenance of good bone density as well as having a healthy weight. Whereas such nutrients are all important, their frequency is dependent on the type of activity an athlete undertakes (Brown University 1). For example, higher protein intake would enhance the development of muscle mass for football players and bodybuilders. Similar experiences are applicable for people in other sports too. The right combination of various categories of food is necessary in fueling a competitor’s activity rate.

For instance, carbohydrates boost energy levels, iron increases the rate of normal blood flow while vitamins and minerals enhance the physiological development of the body in ways that make him/her more active. Supplement usage is another precaution fronted in the article to help provide an edge in an individual’s performance. While the author notes that such products are useful in accomplishing such tasks, the article provides a caveat warning potential users of the need to gain insight of such goods from reputable sources. For example, some of the common supplements include creatine, androstenedione, amino acids, and chromium picolinate. Traditional herbs are available as well. An emphasis is laid on the need to maintain a predictable eating routine rather than jolting for super meals just before heading to a competition. It is advisable that athletes follow such an approach since it strengthens their endurance levels as well as muscles hence proving them with the requisite energy to perform at their peak. According to the article, balancing such regimens when faced with alternating events throughput the day is the only challenge that they face due to the varying levels of intensity. As such, hydration is a vital component of preparation. Water is the most common but one can imbibe other beverages as well. After the completion of an exercise, a performer must be careful on the choice of food to eat because such durations matter in the amount and storage space for glycogen.

It is therefore imperative for an athlete to select the right nutrient combination in order to guarantee a healthy return to competitive form. Staying dehydrated by drinking many fluids needs to be a routine endeavor as stated in the article but non-caffeinated drinks and juices should be the only substitutes. It is also possible for competitors to be vegetarians and still be great in their sport especially for females who are weight conscious (Brown University 1). In such instances, the nutrient combination one adopts will make the difference hence allowing the individual to maintain his/her activity levels. Whereas staying healthy and fit is a good objective for all performers, overindulging in workouts is unhealthy because it strains the muscles as well as ligaments. Some of the warning signs include anxiety, poor social interactions, and rigidity in easing such exercises even upon being injured. Such behavior places an athlete at risk hence the need to change tact and allocate more time for resting. Having done so would lead to rejuvenation as well as proper physiological development and that translates into better performance once in the field.

Work Cited

Brown University. Sports Nutrition. Health Promotion. n.d. Web. December 1, 2015.