Athletes require a specially formulated diet while training to ensure they have needed energy to succeed. You cannot expect to compete at a high level unless you consume enough calories on a daily basis, as these calories turn into the energy the body uses to train. By learning as much as possible about athlete nutrition, you can maximize the chance of getting yourself into ideal condition for your next training session.
History
The dietary habits of athletes have changed considerably as scientific discoveries have improved the world's knowledge of nutrition. According to The Journal of Nutrition, athletes in ancient games consumed wine before events, and marathon runners in the 1908 Olympics drank cognac before they ran because they believed it to improve performance, according to The Journal of Nutrition. Today's athlete knows the benefits of water and sports drinks during events and likely would not touch these other beverages.
Significance
An athlete's level of nutrition provides many benefits to his overall performance. Colorado State University suggests that you can only achieve your peak performance if you eat a variety of foods that will provide you with energy. You cannot train unless your body has fuel to burn and eating a balanced diet will provide you with this energy.
Considerations
Certain foods provide more benefits for athletes, as they contain higher energy values. Colorado State University reports that you should receive 40 to 50 percent of your energy from carbohydrates, making them extremely important for any athlete. You will also find energy in fats and proteins, although at a lower level, so you must include them in your diet as well.
Misconceptions
Many people have learned over the years that the body needs additional protein to build muscles. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, however, athletes will not build muscle through the consumption of excess protein, as only training or exercise will accomplish this. Therefore, you should stick with six or seven ounces of protein per day, as this will provide you with everything your muscles need to perform.
Warning
All athletes should make sure that they consume enough liquid when training, as hydration remains vital to any athlete's diet. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends drinking at least one-half cup of water for every 20 minutes of training to help prevent dehydration. Dehydration can significantly decrease your performance and can lead to heath problems as well.
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