Cheerleading is an intense sport requiring a high level of physical fitness and overall health. Eating the right foods and portions for your body's needs are essential. Avoid crash diets or any temporary diets promising fast results. Instead, think of your cheerleading diet as a lifestyle, as opposed to a temporary style of eating.
Step 1
Eat six small meals instead of three large ones each day. This will provide your body with a steady and consistent supply of energy, allowing you to perform at your best when training and cheering.
Step 2
Incorporate a protein source in each meal. Your muscles require an adequate supply of protein to maintain and improve their strength. Without protein, your muscles will not be able withstand the stress of vigorous cheering and training. Fish, beef, poultry, pork, lamb, eggs, cheese, milk, soy and tofu are sources of protein.
Step 3
Consume complex carbohydrates, especially before practice, training or cheering. Complex carbohydrates provide quick energy to support your workouts. Examples include brown rice, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal, shredded wheat and whole-grain crackers.
Step 4
Prepare your foods with healthy fats rich in omega fatty acids and unsaturated fats. Olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado are beneficial choices.
Step 5
Trust your body. Some days you will be hungrier than others. Eat when you are hungry and stop when your hunger dissipates. There is no need to count calories, fats or other numbers.
References
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw, et al.; 2007
- "Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; Staci Nix; 2005
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