Athletes require more calories than the general population because they need energy to fuel training regimens. Calorie needs can vary due to age, sex, weight, muscle mass, height, fat mass and level of training. Because nutrition plays a critical role in performance, athletes often work with registered dietitians to plan diets.
Although it isn't effective for everyone, according to MayoClinic.com, "carbo-loading" may increase your energy levels, reduce fatigue and improve your athletic performance.
Proper nutrition before events helps prevent hunger and blood sugar levels from dropping. Meals eaten before a game should be well-balanced and consist of foods that are well-tolerated to help avoid stomach upset. Well-balanced...
Throughout your training you burn a large number of calories that need to be replenished to ensure optimal performance and recovery. Incorporating high-quality foods in your weekly meal plans prepare your body for activity an...
Many young athletes, most often females, do not eat enough to fuel their growing bodies and their athletic activity. Pre-competition meals are especially important for athletes. Pre-competition meals and snacks are what provide...
While conditioning, training and genetics all play crucial roles in determining what level of performance an athlete is able to reach, proper diet and nutrition are also incredibly important factors. As Colorado State Universit...
If your body depletes your carb sources, it may consume your lean muscle tissue for energy, according to Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine. To prevent a breakdown of your muscles and ensure you have peak energy levels to play at...
You can have all the skill in the world, but if your energy levels are lagging, so will your performance. Your overall diet is quite important, but it is your pre-game meal that dictates the energy levels you have while you play.
Dietitians recommend meals that are comprised of 55 to 60 percent carbs, 15 percent protein and 30 percent fat. If you are practicing twice a day, your body can require between 5,000 and 9,000 calories, so it is important to pa...
Teenage athletes require a higher caloric intake to fuel their growth and performance, according to KidsHealth.org. Developing a healthy meal plan will enhance your performance on the field, track or court; it also will help pr...
For young athletes, some of which participate in multiple sports throughout the school year then head for sports camp during the summer, having a well-defined meal plan is essential to keeping them properly fueled for the amoun...
An athlete's body uses protein to build and repair muscles and boost its immune system. Health touch explains that carbohydrates produce energy needed during exercise. Good fat provides additional energy and vitamins. Though pr...
Performing at your athletic best starts with a healthy diet. Getting the proper nutrition is essential for your body to operate at its peak capacity. The key is to eat a well-balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, protein, ...
If you plan to compete in the near future, you should learn about liquid meal replacements, as they provide energy and nutrients, without weighing you down like a complete meal does. Not all supplements provide the same results...
Planning for a post-event meal will help you recover from the all-out effort of your big day. However, post-event nutrition is often neglected by athletes, according to "Triathlon Training" author Michael Finch. If you are an a...
Athletes tend to burn far more calories than a sedentary person, so their dietary requirements may differ significantly. A healthy diet for athletes is not just about eating additional calories --- it's about eating nutritional...
For weeks or even months before a race, endurance athletes fine-tune their training techniques with the goal of maximizing performance. One of the most important and often overlooked components to a successful training program ...
According to the American Dietary Association deficient amounts of calories, fluid and nutrients may cause poor athletic performance. On the converse, eating well can improve athletes' endurance, exercise intensity, adaptabilit...
