For athletes, nutrition is a science, requiring you to develop a plan to ensure you get the nutrients you need to perform, build, and repair the body. Obtaining the right blend of nutrients is particularly important for people who play sports, as food provides the fuel for activity and micronutrients support the body (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2016).
The nutrition needs of athletes vary depending on training intensity and duration. Exercise results in stresses of the metabolic pathways in many ways which increases the athlete's needs for certain nutrients. Some key micronutrients of interest for athletes include: iron, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants. Working with a sports dietitian to develop a custom, personalized eating plan is the best to address performance goals and food preferences (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada & American College of Sports Medicine, 2016).
To illustrate how your nutritional needs change depending on your level of physical activity, we have compiled a list of resources that address sports nutrition. These guides can help you determine what to eat before and after working out, the unique nutritional needs for highly active people, or how to plan meals that meet the demands set forth by your sport.
Building muscle requires more than the time spent in the gym. The benefit of your lifting efforts is limited by the foods you eat. Learn how to fuel muscle growth with a diet specifically catered to build your body into the beautifully chiseled temple it was always meant to be.
We all know that protein is important for developing muscles and that it is an essential nutrient that everyone needs to survive. But protein plays a large number of roles in the body and it’s important that you get a healthy amount of each essential type. Learn all about which foods contain an adequate amount of the proteins you need.
There are a few reasons to opt for a blended beverage over solid food, and each makes the option of creating specialized shakes an appealing alternative to standard meals. Learn how to utilize these drinks to the best of your ability with this simple guide!
Strenuous exercise can be taxing on the body; in fact, a good workout will often damage muscles. But by consuming the right nutrients, you can ensure that your body has the fuel it needs to repair itself in a way that facilitates your fitness goals. Learn about the ideal composition of your post-workout meal here!
Protein shakes aren’t just for powerlifters, these potent provisions of the essential building blocks are also great for weight loss and anyone hoping to build a leaner, more muscular physique. Learn all about what makes a protein shake great and find our top selection of protein powders here.
