Have you ever wondered what elite athletes put in their bodies to fuel their bodies for peak performance? What nutrients do they need the most? It’s not all about carbs and protein, there’s a lot more nutrition guidance to being an elite athlete. We will explore the different types of nutrition elite athletes need to power up and perform at their best.
Carbohydrates are Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates are very essential for fueling your body with energy. They are broken down into glucose, which is stored in your muscles as glycogen and used during exercise. This means that the more intense the training and competition, the more carbohydrates you will need to replenish your body. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts provide slow-release energy. The slow release energy helps keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. They also contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that helps maintain gut health and well being.
Proteins are Essential Nutrients
Proteins are important for muscle growth and repair after exercise or injury. Food that proteins can be found in are meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and dairy products. It is important to remember that some sources of protein such as red meat can be high in saturated fats. Consumption of this protein should be done in moderation. Protein supplements may also be beneficial if you have an increased demand due to intense training or competition schedules.
Vitamins and minerals are Essential Nutrients
Vitamins and minerals are key components of any healthy diet. They are even more important for athletes who are pushing their bodies harder than most people do on a daily basis! Vitamins and minerals help maintain muscle function which is essential for performance. Calcium is mineral particularly important for bone strength while magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions during exercise. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of these essential nutrients – dark leafy greens will provide large amounts of calcium and magnesium as well as plenty of antioxidants!
Overall Nutrition Takeaways for Elite Athletes
Eating well plays an integral role in maintaining optimal performance for elite athletes – it’s not just about getting enough calories! A well balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals will give athletes the energy and nutrients needed for optimum performance during training and competition. So, if you’re looking to take your game to the next level, make sure that you fuel your body with all the essential nutrients it needs. For products that have helped with muscle recovery, checkout FLEXiT-MG sports roll on. This product is like an on-the-go epsom salt bath providing your muscles with the recovery they need to perform better and recover faster. Learn more about FLEXiT here. If you are looking for a complete nutrition guide, you can find one here on the USDA website.
