by D'Angelo Kinard, CPT 05-15-2008 02:00 AM
A Product of Advanced Sports Performance (ASP)
Athletic performance is dependent on training and nutrition. But too often the nutrition component of this equation is ignored or misinterpreted. Athletes and trainers place great emphasis on rigorous sport specific training, yet forget how critical proper diet, or more importantly, purpose driven diet and nutrition preparation is to success on the field of play. Eating healthy takes on a new dimension when applied to athletic performance, and the on or off-season status of the individual.
The other gross mistake made by the modern athlete is the dependence on the many powders, pills, and potions available that promise to make you bigger, faster, and stronger. Supplementation is an important element in creating a sport focused nutrition plan. But supplements, legal supplements anyway, are rendered useless without proper diet.
Conscious, clean, consistent eating should be the foundation of any nutrition and training regimen. By devoting the same attention to diet as training, athletes will experience improvements in performance as well as health, which will prove to be a benefit for a lifetime.
As with training, adopting a proper nutrition regimen begins and ends with discipline. Individuals must consider what he or she is willing to sacrifice in order to dominate in their sport. If salty or sugary snacks are more important than being in the starting lineup, then have at it. Obviously there are a small group of unique individuals that possess the talents and genetics that allow them to excel in spite of poor nutrition. But are you willing to take this risk? And again, this is the exception and not the rule. Even for these select athletes, bad eating habits will diminish performance and certainly health over time. Improper nutrition and its detrimental effects are challenges to which no competitor can afford.
When approaching the prospect of constructing an eating plan, remember the three C’s mentioned earlier (Conscious, Clean, Consistent).
Become a conscious eater. Consider how proper diet can impact your performance.
Become a clean eater. Be sure your food sources are all natural, reduce your sodium (salt) and sugar in its many forms, and ensure healthy food preparation (steam, grill, bake, and broil vs. frying, and using heavy high calorie sauces).
Become a consistent eater. Eat on time, usually every 2-3 hours depending on the individual, and constantly to maintain a healthy metabolism.
Published 05-15-2008 © 2024 Access Athletes, LLC
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