The food is a strategic factor in the life of a competitive athlete. It plays an obvious role in improving performance, but it is invaded by energy and protein supplements to the effects not always controlled.
The composition of mealsThe power of sports is no different from that of everyone. It should be composed especially better, ingested at the right time and in greater quantity, ensuring reconstruct losses of water and minerals through sweating.
Carbohydrates are the fuel for the muscles and should be absorbed in significant quantities (pasta, potatoes) on a regular basis during training and a few hours before competitions (three or four hours before). Always prefer the carbohydrate content in the pasta and starches to sugars faster pastries and sugary drinks.
Protein is important for the renewal of muscle growth and iron intake, as well as lipids, which provide vitamins and fats necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
Finally fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals and their water supply and promote rehydration.
Yoghurt and other dairy products, daily absorbed also involved in protein intake and calcium, needed for bone and muscle contraction.
Diet
If the diet of an individual who has a normal activity, is approximately 2 000 kilocalories (kcal), it can be significantly increased in the great sport because of the enormous energy consumption required in some efforts. A stage of Tour de France may require a ration of about 10 000 kcal, due to the intensity and duration of the test.
For all athletes, it is important to have a balanced diet, suited to the effort, focusing on natural foods and easy to digest. Avoid meats such as sauces and fried foods that may be responsible for cons-performance during training and tests.
Water
Hydration of the sportsman is fundamental, and often obeys modes. For example, in the years 1950-60, we recommended that the marathon does not drink during the race, but now we must drink several liters of water. An estimated loss of 1% of body weight in water leads to a decrease of 10% of athletic performance. The drink is so large and its volume must be adapted to stress, climate and the duration of the effort.
The important thing is to drink regularly in small quantities, without waiting for the sensation of thirst or fatigue.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements are the subject of constant controversy. A few years ago, to supplement the vogue was carnitine, sensible increase muscle mass. Now it is creatine, which is known about the effects long term, even if it has a significant effect on muscle performance of short duration, the type of sprint. Creatine (instead of carnitine) is not prohibited and is not considered a doping product.
Energy drinks are rich in minerals, salts and vitamins were of interest to reconstruct the metabolic balance in the effort, but some of these drinks are fortified with amino acids such as taurine, whose effects are not all known, which are banned in some countries like France.