World-class athletes know that success depends on training and nutrition. Therefore, they carefully choose the foods they eat; so, the right combination of nutrients will fuel them to success.
This article will include some tips to transform your eating habits into a world-class diet. By eating wisely, you will reap the rewards of being properly fuelled. Eating correctly will maximise muscle growth, aide recovery and replenish glycogen stores. You will also have the energy and endurance to power through your workouts and athletic endeavours.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are very important for athletes as they maintain blood glucose levels during exercise and replace muscle glycogen. Stored inside muscles, muscle glycogen is the main fuel during prolonged exercise.
To stay fuelled, the carbohydrate recommendations for athletes exercising on a regular highly-intensive basis range from 6 to 10 grams/kg body. The amount required depends on an individual’s total daily calorie expenditure, gender, type of exercise and environmental conditions (i.e. cold, hot or high altitude).
For part-time recreational exercisers, the diet should be comprised of around 50% carbohydrates; from healthy sources such as whole grains and not processed carbohydrates.
Protein
Protein recommendations for high endurance, strength-trained athletes range from 1.2 to 1.7 grams/kg body weight. However, protein intake can generally be met by diet alone; without the need for protein or amino acid supplements.
Fat
Fat intake should range between 20-30% of total calorie intake; and should never be restricted below 20%. It is an important source of calories.
Fluids
Adequate fluid intake before, during, and after exercise is important for your health; and to optimise performance. Two to three hours before exercise, drink 0.5-1 litre of water. Then, drink another 250-500mls, ten to fifteen minutes before exercise. During exercise, drink 200mls every ten to fifteen minutes.
For intense endurance exercise lasting more than 90 minutes, or for exercising in extreme conditions (heat, cold, or high altitude), the goal is to drink to stay hydrated; and provide carbohydrates so that blood glucose levels are maintained. Intake should provide 30-60 grams of carbohydrate per hour. Carbohydrates can be consumed in a 6-8% carbohydrate sports drink (250-500mls); every ten to fifteen minutes.
Before You Exercise
Food eaten before exercise should be low in fat and fibre, moderate in protein and somewhat high in carbohydrates; to maximise the maintenance of blood glucose.
Within half an hour after exercising, your dietary goals are to provide adequate fluids, electrolytes, calories, protein and carbohydrates; to replace muscle glycogen and promote recovery.
A carbohydrate intake of approximately 0.5-0.7 grams per half kg during the first thirty minutes, and again every two hours for four to six hours, will be sufficient to replace glycogen stores. Protein consumed after exercise will provide amino acids for building and repair of muscle tissue.
If you require any ideas for meals, you may find our post about about what to eat before, during and after exercise useful. You may also wish to look over our information on energy boosting foods. For all your Martial Arts equipment needs please visit our main site at www.blitzsport.com.
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