The Missing Piece in Your Training

Most athletes think better performance starts with training. But what if one of the biggest factors behind your performance starts with what you put on your plate?

Training, practice, and discipline are important, but your body also needs the right fuel to keep up. Proper nutrition helps provide energy for exercise, supports muscle recovery, and keeps you hydrated before, during, and after activity.

Here are a few nutrition habits athletes should keep in mind:

1. Fuel with carbohydrates.
   Carbohydrates are a key source of energy during exercise. Foods like rice, pasta, whole-grain breads, and other complex carbohydrates can help support your training.
2. Don’t overlook protein.
   Protein helps support muscle growth and repair. A balanced diet can usually provide the protein athletes need without relying heavily on supplements.
3. Stay hydrated.
   Water helps regulate body temperature and supports performance. Drink fluids throughout the day and before, during, and after exercise.
4. Fuel around your training.
   What you eat before and after exercise can make a difference. Carbohydrates can help provide energy before activity, while combining carbohydrates and protein after longer or harder sessions can support recovery.
5. Choose nutrition based on your needs.
   There is no one diet that works for every athlete. Your sport, training intensity, age, activity level, and personal needs all play a role in determining the right approach.
6. Be careful with supplements and extreme diets.
   More protein or supplements do not automatically mean better performance. Put a balanced diet first, and seek professional guidance before making major changes to your nutrition.

Good nutrition isn’t a shortcut to better performance. It’s part of the foundation that helps you train, recover, and stay consistent.

Want to learn how nutrition can support your athletic performance? Read the full article here.
➥ https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/nutrition-athletic-performance

Nutrition & Athletic Performance. (2023, May 3). Franciscan Health. https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/nutrition-athletic-performance