Eating Like a Professional Athlete

Athletes are at their best when they are pumped full of fuel to drive their efforts. The wrong foods often may slow you down, but the right foods will make your body run like a well-oiled machine. The human body needs plenty of nutrients to not only maintain energy throughout the day but to facilitate the rebuilding of muscles and cells. Here are 5 tips on eating right for a professional athletic lifestyle to help you be and feel your best.

Plan Ahead
Be sure to plan a healthy breakfast for when you wake up; trying to get it together while half awake can be counterproductive. Schedule full meals for each day of the week. Planning ahead for meals and snacks saves time and takes the guesswork out of meeting the high nutritional goals of an active life.

Get the Right Amount of Carbs
In fad diets, carbohydrates are often demonized for causing weight gain, but to the professional athlete, carbs are a blessing. Inactive lifestyles typically cause the carb/weight problem because the body stores the unused energy as fat. The athlete, on the other hand, is very active and uses carbs as a handy and reliable source of potent fuel. Consult the FDA’s dietary guidelines for guidance to supporting your training.

Eat Foods High in Protein and Iron
Recovering muscles require proper amounts of iron and protein to rebuild and remain strong. Limited amounts of red meat, dark-leaved vegetables, and beans are good allies in the fight against deficiencies in protein and iron.

Listen to Your Cravings
Keep ahead of the water craving because by the time you’re feeling thirsty you’ve already become partially dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water whenever your body asks for it. Pay attention to energy slumps throughout the day and satiate cravings for unhealthy foods with healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and lean meats.

Go Easy on the Junk Food
Spikes and dips in blood sugar levels may have you reaching for candy and sugary drinks, but these foods only make the problem worse. Instead, aim for fresh fruits and juices that balance your blood sugar naturally while replacing essential vitamins.