{"id":14806,"date":"2020-02-17T07:00:33","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T05:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za\/?p=14806"},"modified":"2024-12-23T07:59:39","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T05:59:39","slug":"what-are-the-basics-of-athletic-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za\/nutrition-blog\/what-are-the-basics-of-athletic-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the basics of athletic nutrition?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s not news that nutrition<\/a> plays a very important role in any athlete\u2019s professional life and performance. Whether they are just beginning in their chosen sport or have been an athlete for years, a good nutrition plan can be the key to unlocking their goals and breaking records. But what is nutrition actually? Let\u2019s look at the basics:<\/p>\n

What is athletic nutrition?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Athletic nutrition is a well-designed nutrition plan that allows athletes<\/a> to perform at their best by providing the right macro- and micro-nutrients – vitamins, minerals, energy, nutrients and fluids – that they need. These nutrients help improve the body and organ functions when exercising or taking part in sports.<\/p>\n

Macro-nutrients<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Macro-nutrients provide the energy that an athlete needs during exercise and sports. These include:<\/p>\n

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  • Carbohydrates: which is the most important energy source for an athlete and contains natural sugars which are to be found in fruits, vegetables and milk, as well as whole-grain found in bread, potatoes, most vegetables and oats. Carbohydrates are divided by the body into glucose or blood sugar, which gets fed to cells, muscles and organs as energy.<\/li>\n
  • Proteins: made up of a chain of amino acids which aren\u2019t naturally produced by the body and can only be supplied through foods. You can get these amino acids from meat, fish, poultry and milk, as well as certain plant foods. Protein helps an athlete\u2019s muscles recover and grow.<\/li>\n
  • Fats: healthy fats, which are also known as unsaturated fats, help the body develop, protect our organs and maintain cell membranes. These fats come from plant foods like olive oil and nuts. Saturated fats in meats and dairy can increase the risks of diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n