5 Reasons Why Sports Nutrition Creates Winners on the Field
It’s like an open secret among athletes, once you understand the concept of sports nutrition and apply its principles in training, the difference between winning and losing is like night and day, and it’s that simple. But how many athletes truly understand this concept between nutrition and performance and are willing to endure another disciplined program in the face of upcoming events?Apparently, not many athletes regard nutrition as a necessary component to striking goal in the arena, and dismal performances have resulted. Moreover, coaches are being blamed for their contribution in this thought-process-their nonchalance in emphasising the significance of a nutrient-dense diet that balances with training–is being passed on within sporting groups.The Link between Sports Nutrition and Increased PerformanceSeveral scientific studies have been conducted over the years that link enhanced performance with a balanced diet, and the results are exciting for serious minded competitors.Studies reveal that any athlete who is willing to follow the guidelines of nutrition in the proportions required–consuming a diet that caters to the person’s training and physiology–is likely to have a lead over the person who does not.Sports Nutrition definedThe study of nutrition is nothing new and dates back over 200 years; however, the discipline of sports nutrition is relatively new.This interdisciplinary field has a rather complex curriculum, rooted in scientific formulations, but at its most basic, focuses on dieting principles that enhance athletic performance.Sports nutritionists are experts who counsel athletes on how best to achieve their athletic goals using nutrition; they are an athlete’s best friend owing to their nutrition plan.5 Reasons for Sports Nutrition in Competitions1. Utmost Gains from TrainingA well-planned diet has the biggest impact on training simply because it supports the rigors of a workout program, promoting mental and physical prowess. A good tailor-made diet allows adaptations to the work-out stimulus and increases skill and endurance.2. Enhanced Recovery between EventsNutrition affects every process in the body involved in energy production and exercise recovery. When a competitor is taught the guidelines for optimal nutrition that matches body composition, and is sports-specific as well as appropriately timed, healing and recovery occurs at a faster pace.3. Reduced Risks of InjuryInjury is the enemy of athletes. A serious enough injury like a hamstring or groin insult can set back a contender a whole season or longer. In addition to taking precautions with proper warm up and conditioning exercises, the risk of injuries is also minimized with quality nourishment received into soft tissue cells. Muscles, which enable movement, depend on a well-nourished diet to reduce spasms, cramps, tears and other similar injuries.4. Consistency in Achieving High Level PerformancesAs numerous studies have shown, nutrition affects performance in a positive way. The eating and drinking habits of sports persons influence how well they train and execute their skills at desired levels, at all times.5. Confidence in Feeling Fit to ExcelMental fitness is just as crucial as physical fitness. Confidence is that added element which gives athletes the bravado and rights to vanquish their opponent. Successful completion of training-acquiring technique, agility, and power-backed by a diet that caters to fitness needs, allow that moment of glory to draw near.The margin between victory and defeat is very small among equally fit athletes in fierce competitions. Therefore attention to detail will determine the outcome; sports nutrition provides that eating strategy for winning.
Pregnancy Nutrition Guidelines For A Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy nutrition guidelines are necessary for pregnant women. It’s true that during this time, you need just 300 calories extra daily. However, they should not be empty calories. Nutrition is the word here.Read on to know about the exact nutrition during pregnancy that you need. It’s not difficult at all to follow a well balanced vegetarian nutrition diet during pregnancy.CalciumAs per the pregnancy nutrition guidelines that are prepared by doctors, your calcium intake at this time should range from 1200-1500 mg daily. Calcium is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby’s bones, muscles, heart, and teeth. If you do not take adequate calcium, your baby will use your calcium reserves. This increases the risk of osteoporosis in you.Your pregnancy nutrition chart should contain milk and its products. For lactose intolerant women, there are lactose-free milk products, buttermilk, soy milk, or cultured yoghurt. If this doesn’t work, ask your doctor for calcium supplements.ProteinDuring pregnancy, you need about 60 grams of protein daily for the healthy growth of your baby. Besides, it keeps your placenta, uterus, and breasts in a healthy state; it increases the volume of blood, and produces adequate amniotic fluid.IronAccording to the pregnancy nutrition guidelines, iron is important for production of hemoglobin in the mom-to-be and her fetus. Besides this, in the last trimester, your baby takes iron reserves from your body to keep anemia at bay in the first six months of it’s life. Also, you lose a certain amount of blood during delivery. For all these reasons, it’s crucial to increase the intake of iron.Your body needs only 27 mg of iron daily yet you need to take 60 mg because not all ingested iron is absorbed in the body. If you are found to be anemic, it’s good to take pregnancy nutrition supplements of iron.One of the tricks to absorb iron better is to take it with vitamin C enriched foods. Tomato juice, orange, or grapefruit are good options. Avoid taking them with milk, cheese, or other calcium enriched foods, as calcium hampers the absorption of iron.VitaminsPregnancy nutrition guidelines recommend a 25-50 % increase in the intake of vitamins. The requirement of folic acid doubles to 400 micrograms daily at this time. Eating a variety of foods in your pregnancy diet leads to the fulfillment of vitamin requirement.Even if you think that you are taking a nutritious diet during pregnancy, it’s important to have a look at pregnancy nutrition guidelines and read pertinent articles and books.