Some of the athletes with whom I work are under the impression that, because they are active and workout regularly, they can eat whatever they want. The truth is, the quantity, quality, and timing of your diet can make a difference in your training results and your performance, over time. Your nutrition has a bigger impact on your body than you may realize.
Eating the right foods, in the appropriate quantities, at the right times, can complement your strength and conditioning efforts, and improve your body’s effectiveness and efficiency — as well as your overall health and wellness. Here are some diet and nutrition tips that go “hand-in-hand” with your training:
- Eat more frequently — 4-6 small meals and snacks per day — to stay satisfied and avoid hunger-induced binging
- Snack on foods like fruits and veggies, Greek yogurt, and nuts and seeds
- Reduce portion size to about the size of your fist
- Choose lean proteins – tuna, salmon, egg whites, lean beef, turkey breast, ground turkey
- Increase your daily protein consumption to about 0.6-0.8 grams per pound of body weight
- Avoid sugary beverages and drink more water
- Opt for healthy (unsaturated) fats, like those found in olive oil, nuts and nut butters, and salmon
- Eat whole-grain, high-fiber carbs
- Know your ideal, daily caloric intake and manage it, accordingly
- Track your daily calories; you may be surprised
Eat healthy — don’t let your diet sabotage your training efforts and performance results.
Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!
Your thoughts?
Athletic Performance Training Center 