As the holidays have come to a close, many of us have had to move a notch down on the belt or wear looser fitting clothing. It’s understandable. The food we eat during this time of year does taste very good. But it doesn’t help with your sports activity. Here are some thoughts on the benefits of sports nutrition and what to eat–that will not only help you maintain your physical performance, but enhance it.
Over the last decade, there has been a massive amount of research done on sports nutrition. Eating the right kinds of food can help you physically AND mentally as well. Take for example beets—yes, beets. They have been shown to improve athletic performance and endurance by as much as 15%. It’s just the kind of food that can keep you from tiring around the 16th hole. Think about how great it would be to have the strength and endurance to birdie or par the last few holes instead of dragging to finish the round.
A mentioned, the right kinds of food can help your mental state of mind as well. Studies have indicated that foods like apples, beets, and cherries can put your mind in a place where perceived lack of exertion is diminished. The mind is a very powerful thing. The mind tells the body what it can and cannot do.
Foods high in antioxidants are valuable tools for recovery after physical activity. They’re great to eat post-exercise. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a workout leaves you wanting to get after it again. Eating the wrong kinds of foods leaves you fatigued, not looking forward to that next workout. Food high in nutrition has been linked to a better mood and mental readiness for that next time you tee it up, swing the racket, or get into the gym.
So leave the turkey in the rearview mirror…at least until next Thanksgiving. Start consuming protein, carbs, electrolytes, vitamins, fish oil, and minerals, as well as foods high in antioxidants, and watch your dehydration and fatigue go away. You’ll certainly notice your performance level peak both physically and mentally. Here’s to a healthy 2017!
Click here for Rita’s choice in supplements which are endorsed by the WTA.
