Nutrition Advice For Sports Enthusiasts

Whether you’re an elite professional, or a weekend warrior. What I would like to know is are you struggling to reach your goals? Are you finding it difficult to push yourself to that level where you’re able to further enhance your exercise performance? Or, perhaps, are you struggling with managing your recovery after exercise and this is having a negative impact on your training? If the answer to this is yes, or you have any other concerns about how to improve your exercise performance then carry on reading!

Do you have the right nutrition?

What I seem to find with all of my clients is that when they are trying to enhance their exercise performance, the common theme is that their nutrition is not fully supporting their exercise and, therefore, they’re falling short of their goals. Now the sports club that you’re associated with will be really effective when it comes to helping you to improve your technique and preparing you for competitive events, but do they give you adequate advice and help when it comes to your nutrition and, specifically, the nutrition that will benefit your exercise of choice?

Is your nutrition individualised to your sport and performance needs?

There is a wealth of information circulating currently. There’s so much out there about nutrition and exercise. However, even though some of it is very good advice, it can be quite generic, at times it can be inaccurate, and then there are simply times when they have taken a very small thing and made it this huge over-the-top phenomenon. However, the research behind it might not be evidenced based, or it might be very far away from what they’re claiming the actual end result can be. So if you find that you’re not hitting your goals, it could mean that you need a more tailored individualised nutrition programme

Quick nutrition tips:

Here are some easy tips for you today that is important to know:

1. Electrolytes need to be replaced after exercise and this can be done in your food or with supplements. Some of the key electrolytes are: Calcium - this can be found in dairy products. Potassium - you can get this from avocados, bananas and coconut water. Sodium - this can be replaced by adding sea salt or rock salt to your food.

2. Calcium - this can be found in dairy products.

3. Potassium - you can get this from avocados, bananas and coconut water.

4. Sodium - this can be replaced by adding sea salt or rock salt to your food.

• Calcium - this can be found in dairy products.

• Potassium - you can get this from avocados, bananas and coconut water.

• Sodium - this can be replaced by adding sea salt or rock salt to your food.

1. Fast releasing carbohydrates can provide a fast energy boost and will help you to recover. Some examples of fast releasing carbohydrates include sports drinks or gels and sugary food or beverages.

2. Slow releasing carbohydrates provide a gradual source of energy. Some examples of slow releasing carbohydrates include oats, pasta, lentils, pulses and bananas.

Jane Aherne - Sports Nutritionist:

Our specialised sports nutritionist is available for seminars for YOUR sports club. This is great to try and separate the fact and the fad, and make sure that athletes fully understand the physiology behind their exercise and how nutrition can benefit that. What macronutrients you need, what ratio they need to be in, and also your micronutrients and what can help with recovery and just pushing you that extra mile, if that’s what you’re trying to do. I can also answer questions that are personal to your athletes and give them advice on looking after themselves while you’re trying to improve their sporting performance.

PS...

My top 3 tips for you today are:

• Look after yourself and your body

• Rest, recover and replenish your body

• Enjoy the exercise!