Athletes are just like machines, they need to have the right fuel to work properly. An athlete’s diet is key to their performance and the continuation of their progress through a season.
“Athletes should eat well-rounded diets making sure that they hit all of the major food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and proteins,” Kane McGovern, junior exercise science major, said.
The first thing an athlete needs to do is load up on carbohydrates. The body changes the carbs into glucose, a form of sugar and stores it in your muscles as glycogen. This glycogen is the energy needed to perform activities.
Athletes also need protein. The problem with protein is that it needs to be the right amount, not too much or not too little. A 200-pound athlete needs about 150 grams of protein. If there is to much protein in the body’s system, the kidney’s may be strained. Protein is the recovery the body needs after an intense workout.
The next thing athletes need to look out for is fatty foods. Athletes should avoid fatty foods before events because they can cause stomach problems. Athletes need to have plenty of fluids, especially after they run or have a lifting session. Fluids should be flowing early and often. An athlete needs to be very hydrated in order for the body to work to the fullest extent.
Finally, after a hard workout athletes need to recover the electrolytes. Electrolytes help transmit nerve signals in the body. The best thing to do is to dilute sports drinks with water so electrolytes and fluids are replenished.
Before a game, athletes should take different precautions but nothing too heavy to slow them down. An athlete can not just go into a game without anything in their stomach, just like a car will not move without gas in the tank.
“Before events, athletes should eat snacks that have a good source of carbs and proteins to give themselves energy,” McGovern said.
The diet of an athlete is not always this strict, but there are no days off. In the off-season, athletes are usually put into weight training and tournaments to make sure they remain in top shape.
“Athletes during the season should eat lots of carbs for energy, while also eating a lot of protein for muscle growth,” McGovern said. “Eating small meals before games will give them energy to perform at their best, in the offseason they should eat a healthy diet with low fats so they can gain more muscle, and be in top shape for the upcoming season.”
Having athletes eat and train properly will lead to better teams and better seasons. The athletes at Cabrini are known for their CSAC banners, and their hard work and victories can be traced back to their lifting programs and strong diets.
