Fast Food Tips for Athletes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fast Food Tips for Athletes - Essay fontSince the fast food concept is based on speed, uniformity and low cost, fast food products wish the required nutritional values (Wikipedia n. pag) required particularly for an athlete.Fast food restaurants impart a quick, brassy and filling meal but these ar often items which are high in fat, calories and sugar. They are as well as low in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Too many fat calories get in the way of take luxuriant carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the organic structures main source of energy. Athletes require more of carbohydrate in their food. If an athlete eats similarly few carbohydrates, they lose energy for sports performance. It is estimated that about 60% of the calories should come from carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, beans). Proteins are essential and are the home for building muscles and fats/oils help with nerves and hormones, in the body (University of southern Maine n. pag). A proper diet sh ould allow all of these.Fat enlists longer to digest than carbohydrate, which means that an athlete should cut down on high-fat snacks or meals particularly just sooner the game. Soft drinks are high in sugar, but do generate energy. Diet drinks have no nutritional value, especially if they contain caffeine which draws fluid out of the body should be avoided. Instead better choices are juices, seltzer, low-fat milk, hot cocoa, or just plain water (The Womens Sports care for Center 1999).As it is a well known fact that 70 % of our body is water. As an athlete, its grave to keep the body well-hydrated. It is also important to drink plenty of water to keep the muscles hydrated. Athletes must take care of their dietary requirements and should stay away from carbonated drinks, especially soft drinks. No junk foods such as sugary snacks or chips even if they are baked. And minimize heavy fats and proteins in pre-game meal (velocitys p.com n pag). Staying away from dairy products an d too much protein like greasy hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, and cheese is favourable for athletes. It is good to avoid dishes that are deep fried or battered. Though soda pop and candy exclude are quick burst of energy but it will drop quickly, avoiding them is good. Before the game eating high carbohydrate foods like bread, pasta, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are considered as very good. Carbohydrates are digested quickly and furnish glucose to the muscles. Meals that are good sources of carbohydrate such as rice, noodles and pasta are a good send off to start. In addition, adding lean sources of protein such as lean meat, fish, chicken, beans or tofu and include plenty of vegetables are good. Sandwiches, cereal bars, fruit, juice, liquid meal supplements and bottled or powdered sports drinks are ideal (Department of Sports Nutrition, AIS). Some of the major nutritional challenges faced by athletes include achieving carbohydrate and protein requirements on a daily base s, meeting daily vitamin and mineral requirements, balancing energy intake, maintaining adequate hydration, and food safety. It is very essential to choose the right food before and after the game to complete the nutritional requirement of the body as well as to provide enough energy for the athlete to perform well in sports. Work citedDepartment of Sports Nutrition, AIS, Nutrition for travel Athletes, Australian Sports Commission (2004) 29 March 2007