Nutrients And Athletes

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Nutrients and Athletes Abstract When diet is said, many think of trying to lose weight or slim down, however, diet is actually referred to the everyday foods that we consume. Eating proper foods and getting the proper nutrients actually can increase an athlete’s performance. There are six different categories of major nutrients that an athlete should consume in order to make them successful. These categories are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, vitamins, minerals, and each will be explained below (Arnheim, D., 2005). Without proper nutrients athletes would be unable to perform at desired levels. As mentioned above, there are six major nutrients to which an athlete should include into their regular diet. The six nutrients are: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals (Arnheim, D., 2005). Water is the most essential nutrient for athletes and needs to be adequate for energy production (Arnheim, D., 2005). If enough water is not consumed in one day for an average athlete, dehydration may occur. Dehydration is defined as excessive loss of water in the body (Bucci, L., 1993). On average an athlete should consume at least 2.5 liters of water per day. After exercising for a period of time, the amount of water in the body, also known as body weight, will drop and cause an athlete to feel thirsty (Arnheim, D., 2005). It is important to replenish the body as soon as possible because even before an athlete feels thirsty, the earlier signs of dehydration may have already set in (Bucci, L., 1993). Carbohydrates are the body’s most efficient energy source. Over fifty percent of the body’s calorie intake should come from carbs. Carbs are broken down in complex and simple sugars that are used in the body in different ways; if not used immediately the extras are stored in the liver. If too many carbs are being taken in by the body, they are then

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