N U T R I T I O N F O R E N D U R A N C E AT H L E T E S

C R E A T E D B Y H A N N A H C O R N E T T

• When you’re training for an event that requires endurance, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial if you want to perform well and keep your body in tact.

• Though many athletes opt for protein bars, gels, and various sports drinks, eating balanced meals is essential for staying healthy as an endurance athlete

• Remember, what you eat makes all the difference when it comes to functioning and performing your best.

• Here are a few tips to help make sure your diet is healthy and fulfilling while you are training…

• Eating gels and protein bars during long exercise events is one thing, but when you’re not working out a high-quality diet will help satisfy your appetite and will ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.

• Drinking plenty of water and fluids with electrolytes is extremely important when you are endurance training.

• Always hydrate - that is the number 1 rule of any fitness regime.

• In addition, make sure your meals are well-balanced with fruits, vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates

• Avoid junk foods and foods that are high in fat.

• This includes intaking a large amount of processed energy bars and gels

• Limit your intake of alcohol to one drink per day.

• Sticking to the “3 drinks/week” rule is another great way to eliminate alcohol.

• In addition, keep caffeine to a minimum.

• Endurance athletes tend to burn more calories than they ingest, so make sure you are getting an adequate amount of calories each day.

• This will help with fatigue, a huge factor when it comes to inhibiting your performance.

• Make sure you eat 3 hours before a long training session.

• This teaches your body to use food as fuel, instead of relying on storing fat for energy if you eat too close before a workout.

• Finally, make sure you are intaking macronutrients.

• This includes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which are crucial for several functions in the body.

• For more information on how to make sure you are getting the right nutrients as an endurance athlete, Originally from: check out this article published by Ironman.com.