Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~3
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
A proper diet is a must for sports people. Every athlete should eat enough protein, fat and other elements. Sports foods are created to procure
A proper diet is a must for sports people. Every athlete should eat enough protein, fat and other elements. Sports foods are designed to provide the right amount of nutrients. Such a diet should not be abused because it can be harmful to health.
Protein is a special dietary supplement that consists mainly of protein. It is used to increase muscle mass or to maintain it during exercise. The daily dose is determined depending on the intensity of training and the characteristics of the body. On average, 1.5 to 4 grams of protein are consumed per kilogram of body weight.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. If they are not in the blood, the muscles will not be able to recover and grow. It is best to take them after training, when a kind of "protein window" opens - a process in which muscles begin to actively recover after exercise.
Amino acids are divided into: essential, semi-essential and replaceable. Each of them is characterized by its own characteristics, which we should consider.
Essential amino acids:Amino acids are available in various forms, but the most common are complex, containing all amino acids, but in different proportions. It is difficult to make the right choice. Be careful, because a large amount does not mean much benefit to the body. It is best to take 15-30 minutes after a workout, maybe also after waking up or before bed. It is desirable to combine them with the usual food, so the stomach will perceive them better.
Gainers are a combination of protein and carbohydrates. They are used to increase a person's energy supply and to increase weight. Used in intensive training. Gainers differ in the amount of carbohydrates and proteins in their composition.
The problem of excess fat can be solved with the help of fat burners. Remember that without training, none of the supplements will help. In general, they are presented in the form of herbal preparations that break down fats or inhibit their synthesis. The most famous fat burners include green tea extracts, Cambodian garcinia, dandelion root, juniper berries.
Vitamins are necessary not only for athletes, but also for everyone. Under heavy loads, their deficiency will affect much more than in people who lead a passive lifestyle. For this reason, the required amount of each of them must be obtained immediately.
As for trace elements, athletes need mainly iron, chromium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
You can get supplements from sports food stores and pharmacies.