The right nutrition can help you achieve your goals in sports whether they be getting stronger, better endurance or improving body composition. It can also aid in injury prevention and recovery. Sports nutritionists are highly trained and experienced in working with athletes to optimize performance. They can provide you with evidence-based recommendations and personalized meal plans to meet your specific needs.

Foods rich in protein, carbohydrates and fats are important for an athlete’s diet. These nutrients maintain muscle energy and support training intensity. Carbohydrates should be consumed 1-2 hours before exercise as they are the primary source of energy for working muscles. During exercise, an athlete should consume carbohydrate foods every 3-4 hours to keep energy levels high. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommends consuming 30-60 g of carbohydrate per hour during intense exercise.

In addition, sports nutritionists may advise a diet that maximizes the absorption of fluid and energy. This is particularly important in hot weather when hydration is vital. They may also recommend limiting the intake of high-fat foods, which can interfere with an athlete’s ability to absorb and process fluid.

In general, a sports nutritionist will focus on whole, unprocessed foods to provide the greatest nutritional value. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Athletes should try to minimize added salt, sugar and preservatives when possible. They should also aim to avoid consuming excessive amounts of sodium, which can lead to hyponatraemia, a condition that can cause seizures, collapse and coma in severe cases. sports nutrition near me