Balance is more than standing on one foot.

It is that time of the year when many parents are starting to ask themselves why my student-athlete is eating so much food I can’t keep up.  What these athletes eat is very important; it is their fuel for not only the day but to maintain energy in the workouts. 

When most people think of food groups they think of meats, bread, dairy, fruits and vegetables.  However, to athletes we think of the food groups differently we tend to think of Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, Water & Electrolytes, and Vitamins & Minerals.  Are both people talking about the same thing, Yes, the only difference is the names in which we call them. 

For the athlete we tend to require more food than most, but we still require a balanced diet.  Just because we run and work hard does not mean that we can eat anything and everything.  If we eat too much of something our bodies will be off balance, which can affect performances in practice and in competition.  By making sure that, we are eating a good balanced diet our bodies will be able to perform better. 

What should athletes be eating?

This is a difficult but very worthwhile question.  Since many athletes will consume more calories (2500-3000+) it can be tricky to tell exactly (actually requires some math).  Many schools of thought will break things down by percentages based on certain calorie intakes, and many are for loosing weight.  To really know how much you should take in a dietitian should be consulted, as they will be able to measure and test things that you can’t at home. I am by no means a trained dietitian but I have taken some classes and try to stay current on certain trends that affect athlete’s nutrition.  

I tend to lean towards a more balanced approach, but focusing on carbohydrates (60-70%), proteins (15-20%), and the remainder fats (yes, fats but we are talking the good kind).  Electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals should be there if the diet is well balanced, but a multivitamin can help cover any variations day to day. The fats that are good to consume will be there as well if the diet is balanced. By just eating a well balanced diet with and eating until you are comfortably full (not stuffed) you should be able to perform well.