

Tips and expert advice for nutrition and hydration needs for athletic performance.
All the energy we need for life as well as for exercise comes from the food we eat and the fluids we drink. These nutrients are commonly broken into three classes: Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins. Each category of food is important for health and we should eat from each group, but the ratios of food we consume is often the topic of debate.

"Increase fiber intake by eating more high-fiber cereal, whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
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"Drink water, low-calorie or calorie-free beverages such as fruit juice diluted with seltzer, diet soft drinks, etc.
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- Carbohydrate is arguably the most important source of energy for athletes because it provides the energy that fuels muscle contractions.
- Athletes need protein primarily to repair and rebuild muscle that is broken down during exercise and to help optimizes carbohydrate storage in the form of glycogen.
- The longer and more intensely you exercise, the more important it is to drink the right kind of fluids.
- High salt (sodium) diets have been linked to a number of health risks in many Americans. However, some athletes, due to their increased activity and excessive sweat production, are actually at risk of having too little sodium in their blood stream during training and competition and may have special sodium requirements.
- Whether you are an athlete or a couch potato losing body fat and maintaining a weight lose is not an easy thing to do. Anyone wanting to lose weight needs to reduce calorie intake and/or increase energy expenditure. It's simple math.
- Eat more water-rich fruits, vegetables, and soups.
- Include a tossed green salad with lunch and dinner.