How do they do it? How do these top level sports professionals get to perform at the top of their game? Here’s five top tips from those at the top that show you the secrets of their success…
If you’re working out, you need to fuel your body properly! So here are some tips from the pros.
- Bregg-fast to start the day
You’ll have heard people talk about breakfast being the most important meal of the day and they aren’t wrong. That’s certainly true for a sports star, who needs the right amount of fuel to kick start an active day. Quite a lot of sports pros consume eggs to start off their day as they help to keep you fuller for longer so the pangs won’t kick in when you are mid-exercise. Eight of the 13 stars featured by the Huffington Post have some form of egg-related breakfast. (We love eggs for breakfast at team SLiNK – especially on a shoot day!)
2. Eat to win
It’s vital that you eat enough food. Too many people get caught up in thinking that cutting food out will help to get them healthy. In reality all this will do is harm your chances of having a successful exercise regime. Hurdler Dai Greene said: “Eating right helps your capacity to train; the more recovered my body is, the better I perform. You wouldn’t put the wrong fuel in a car and expect to get a quality performance out of it. If I don’t eat the fuel I need, I have poor concentration and I feel lethargic – and the stopwatch never lies.”
3. Protein is important
Protein ensures the body is able grow, recover and repair as you push yourself through a high energy routine. That’s why it is crucial to get a decent level in your food intake. About 1.5g per kg of body weight per day is recommended and that can mean finding inventive ways to up your intake.
High protein is a great way to keep your energy levels up without those crashes. A quick look on www.fysiqalnutrition.com and you’ll see some ideas on how to include protein powder in shakes and snacks to follow suit.
4. Drink lots of water
Athletes need to be hydrated at all times otherwise their performance levels dry up. You can top up your water levels mid-exercise, but shouldn’t start on empty or you’ll forever be playing catchup. Amanda Carlson-Phillips, vice president of nutrition and research for Athletes’ Performance in Phoenix, Arizona reckons you need in the region of 15-30ml per pound of body weight every day. Water is always important whether your exercising or not. Keep hydrated or you feel your concentration going whatever your doing.
5. Eat your meals in reverse – (this is only for the hardcore! – we so couldn’t do this)
Sounds strange? We thought so too. But it can work. Polish footballer Robert Lewandowski has been in sensational goalscoring form for club side Bayern Munich and reckons he got a spring in his step by switching his meal around. He now eats dessert first, and finishes with a starter after his main meal.
So there you have it. If you are working out make sure you are fuelling your system properly to get the best results. You burn so much energy when you exercise so keep those levels up!
