Fast Food Tips for Athletes - Essay Example

Since the fast food concept is based on speed, uniformity and low cost, fast food products lack the required nutritional values (Wikipedia n. pag) required particularly for an athlete. Fast food restaurants provide a quick, cheap and filling meal but these are often items which are high in fat, calories and sugar. They are also low in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Too many fat calories get in the way of eating enough carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. Athletes require more of carbohydrate in their food.

If an athlete eats too few carbohydrates, they lose energy for sports performance. It is estimated that about 60% of the calories should come from carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, beans). Proteins are essential and are the basis for building muscles and fats/oils help with nerves and hormones, in the body (University of southern Maine n. pag). A proper diet should include all of these. Fat takes longer to digest than carbohydrate, which means that an athlete should cut down on high-fat snacks or meals particularly just before the game.

Soft drinks are high in sugar, but do provide energy. Diet drinks have no nutritional value, especially if they contain caffeine which draws fluid out of the body should be avoided. Instead better choices are juices, seltzer, low-fat milk, hot cocoa, or just plain water (The Women's Sports Medicine Center 1999).As it is a well known fact that 70 % of our body is water. As an athlete, it's important to keep the body well-hydrated. It is also important to drink plenty of water to keep the muscles hydrated.

Athletes must take care of their dietary requirements and should stay away from carbonated drinks, especially soft drinks. No junk foods such as sugary snacks or chips even if they are baked. And minimize heavy fats and proteins in pre-game meal (velocitys p.com n pag). Staying away from dairy products and too much protein like greasy hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, and cheese is good for athletes. It is good to avoid dishes that are deep fried or battered. Though soda pop and candy bars are quick burst of energy but it will drop quickly, avoiding them is good.

Before the game eating high carbohydrate foods like bread, pasta, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are considered as very good. Carbohydrates are digested quickly and provide glucose to the muscles. Meals that are good sources of carbohydrate such as rice, noodles and pasta are a good place to start. In addition, adding lean sources of protein such as lean meat, fish, chicken, beans or tofu and include plenty of vegetables are good. Sandwiches, cereal bars, fruit, juice, liquid meal supplements and bottled or powdered sports drinks are ideal (Department of Sports Nutrition, AIS).

Some of the major nutritional challenges faced by athletes include achieving carbohydrate and protein requirements on a daily bases, meeting daily vitamin and mineral requirements, balancing energy intake, maintaining adequate hydration, and food safety. It is very essential to choose the right food before and after the game to complete the nutritional requirement of the body as well as to provide enough energy for the athlete to perform well in sports. Work citedDepartment of Sports Nutrition, AIS, Nutrition for Travelling Athletes, Australian Sports Commission (2004) 29 March 2007