Many things can make a track athlete great: training, genetics or fitness. However, many times people skip over the fact that to get the body where they want it to be, athletes need fuel. Fuel is the basis of how the body functions. Without the proper amount of fuel, there is only so much a runner or thrower can do. This is why it is essential to provide the body with nutrition and ensure that it can reach peak performance without injury or future issues.
Runners rely on different nutrition than people would expect, considering how they rely more on carbohydrates and calories than other sports. The body turns carbohydrates into glucose, or sugar, which gives the body energy to function. Carbohydrates include sugar, starch and fiber. Options such as pasta, potatoes, rice and bread are go-to choices to stock up on needed carbohydrates.
However, there is a difference between complex carbs and simple carbs when trying to make the best nutrition decisions. Complex carbs take time for the body to break down while simple carbs are digested quickly. Since carbohydrates are made into glucose, sugar spikes in blood may occur if too much is ingested and it can lead to weight gain if simple carbs are eaten more than complex carbs. Complex carbs are the best for the body since they also contain other vitamins and minerals. The best thing to do when thinking about carbs is eating in moderation rather than not eating carbs at all, since they are necessary for the body.
Proteins, on the other hand, that are go-to for sports such as football and wrestling, aren’t relied upon for runners as much. Protein is needed, but not to the extent that others may need it.
Protein is a nutrient that is preferred after a hard activity such as a workout or a race. These nutrients mainly build muscles and bones. While working the body, muscle hypertrophy occurs which is when fibers break and rebuild, making them stronger.
Proteins include things like meat, fish, eggs and milk. Both carbohydrates and protein are essential to the growth and development of a runner but they are used for different purposes in the body.
As an athlete develops good eating habits to ensure they get all the nutrients needed, it is a guaranteed way to get better, along with proper training and consistency.