Sports Nutrition (Triathlons)

Nutrition, just to the general public is important, but is especially important for those consistently using their bodies to their full potentials. The science and technology of nutrition and just food in general has been drastically changed not just within the last century, but also the last ten years.

Nutrition and hydration are very important within the sporting world and could be what gets you the next level of performance. Different types of foods and drinks should be consumed before , during, and after committing long and strenuous exercise and physical exertion. For the purpose of my particular interests and my challenging decisions that I am presently making I am going to focus on nutrition during , before, and after a triathlon workout or race.

Before one can start and maintain any exerting activity one most be adequately hydrated. Hydration can and should be consumed through a variety of different drinks that all exemplify different characteristics that allow for one to maintain a balanced diet. One most maintain a good level of calcium, electrolytes, protein, and vitamins in their drinks. So just water will not qualify. Now for the leading hours into a work out one should be gradually consuming a good amount of fluids which should be mostly water with something similar to/or Gatorade. This gives your body the hydration, electrolytes, sugars, and sodium to prep one for an activity after eating a supplementary meal prior to a work out.

During a race one must maintain the sugars, salts, and electrolytes to replenish the body. These nutrients can come from energy packs (with or with out caffeine) (GU), energy chews, or drinks such as Gatorade or what ever preference you may have. All foods surrounding and during the time that you are working out should be tested before the race, in order to ensure that they sit well with you.

Finally following a work out it is vital that all levels of electrolytes, sugars, and salts must be reached through hydration and eating a good snack such as a protein bar. A protein bar not only feeds your cravings but it will also help you rebuild muscle.

So to recap: One must eat a good meal, and hydrate well before, maintain energy during the race by eating sugars, caffeine, and salts, while still hydrating, then after one must replenish any lost nutrients along with consuming high levels of protein in order to build muscle.

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