3 Sports Nutrition Myths

Perhaps the biggest reason why people failed to achieve the level of performance they want in their sports endeavors is poor or improper nutrition.

Because they don't have the right information. they are trapped in various sports nutrition myths. They behave according to whatever beliefs they have regarding what they should eat in order to prepare their bodies for the sports they want to excel in.

As a result, they focus too much in a particular type of nutrition while neglecting others. This will cause more harm than good. This article highlights 3 common sports nutrition myths.

Sports Nutrition Myth #1: Carbohydrates Is The Most Important Food Component

Carbohydrates is the most important food component as it gives energy. Because people preparing for a particular sport uses a lot of physical energy during training, they think that this is the most important nutrients to consume. No doubt, carbohydrates are important sources of fuel for the body. They provide the energy required for the vigorous training activities.

However, the body needs a balanced combination of different foods to function well. Other nutrients are just as important, if not more important than carbohydrates, for optimal performance. In fact, an athlete's body requires nutrients like iron and calcium more than carbohydrates.

Sports Nutrition Myth #2: One Should Eat As Much Carbohydrates As Possible

One should eat as much carbohydrates as possible in order to have as much energy as possible to perform well. The body needs plenty of energy for the workout during training and carbohydrates provide this energy.

However, loading the body with too much carbohydrates will fill the tummy and leave the person feeling tired even before the training session starts.

Sports Nutrition Myth #3: Take Plenty of Protein and Amino Acid Supplements for Muscle Building

In order to build large and strong muscles, a person has to take plenty of protein and amino acid supplements. Many young aspiring athletes in their haste to build big strong muscles take too much protein and amino acid supplements. This often results in accusations of unauthorized drug intake that frequently ends careers before they even get started.

There are no short-cuts. Building muscles and strength requires hard workouts and regular training.

Many people have these erroneous thinking about their nutritional needs because of inadequate knowledge. As a result, they do not have proper dieting which will lead to their inability to cope with the rigorous demand on their bodies. However, with proper information, one can discard such sports nutrition myths and eat healthily for peak performance in their activities.

Lenox Smith is a sports nutrition specialist who is dedicated to helping sportsmen and women achieve their peak performance through good nutrition.

Sports Nutrition Supplements and Endurance Sports

The endurance athlete and sportsperson have different requirements in terms of sports nutrition, such as that of say the body building, or even strength training individual. Although this may seem pretty obvious, many people get confused with regards to which sports nutrition supplements are best for them, as well as the quantity thereof.

A prime example is that of protein, which of course can be found in our everyday diet, however this source of nutrition has become extremely popular via the various powder and liquid sports nutrition supplement options. This is also due to a number of reasons, based upon the purity of the product and protein itself, as well as the convenience and ease of use within our busy and somewhat hectic modern day lifestyles. Within the example of protein, endurance athletes and sports people are recommended to have between 150 to 175 percent more protein per pound of body weight than that of the normal or average person. This translates to approximately 0,5 to 0,7 grams of protein per pound of body weight. As compared to the strength and bodybuilding trainer who should take up to and slightly more than double. However the confusion arises as to what happens in the case of taking additional protein within the sports nutrition context, in other words more than the recommended amount. According to nutritionists anything over 1g per pound of body weight is not only a waste of these supplements, but will also result in the body transferring the additional calories to fat stored on the body.

Moving on from the protein requirements and recommended supplementation, other extremely popular sports nutrition supplements include the likes of the creatine supplement. This supplement is concerned with the provision of energy and occurs naturally within the body of vertebrates. When produced naturally it is done so in the liver and kidney, and it is created from meat. Hence one might argue that vegetarians may well lack creatine, which is beyond the scope of this writing. In so far as side effects brought about by consuming these types of sports nutrition supplements, current research shows that although some side effects were previously claimed, additional insight has revealed that this cannot be completely confirmed. Additionally the use of this supplementation has been successfully implemented within the medical sector, within the treatment of degenerative muscle conditions and diseases. Based on the fact that the creatine sports nutrition supplements target the skeletal muscles of the body, where 95 percent of this is found, it is widely used by both the endurance and bodybuilding enthusiasts and sports people.

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What is Sports Nutrition?

What is sports nutrition? The term is self-explanatory. Sport nutrition is simply nutrition recommended for individuals involved in sports, serious athletes. In order for an athlete to reach their optimal performance, it is recommended they consume certain types of foods and fluids in certain quantities.

Serious athletes require specific nutrients during training as well as during performance periods. For example, while an athlete is performing or competing, their body needs plenty of energy. Carbohydrate and protein intake is important to provide energy and also to maintain a healthy body weight, build and repair tissue, as well as replenish glycogen stores.

Fat intake is also important in sports nutrition, specifically essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. A sports nutrition diet should provide moderate amounts of fat.

Many athletes take vitamin and mineral supplements to help provide adequate energy. Nowadays even if an athlete follows a proper diet, consisting of recommended amounts of nutrients, there is still need to take supplements. The reason is the soils are so depleted that the foods that grow on these soils don't have the nutrients they used to have 50-60 years ago.

Some athletes aim to restrict their energy intake, follow strict weight-loss diets or decide to eliminate certain food groups from their diet. In these cases supplements are absolutely necessary to make up for the vitamins and minerals missing from their daily food intake.

In sports nutrition, fluids are definitely important. During exercise, fluids are naturally lost. In order to balance fluids in the body, an athlete should always drink plenty of liquids before, throughout and after a performance.

Many athletes drink sports drinks which provide electrolytes and in many cases carbohydrates. These ingredients help to fuel muscles, maintain blood glucose levels, quench thirst and prevent the athlete from becoming dehydrated.

Because nutrition and fitness are such hot topics in society today, including sports nutrition, there are hundreds of resources available to the individual. Organizations within the sports world are equipped to advise and support serious athletes regarding sports nutrition.

There is also sports nutrition software available for computers and palm devices to help an athlete monitor their nutrition and fitness practices. These software programs asses athlete's needs and based on these specific needs and goals create meal plans and meal suggestions.

Providing a convenient sports nutrition companion, a palm device is a great idea for serious athletes. Some of these programs can actually be obtained free of charge. Using a palm device to track and monitor a sports nutrition and fitness regime is convenient and quite beneficial. An athlete can quickly have access to their personal data when using a palm.

In the United States and all of North America, there are many serious, competitive athletes. Their goal through training and competing is to win. Following suggestions and recommendations for sports nutrition one can see these goals and dreams become a reality.

Ivan Nikolov, a top five natural bodybuilder, shares with you his experience and knowledge in meal planing, sports nutrition and training. To learn more visit his web site http://www.ivannikolov.com.

For more on sports nutrition and meal planning visit his "Fitness Nutrition Advisor" page.