The Un-Fueling Athlete
What happens when athletes do the opposite of fueling properly? Let’s call it “un-fueling”, basically meaning that the body is not being fueled appropriately for the type and amount of activity performed and the detrimental effects it can have on the physiological health (gut), mental health (brain), physical health (joints), and ultimately the career of an athlete. It’s difficult to understand the concept...you train extremely hard on the field and you play even harder during games, yet you don’t train in the kitchen and potentially could be negating all of that hard work over time. Yes, genetics can help, young age helps you bounce back quicker, and even supplements may keep you from the worst, but why wouldn’t you want the best? True athletes should have the mentality to be the greatest version of themselves they can be and in doing so means getting over the idea they are invincible. The body is amazing in all that it can do, but if you want your body to continue to work for you at a high level day in and day out, you may need to do some work for it. If you are what you eat, what would you be and is it respecting and nourishing your body while fueling your performance?
Nutrition can affect the mitochondria, or the powerhouse of the cell, where all of your energy is produced. That alone should be the only reason you need to start a better nutrition plan. Who doesn’t strive for higher energy?! Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue or reduced energy levels, slower recovery, increased soreness, decrease blood flow, hormone imbalance, decreased metabolism, chronic dehydration, cramping, chronic injuries, depression and mood swings, weight gain or body fat increase, feelings of bloating and gassiness (among other GI issues), and even disease.
Think about your current routine and eating style. Are you over-eating the wrong types of calories? Do you eat mostly processed foods and rarely eat vegetables? Or do you load up on simple carbohydrates (soda, cookies, crackers, cereal) that break down into sugar quickly and send you down the insulin roller-coaster most people ride? Maybe you’re under-consuming calories because you want to lose weight? Whatever it is you are currently doing, does it line up with your goals?
No matter what level of athlete, it all starts with the basics. It isn’t one size fits all because of multiple factors including but not limited to;
Goals (lose body fat, gain muscle mass)
Wake Time
Sleep Time
Budget
In-Season vs. Off-Season
Injured or Non-Injured
Allergies
Food Preferences/aversions
Religious Practices
Activity Type & Duration
Genetics
However, everyone can start with the lesser evil. It does not have to be an all or none mentality. After deciding on your goal, pick one thing you can change nutritionally for the better and work on that until you have accomplished it. Add in another the following week. You would be so shocked at how good you can feel when you begin to fuel wisely. But, don’t just take my word for it, TRY IT! Give yourself three weeks at eating cleaner (no processed foods, eating complex carbohydrates and not simple carbohydrates, finding good lean sources of protein, incorporating healthy fats, and making water your main drink everyday) and see for yourself.
#You can’t out-train a bad diet and you can’t out-supplement a poor diet and expect to reach your full potential.
