Eat like an Athlete
If you are an athlete, what you eat is just as important as anything you do to become better at what you do. Eating healthy is obvious, but there are a lot of certain foods that will give you more energy, prevent injuries and that will be specifically helpful to your performance.
Fighting Fatigue
Pasta Power
It’s time to Carb-Up! Carbohydrates are the most important type of food for an athlete. It’s the best source of energy from any type of food because of its ability to also fight fatigue. Since fatigue is the most common way athletes get injured, carbs are essential to keep your body strong and healthy.
Protein Problems
Bacon Bummer
It’s important not to eat too much protein. Fatty meats, red meat, milk and cheese are the worst food to make you tired. They take a very long time to digest and your body burns so much energy just to digest the food. It’s important to get some protein to help build muscles, but make sure you don’t go overboard!
Pineapple Paramedic
Miracle Doctor
If you do get an injury, eat a pineapple. Vitamin B-6 is a miracle vitamin that helps athletes heal their joints and muscles. It accelerates the removal of damaged tissues from your body. Eat lots of the pineapple as soon as it’s been cut when the vitamin is still fresh in the fruit. If you wait too long after the pineapple is cut, it loses the power to fight.
Bad Red Bull
No Wings
Stay away from Red Bull and other caffeinated energy drinks! Caffeine is a sneaky energy boost that seems good for you at the moment, but in the long run caffeine will totally screw up your body. Not only is caffeine addictive, but also it can make you nervous and fidgety. Basically caffeine narrows your blood vessels and you don’t want that as an athlete. You want your blood vessels wide open so your blood carries lots of nutrients to your muscles and organs while performing and training.
If you have any questions on what foods are helpful for specific sports, quiz the coach or leave a comment. Kidzworld wants to help you become a great athlete!
