Nutritionist | Zeljka Wedral
Nutritionist For Athletes
Whether you're a professional athlete, or you just partake in physical activity once a week, sports nutrition is essential for you to be aware of when taking part in any sport.
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You could be going to the gym 3 times a week, playing football twice a week, or just running every morning. If your sports nutrition plan isn't as good as it could be, your performance won't be at the top of the game and you may be wasting a lot of resources by not consuming the right foods.
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Effective sports nutrition not only helps to keep you physically at the top of your game, but it also helps to make sure that mentally you're in the right frame of mind & motivated.
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If you're not a professional athlete but want to eat like one, the focus needs to be on balance.
What is the best fruit for athletes?
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Berries – blackberries, raspberries & blueberries are all essential fruits for any athlete as they contain phytochemicals that prevent oxidative stress that is endured during strenuous physical activity. They also preserve muscle strength for longer, meaning your efforts in the gym produce longer-term rewards.
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Bananas – there's a reason tennis players slowly eat through a few during a match. They're a great source of electrolytes, which need to be replaced when you sweat. They're also high in potassium which makes them a great snack post-activity, replenishing your energy at the same time.
How important is nutrition for an athlete?
Nutrition at its basic level provides athletes with the necessary amount of energy required for them to perform at their peak. A well-rounded diet will help to keep the athlete both mentally & physically in shape. Furthermore, it's recommended that athletes eat 2 hours before an activity, which shows the importance of a nutritionists role in not only what should be eaten, but when & how an athlete should eat.
Should athletes eat bread?
There are many myths around what athletes should and shouldn't eat, but like for all of my clients, it's not about saying "no" to anything – it's about moderation & how foods work together to provide the best possible result.
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Bread and other "complex" carbohydrates are the body's best source of energy, so yes, bread should be eaten. But it should be eaten as part of a balanced diet, in moderation & with clear goals in mind.