There is a definite link between good nutrition and good athletic performance. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, D1 athlete, or an exercise enthusiast, a healthy diet is fundamental for fitness. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we offer physical therapy near Bethpage to help our clients achieve peak performance and reach their fitness goals. We also emphasize the importance of a healthy diet. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between diet and athletic performance.
Diet and Performance
Every athlete strives to stay at the top of their game to gain an edge over their competition. Training and practices are physically demanding, so they require a comprehensive eating plan to match. Eating well provides you with the energy you need to perform your best. For athletes, the ideal diet is not far off from the diet recommended for any healthy person. Your ideal diet will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Your specific sport.
- Amount of training you do.
- Time spent doing the exercise or activity.
Our team understands that each athlete has different needs. When you start physical therapy near Bethpage, we will evaluate your unique needs and help you develop a routine and diet plan that suits you.
Watching Your Intake
One of the most important aspects of sports nutrition is caloric intake. Calories are the units of energy your body uses to fuel all activities and functions. If you are a highly active individual, you will have a higher calorie requirement. If you’re not getting enough calories, you can feel weak and sluggish. This can negatively affect your concentration and coordination and hinder your athletic performance.
In order for athletes to achieve optimal performance, they should follow a diet involving a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins:
- Carbohydrates – Carbs are your body’s preferred source of fuel. Healthy carb sources like brown rice, whole grain pasta, oatmeal, and fruits and vegetables are great options.
- Protein – Proteins are essential for repairing and building muscle that gets broken down during training. Some healthy protein sources include chicken breast, fish, eggs, lean beef, and low-fat dairy.
- Fat – Fats should be eaten in moderation but are still an important component of a healthy diet. Nuts, almond butter, avocados, and olive oil are healthy sources low in saturated fats.
Contact Us
You should never underestimate the power of a healthy and balanced diet. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team is here to help athletes achieve their performance goals. We are proud to offer well-rounded, quality care to our patients. Contact our office today to schedule your first session of physical therapy near Bethpage.