Good nutrition is essential for optimal health and top performance during any physical activity. Exercise, whether intensive or mild, increases both fluid and nutrient requirements. Incorporating the right foods and beverages prior to all exercise is essential for peak performance, whether for a brisk walk, heavy workout, or a competition. Nutrition expert Fran Grossman offers athletes nutritional strategies for staying in the game.
Hydration
During exercise, we sweat due to an increase in heat production. Water or other fluids serve to cool down our body. If we do not replace fluids fast enough to offset the fluids lost through perspiration, we will become dehydrated.
Dehydration will result in decreased performance, and if not resolved in a timely manner, could result in a host of medical problems. Those engaging in exercise or competition-from the weekend warrior to the competitive athlete, cannot depend on thirst for fluid replacement and should, therefore, force themselves to drink even if they're not thirsty.
Commercial sports beverages that contain electrolytes may enhance absorption and will also provide a carbohydrate source. Cold water will also be absorbed more rapidly and will decrease body temperature.
