| Athletes are well known for eating healthy and | | | | body to function during these workouts and for your |
| balanced diets. They know the value of fruits, | | | | body to recover between workouts you must |
| vegetables, and meat and how these foods help | | | | supplement what you are getting from your diet. |
| prepare their body for a great workout. Athletes also | | | | The most important supplement for athletes is protein. |
| are usually aware that a healthy diet is not enough. | | | | You will find that protein supplements come in the form |
| Athletes burn calories at a very high rate and need | | | | of protein shakes, protein powders, and protein bars. |
| supplements if they wish to build muscle mass and | | | | Any of these will give your body the protein it needs |
| work out at optimum levels. | | | | to build muscle and recover between workouts. When |
| Why Add to Your Diet? | | | | planning your protein supplement regime it is suggested |
| The news is full of information on additives used to | | | | that you consume 1 gram of protein for every pound |
| process even “natural” foods before they reach | | | | on your body. Take into account the protein you |
| your neighbourhood market. These pesticides, growth | | | | already receive from your diet and add the |
| hormones, fertilisers, and other chemicals cut down on | | | | supplements necessary to reach this amount. |
| the nutritional value of the food you consume. Cooking | | | | Protein should be added to your diet throughout the |
| food is also known to cut down on the nutritional value | | | | day. The best way to get the protein your body needs |
| of what you eat. This information has been used to | | | | is to eat 5 small meals a day and drink protein shakes |
| encourage everyone, not just athletes, of the | | | | or eat protein bars during and after your workout. This |
| importance of adding supplements to their diet. | | | | added boost of protein will help your body perform at |
| If a normal person is in need of dietary supplements it | | | | its best during your workout and recover in time for |
| only follows that you, an athlete, must have these | | | | your next workout. |
| supplements added to your diet. Supplements have | | | | Other supplements should also become a part of any |
| been created to replace and add to the nutrients lost in | | | | athlete’s diet. Whey and whey protein, (in the form |
| the growing and preparing of food and you can easily | | | | of whey powder), glutamine, amino acids, and creatine |
| add these supplements to your balanced diet. | | | | can also easily be added with supplement shakes or |
| An Athlete’s Needs | | | | multi-vitamin pills. All of these supplements work much |
| For you to be able to work out at your best you must | | | | like protein to stimulate your cells for the building of lean |
| consider what you eat, the nutritional value of what | | | | muscle mass. |
| you eat, and the supplements your body needs. | | | | As an athlete you should constantly monitor your body |
| Proteins, vitamins, and minerals must be included in any | | | | and make sure the diet you are following is working. If |
| to any balanced diet for you to increase muscle mass | | | | you find that your body is performing as you want it to |
| and keep you body functioning during and after | | | | and you are seeing positive changes in your body your |
| workouts. | | | | regimen is most likely working as it should. If you are |
| It is important to note that as an athlete you will be | | | | not seeing changes in muscle mass it will be important |
| exercising more than the average person. For your | | | | to review your supplement intake. |