Whether you are a recreational athlete, a physically active person, or a competitive athlete, it is important to recognize the impact nutrition has on health and performance. Sustainable daily nutrition will improve exercise performance, prevent injuries due to fatigue, provide energy during endurance training, facilitate maintenance of an optimal body weight, and enhance overall health.

What does proper nutrition entail? According to the Canadian Food Guide, it is eating a variety of healthy foods each day which includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, protein foods, whole grains, and choosing water as the drink of choice. So what should this look like in terms of macronutrient breakdown and meal composition ? Let us tell you ! 

Carbohydrate

How much ? 

It has been well documented that endurance athletes need a diet rich in carbohydrates to increase both endurance and intermittent high-intensity performance. Indeed, carbs are the most efficiently broken down and metabolized form of energy for the body. For those engaged in a general fitness program, macronutrient needs can typically consists of 45-55% carbohydrates (3-5g/kg/day), 10-15% proteins (0.81g/kg/day), and 25-35% fat (0.5-1.5g/kg/day). However, for ultra athletes involved in moderate and high volume training, a diet consisting of 5-8g/kg/day of carbs is necessary. 

Why ? 

The majority of dietary carbohydrates should come from complex carbohydrates with a low to moderate glycemic index, which includes foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is important to ensure carbohydrate intake one to two hours before and after training. Eating carbohydrates before exercise keeps you from feeling hungry and sustains optimal levels of energy for the exercising muscles while consuming a carbohydrate snack after training will allow the body to start replenishing glycogen stores in the body which is critical for prolonged periods of exercise. 

Protein

How much ? 

Adequate protein intake is especially important for elite endurance athletes as it helps repair and strengthen muscle tissue. An insufficient amount of protein leads to increased protein catabolism and can slow post-workout recovery, overtime leading to muscle wasting, training intolerance, and overtraining. So how much protein do you need to consume? The   general   rule   of   thumb  is 1.2-1.4   g/kg/day   for  endurance athletes and 1 .2-1.7 g/kg/day for strength and power athletes. Even more protein may be needed for higher intensity training at longer periods.

Why ? 

Your diet should consist of high quality proteins. High quality protein sources are ones that have a high biological value, include all the essential amino acids, and are digestible. It is interesting to note that one of the best dietary sources of low fat, high quality protein is cricket powder! A protein source should be included in every meal; it is especially important after a workout for greater training adaptations and protein synthesis. The use of nutrient dense protein bars, like Näak bars, provide a convenient way for athletes to supplement their diet.

Lipids

How much ? 

The dietary recommendations of fat intake for athletes are similar to or only slightly greater than those recommended for non-athletes. Approximately 30%  of  your daily caloric intake should be fats. However, for athletes trying to decrease body fat, 0.51g/kg/dayis recommended.

Why ? 

Intake of healthy fats is very important for good physiological functioning of every organism. In particular, consumption of essential fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, are of great importance among athletes. The best sources of essential fatty acids are flaxseeds, walnuts, olive oil, and pumpkin seeds. A good source of fat should be provided at every meal to help the body absorb nutrients, support cell growth, and provide long lasting energy. 

Fluids

How much ? 

Athletes generally undergo higher water needs, but given the extreme variability in water needs, there is not an established level of optimal water intake for athletes. Usually, >3.7 liters/day of water for males and >2.7 liters/day of water for femalesis considered adequate intake.

Why ? 

Although often overlooked, fluid intake is important to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Water is the drink of choice over any juices as it is essential for cell homeostasis. Although whole fruits are highly recommended for their fiber and antioxidant content, fruit juices should be overlooked due to the high sugar   and   low   fiber content. The  use of sports drinks, which contain electrolytes, should be used on an individual basis depending on the environment and conditioning level of the person 

Keep in mind that the first component to optimize training and performance through nutrition is to ensure that enough calories are being consumed to offset energy expenditure. Caloric needs are specific to each individual and are dependent on age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. You can roughly calculate your total dailyenergy expenditure using the Harris-Benedict Equationor a TDEE calculator.

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