Nutrition
A great athlete makes certain every meal is balanced to ensure the body is in top shape for performance. Eating healthy doesn't mean you can only eat salads and fruit. An athlete focuses his/her nutritional values in three specific times: before, during, and after a workout. The body requires energy while it performs a certain activity, to keep the activity going and to recover from a certain activity.
Special Olympics VA: Building a Healthy Meal
The definition of a healthy meal is a balanced meal that includes greens, grains, dairy, and sometimes meat. Daily meals should be split up into breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacking in between meals is welcome, as long as the snacks are a healthy alternatives to junk food.
What you choose to drink
The most important variable to consider when drinking is whether or not you're making a healthy choice. Athletes should avoid sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sport drinks. These drinks can lead to unwanted weight gain and also have added caffeine, which does not help you maintain your hydration.
Meal Planning for One
The most effective way to track what you are eating is to prep all your meals. This method allows you to accurately measure exactly what you are putting into your body, and saves you the added stress of having to cook small meals through out the week.
Eating away from home
Most healthy habits are broken by improper food selection when eating away from home. There are three main nutrients the body needs to receive the proper fuel to function daily: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.