Diet and Nutrition
the energy balance
This refers to the relationship between the calories you take in and the calories you burn off.
Positive Energy Balance
If the amount of calories you take in is more than the amount of calories you burn off you will gain weight.
Negative Energy Balance
If the amount of calories you burn off is more than the amount of calories you take in you will lose weight.
Equal Energy Balance
If the amount of calories you take in is the same as you burn off your weight will remain the same.
carbohydrates
The main source of energy in the body
protein
Responsible for growth and repair of muscle tissue
fats
Source of energy for lower intensity activity
Special diets for athletes
Carbo-loading
In the week leading up to a race a marathon runner will carbo-load.
They eat more foods such as pasta than usual.
This helps them to build a store or carbohydrates which they use during the race.
high protein diets
The body uses protein to build and repair muscle tissue.
Athletes who want to develop muscular strength and power will eat high-protein diets.
Generally athletes do not need much more protein than sedentary people.