When you practice an endurance sport and aim for performance, you take care of the contents of your plate. Deciphering the 9 foods to include on the menu to be at the top.
Diligent athletes know: for real results, a sports session alone is not enough, without the diet that goes with it. Certain foods, by their nutritional composition, allow a concentration of energy during sporting activity, and optimal muscle recovery. Well known to sports or diet enthusiasts, three main macronutrients must be taken into account to be sure to get the most out of each session: lipids, proteins and carbohydrates.
This last category constitutes the main source of energy used by the body, when practicing intense and long-term activities, such as running. Carbohydrates are present in particular in several fruits and vegetables, but also in cereals, bread, pasta and seeds. Each time, it is preferable to opt for products made from wholemeal flour, which is more nutritious compared to white flour.
Proteins, for their part, play a key role in muscle growth and repair. In the long term, they help increase the size of the muscles worked, when consumed in large quantities after a training session at dinner for example, and repair the body’s tissues. Among the foods that constitute an important source of protein, there are lean meats, eggs and certain dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese and milk.
Finally, lipids are part of the basic constituents of our daily diet, and quite simply correspond to healthy fat, naturally present in food. They help meet everyone’s energy needs, and are present in large quantities in avocado, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Sport or not, it is important to note that a varied diet is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Without forgetting the daily consumption of water, a vital drink, which allows you to stay hydrated, especially during physical exertion. Indeed, sweating, which often occurs after a sports session, causes the body to lose a significant amount of water. Dehydration is one of the main factors in poor performance, and can even lead to muscle injuries in extreme cases.
Also read: Still or sparkling water, which water to drink according to your needs?
