During the summer months, it’s time to get your mind and body back in the game and prepare for what’s ahead by focusing on sports nutrition strategies that will support your summer training.
Nutrients to Support Sports Performance
Carbohydrates and protein are well-known for their role in supporting athletic performance. Carbohydrates provide energy, and proteins support muscle repair and recovery. Sports nutrition advice also focuses on the importance of getting adequate fluids.
All of those nutrients are important for athletes, but there’s a lot more to sports nutrition than getting enough macronutrients and fluid. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients also play a role in supporting health and providing support after intense exercise. A solid sports nutrition plan should incorporate not some, but all, of those nutrients. That can be done by eating – or drinking – a variety of foods.
Power Drinks to Fuel Summer Sports
One of the easiest ways for athletes to get a wide variety of nutrients is by incorporating nutrient-rich drinks into their training plan. Some standalone beverages are packed with nutrition, while others can be complemented by adding fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices to the recipe. Check out this downloadable handout for a few power drinks to fuel your summer training:
Incorporate one or all of these power drinks into your sports nutrition plan this summer to fuel your training. As we get back to sports and back to competitions, keep your head in the game and strive for optimal nutrition to enhance your sports performance.