4 Ways to Boost Athletic Performance

Are you looking to take your workouts or athletic performance to the next level?

Then it is time to start paying attention to both the quantity and quality of foods you eat!

You wouldn't expect a diesel truck to haul a large load over a far distance with a gas tank half-filled with unleaded fuel, would you?

If you can think of your body like a machine, similar to the diesel truck, then the foods you eat can be compared to both the type of fuel you put in the tank, and how adequately you fill that tank up. If we want to operate and perform at our body’s optimal capacity, we must take in enough fuel while also choosing the best quality food.

Here are 4 easy ways you can utilize food to optimize your athletic performance: 

1. Adequate Fueling

In sport and during exercise, our muscles contract and relax. Muscle cells require energy to make these contractions happen (especially at a fast pace), just as our truck requires diesel gas in the tank to accelerate or drive for any length of distance. The energy in the food we consume is measured in calories, so you must take enough calories to give your body the energy it needs to contract and relax all muscles necessary for running, lifting, jumping and breathing over the entire duration of your athletic event or training session. 

 

2. Protein!

Protein is one of three macronutrients that make up our food. When protein is broken down or metabolized, it provides our bodies with fuel or calories and Amino Acids. You can think of amino acids as the building blocks used to create every structure and tissue of your body- your bones, skin, hair, nails, organs and muscles. During physical activity, our muscles and other tissues naturally experience microscopic wear and tear, and the amino acids (from the protein we eat) are used to create new, stronger tissue! It is necessary to eat sufficient protein to not only support your muscles’ optimal performance while being physically active, but also to support pepper recovery and repair of tissue damage. 

 

3. Bioavailability of protein

There is some protein in almost all foods, but how well our bodies are actually able to utilize that protein, depends on the food source. To put it simply, not all protein is created equal. 

Animal sources of protein are more bioavailable than plant sources, as they are complete proteins and naturally contain all the amino acids necessary for your body’s every need.  An easy way to make sure you are giving your body all the building blocks necessary for optimal athletic performance is to include animal protein before and after physical activity. Kevin’s Natural Foods has got you covered with tons of entrée options based around complete animal proteins. 

 

4. Eat High Quality Food!

Our bodies were designed to eat REAL FOOD, not chemicals or ingredients invented in a lab. Just like you wouldn't put unleaded fuel in a diesel truck, you shouldn't fill your body with compounds that don't help it run at its best. Whole foods nourish your body with micronutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, are digested and absorbed well, and don’t contain artificial ingredients. For optimal athletic performance, keep it clean, and keep it real. 

Whether in the gym or on the field, high performing athletes boost performance with the proper fuel that comes from the best food sources. Try one (or all) of the variety of entrée options from Kevin’s Natural Foods for an easy, clean solution to add to your athlete fuel regimen.