Diet Affecting Performance
Diet Affecting Performance

Healthy/Balanced Diet
Carbohydrates - These are separated into simple or complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are glucose and sugars. Complex carbohydrates include pasta and bread. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy.
Fats - Commonly found in cheese, cream, meat and butter. Fats are a major source of energy for the body.
Proteins - The two main sources of protein are animal products and plant foods such as beans, nuts and seed. They are commonly known as ‘building blocks’ as they are important for the growth of new tissue.
Vitamins and Minerals - Both are only required in small amounts but both enable you to maintain a good level of health. They are important in aiding a number of bodily functions.
Fibre - Contained in cereals, wholegrain and oats and are very important as an aid to the digestive system.
Water/Fluids - These are absolutely essential to replace lost water from the body and prevent dehydration. Lack of water can cause much more serious problems than lack of food.

Problems caused by imbalanced diets
Malnutrition - This is a physical weakness resulting from insufficient food or an unbalanced diet.
Obesity - This is a condition of being extremely overweight which can lead to frequent and serious health problems.
Anorexia - This is an eating disorder primarily occurring in females in which they have a fear of gaining weight leading to self-starvation and a distorted body image.
Dehydration - The rapid loss of water from the body can cause many problems.

Specific Diets for Sport
Eating food is necessary to provide the body with energy even when you are at rest, but as soon as you become more active you need to eat according to the requirements of your basal metabolic rate.
Before Activity - Do not eat too close to performing, you should eat about 2 hours