Coursework Example: Nutrition and Athletes

An appropriate diet is necessary for an athlete to perform well. During exercise or any activity, energy is required. This energy is sourced from the diet. The main types of sources of energy during exercise or activities are fats and carbohydrates. According to Coyle (35), an athlete requires adequate amounts of various nutrients that are used in the regeneration of body tissues, and the provision of energy, especially muscular exercise. During intense exercises and for a prolonged period, the body uses carbohydrates (Coyle 35). However, the body stores a considerable small amount of carbohydrate, hence an athlete will require a high carbohydrates diet to sustain the high-intensity exercise and improve performance during competition. After exercising, it is important to have a diet with enough carbohydrate to replenish glycogen stores and provide energy for maximal subsequent performance (Williams xv). When an athlete does not get enough carbohydrate for the training and activity needs, the performance will be negatively affected.

Vitamins and minerals are also essential for maximizing performance. Although many vitamins do not directly enhance performance, they allow the body to be in the best condition for maximal performance during exercises and competition (Williams 99). Unlike carbohydrates, the effect of proteins on performance are chronic. As such, intake before or after an exercise does into result in a change in performance the next day. However, it is a process. Adequate protein daily protein intake results in optimization of training stimulus, the adaptation of the body to the stimulus and eventually, improved performance and body composition (Campbell 155). According to Campbell (21), fat is a major source of energy for endurance activities and is also used during resistance exercises. Consequently, adequate dietary fat is important for a serious athlete.

Works Cited

Campbell, Bill I. Sports Nutrition: Enhancing Athletic Performance. CRC Press, 2013.

Coyle, Edward. "Timing and Method of Increased Carbohydrate Intake to Cope with Heavy Training, Competition and Recovery." Foods, Nutrition and Sports Performance: An International Scientific Consensus Organized by Mars Incorporated with International Olympic Committee Patronage, edited by John T Devlin and Clyde Williams, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2013, pp. 35-64.

Van der Beek, Eric. "Vitamin Supplementation and Physical Exercise Performance." Foods, Nutrition and Sports Performance: An International Scientific Consensus Organized by Mars Incorporated with International Olympic Committee Patronage, edited by John T Devlin and Clyde Williams, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2013, pp. 95-112.

Williams, Clyde. "Foods, Nutrition, and Sports Performance: Final Consensus Statement." Foods, Nutrition and Sports Performance: An International Scientific Consensus Organized by Mars Incorporated with International Olympic Committee Patronage, edited by John T Devlin and Clyde Williams, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2013, pp. xv-xviii.