8 sports nutrition news tips you can use
Helpful food tips based on the latest research
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Staying on top of the latest sports nutrition news can be a full-time job. Between conferences, webinars and journal articles, I learn a lot of information that I like to translate into practical tips to share with athletes. These eight nutrition news tips are based on research presented at the International Sport & Exercise Nutrition Conference in the UK.
Peanut butter – good!
If you try to “stay away” from peanut butter, deeming it to be fattening, think again! Peanut butter—and peanuts in any form—contribute to no more weight gain than the same number of calories from carbohydrate-rich snacks. In a 10-week weight-gain study that included lifting weights three times a week, 28 athletic women and men (average age, 25.) consumed:
- an extra 500 calories of peanuts and peanut butter-based snacks, or
- an extra 500 calories of peanut-free carb-based snack foods (such as pretzels, fruit chews, bagels).
The carb-snackers gained about 6 pounds; the peanut eaters gained only about 3.5 pounds. How could this be?!
One explanation is the fiber and fat in peanut butter is satiating. That means, it keeps you feeling fed for longer than fat-free pretzels. Peanut butter can curb your appetite, so you can end up eating fewer calories overall for the day.
Low-carb experience more bone injuries
When a cyclist goes on a low-carb / low-calorie diet, their bones also go on a diet. In a study with 327 runners (ages 18-35) who trained 8 or more hours a week, those who restricted carbs and/or trained without having first eaten, experienced 1.5 times more bone injuries than the carb-eaters. More research is needed to learn how carbs and calories can influence bone health. In the meanwhile, enjoy carb-based grains, fruits and veggies at every meal.
Pre-cool before workouts
With global warming, cyclists who exercise in the heat should take steps to prevent problems related to elevated body temperature. One tip is to pre-cool your body prior to running. Try drinking ice water or slushies, or suck on ice chips. Doing so might help you have greater endurance.
Why am I hungry all the time?
A study of professional female soccer players reports they burned about 2,900 calories per day. Of that, about 1,400 calories supported their resting metabolic rate (calories needed to be alive), and the rest supported general daily activities. This equates to three 700 to 800 calorie meals per day plus two 200 to 300 calorie snacks. That’s a lot of food—and similar to the amount needed for cyclists. Hence, if you sometimes wonder, “Why do I feel hungry all the time?,” the answer might be because your body is hungry!
Crash diets – not so good
When female athletes undereat, they commonly stop having regular menstrual periods. When male athletes undereat, they can experience hormonal changes that lead to loss of sex drive. In a study with 10 healthy, active males (age 25) who crash-dieted for five days (ate less food and exercised more), the calorie deficit caused significant physiological changes. The men lost about 6 pounds (losing more muscle than fat, as happens with crash diets). Their thyroid hormones dropped, as did their testosterone.
Restrictive dieting not only reduces calorie intake, but also intake of protein, calcium, iron, zinc and many other valuable nutrients needed to maintain optimal hormone levels, good health and top performance. Don’t make yourself stop eating at meals just because you think you should. Listen to your body; stop eating because you feel content, not just because the food is gone (and you are still hungry).
Long-term restrictive eating can lead to health issues
Athletes in endurance sports and jumping sports (such as basketball, volleyball) prefer to be light to enhance their performance. The problem is long-term restrictive eating can contribute to health issues. In a study comparing weight-conscious male athletes (age 24) to a group of fitness exercisers, the athletes were leaner, but they had lower levels of thyroid hormone (a sign they were conserving energy). They also had weaker bones. If you skimp on food to be lean, your best bet is to seek guidance from a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in sports dietetics (CSSD). This professional can help you healthfully achieve your weight goals.
Role models
Personal trainers commonly believe they should have a “perfect” physique to achieve success in their careers. This can put them at high risk for developing eating disorders and disordered eating. Among personal trainers who responded to recruitment messages on Twitter and Instagram, 15% reported high levels of disordered eating behaviors (binge-eating, restrictive dieting, over-exercising). Sadly, these trainers are seen as role models. We need authentic fitness leaders who represent a variety of sizes and shapes that the average exerciser can attain and maintain.
Timely eating
Some women gain “belly fat” at the time of menopause. This might be related to midlife lifestyle changes and aging, as well as to hormonal shifts. In a study with peri-menopausal women, those who had big dinners and snacked frequently at the end of the day tended to have more belly fat than those who front-loaded their calories. One suggested weight management solution is to eat less at night. A satiating high-protein breakfast might help reduce your urge to overeat at the end of the day. Peanut butter on a bagel with a side of Greek yogurt, anyone?
Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD counsels both fitness exercisers and competitive athletes in the Boston-area (Newton; 617-795-1875). Her best-selling Sports Nutrition Guidebook is a popular resource, as is her online workshop. Visit NancyClarkRD.com for info.
