Best Food To Eat As An Athlete Nutritious Fuel for Peak Performance Every athlete strives for an edge over the competition Daily training and recovery require a comprehensive eating plan that matches these physical demands The keys to peak nutrition performance aimed to complement your training and competition are reviewed below The energy needs of athletes exceed those of the average person It's not uncommon for male and female athletes especially those still growing to have caloric needs exceeding - kcal and - kcal per day respectively The amount of energy found within a given food is dependent on the macronutrient carbohydrate protein and fat content of the item Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy during activities of higher intensity Healthy carbohydrate food sources include fruits vegetables whole-grain cereals breads and pastas Dietary fat also plays a key role in helping individuals meet their energy needs as well as supporting healthy hormone levels Healthy sources of fat include nuts nut butters avocados olive and coconut oils Dietary protein plays a key role in muscle repair and growth Preferred sources of protein include lean meats eggs dairy yogurt milk cottage cheese and legumes Key Takeaways Athletes have higher caloric needs than the average person often requiring - kcal per day for men and - kcal per day for women Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for high-intensity activities and should come from healthy sources like fruits vegetables and whole grains Dietary fat helps meet energy needs and supports hormone... Login to read full