Next week, our country will be hosting the 29th SEA Games which will be held between the 19th to 30th of August 2017. Like every countryman, I will be rooting for fellow Malaysian athletes in every sports division and hoping they will make us proud.
Being an athlete is definitely tough and as someone who grew up with an athlete in the family, I’ve seen firsthand the countless hours of preparation leading up to a competition. But practising, drills and workouts are just half the preparation needed before entering a competition. The other half that is just as important is nutrition. After all, food is the fuel for your body.
There are types of food you eat to prepare your body for competition and then there’s food you consume in the duration of the competition. Ever wondered what an athlete consumes to perform at their best during competition? How about types of food they should avoid at all costs?
Without further ado, here is a a list of nutrition tips for those who are exercising regularly, competing athletes and everyday Malaysians alike.
1. Food high in fats and protein
Now the reason why it is best to avoid consuming food which are high in fats and protein is because it will take much longer time for this type of food to digest. They also do not provide enough fuel for the body required during competing.
According to nutrition tips by Azcentral.com, foods which are high in fats and protein like fries, potato chips, eggs and nuts are definitely some to avoid when participating in a competition.
2. Spicy food
Now we know Malaysian loves spicy food but it is best to avoid consuming anything spicy prior a competition as we do not want any unwanted incidents to happen. Instead of running towards the finish line, athletes would be running to the toilet to relive themselves.
Spicy food is great but not on the day of the competition. We sincerely hope that fellow athletes avoid spicy food especially those that contain hot chilies.
3. Carbonated drinks
I bet everyone knows that carbonated drinks are bad for you (if you don’t, now you do). Although, those colourful sugary fizzy drinks feel so refreshing to have after a long day of training, it is best not to consume them as they are filled with sugar which the body does not need.
Carbonated drinks may also make the body feel bloated which is not ideal for any athlete before a competition. This is perhaps one of the more obvious nutrition tips in this list, but it’ll serve as a good reminder nonetheless.
4. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are super healthy sources of fiber and fat (tennisviewmag.com). However, before a competition, it’s important to focus primarily on simple carbohydrates and to limit amounts of fiber and fat to avoid any digestive discomfort during exercise.
5. Caffeine and alcohol
To some people, starting the day without caffeine seems inexplicable. What would a day be without a caffeine boost!? Athletes in competition and those who exercise regularly, however, need to avoid drinks which contains caffeine and alcohol. Both these types of drinks are considered diuretics causing dehydration.
During competition, our body needs water and if we were to consume things which are either caffeinated or alcoholic, we would be tired and not able to compete at our best.
To those who will be participating in the SEA GAMES, you can do it! And to the rest of our fellow Malaysians, we hope these nutrition tips will help you become as healthy as our athlete compatriots.
