May

Food and Nutrients:

Nutrients are divided into six categories, three of which serve as energy sources based upon body demands (fats, carbohydrates and protein), and three of which serve as regulators during daily activities and normal body functions (water, minerals and vitamins).

Fat sourses include oils, butter, red and other meats, mayonnaise and creamy salad dressings, nuts, and chocolate.
Carbohydrates come from cereal and grain products, pastas, starchy vegetables, sugar and honey, and dried nuts.
Protein sources include meat, fish, nuts, cereal, and dairy products, including eggs.
Water serves to transport nutrients, remove cellular waste, and regulate body temperature.
Minerals aid in the buildup and breakdown of other nutrients.
Vitamins function as chemical regulators promoting tissue growth and life maintenance.

Nutrition and Athletic Performance:

If you eat wellbalanced meals then water regulation and pregame meals may have a favorable impact on performance:

Water should be ingested when you are thirsty and as part of the regular diet, particularly during warm weather and periods of strenous physical activity.
Pregame meals should be eaten more than two hours before a contest, should contain familiar foods, should contain a high percentage of carbohydrates, and avoid gasproducing foods such as whole milk or caffeine.

Energy Balance:

Energy balance can be divided into three areas: weight loss, weight gain, and weight maintenance.

To promote weight loss, you need to create a 3500 calorie differential to lose one pound of fat. This is most easily accomplished through a reduction in food consumption and increased aerobic exercise.
To promote weight gain, you need to create a 2500 calorie differential to gain one pound of muscle. This is most easily accomplished through increase food intake, a reduction in aerobic exercise, and an increase in strength training to increase muscle mass.
To maintain weight, you need to maintain a balance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure.

For more information on nutrition, logon to www.yahooligans.com (Search "nutrition")

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