Eating for performance training is different than just having a well-balanced diet. If you are working with a personal trainer nutritionist, you can see how diet and nutrition is directly related to your performance. Our bodies are like finely tuned machines. They need good and clean fuel to perform at their very best.
A personal trainer and sports nutritionist will work together to make sure that what you are eating is enough to support your personal goals and also your workouts. If you are trying to cut calories and lose weight, your eating plan will look different than another individual who is trying to bulk up and build muscle mass. Even the macro calculations are different. Eating for performance helps to keep you on track so that you can reach your goals. For example, if you are training for a marathon, eating too little can cause you to not make it to the finish line. Your blood sugar could drop, your glycogen levels will be depleted, and you will become very lethargic as your body tries to protect itself. Eating enough and eating often enough can help prevent those ailments during training and on race day. Eating the right foods, like higher amounts of protein after a long run or difficult workout, can also help you recover faster and can prevent injury.
New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling requirements have made it easier for individuals who are following a personal nutrition plan to identify exactly what they are consuming so that they can plan and prep meals better. Having a clear goal and having your macros calculated are both great starting points to eating for performance training. If you need help establishing both goals and nutritional needs, find a personal trainer or sports nutritionist near you. Be honest about your expectations and together you can clearly define realistic goals and milestones to celebrate.
A trainer professional should be able to recommend a sports nutritionist or dietician if they do not have a background or certification in nutrition. Once you have your trainer goals and a fitness plan, a sports nutritionist can help put together a diet plan or regime that supports your fitness goals on a personalized level. Knowing what to eat and when to eat can help you reach your goals in a timely manner. Following an eating plan to support performance training can also help you see progress faster as well. Take your training and competition to the next level by customizing your sports nutrition to support your performance training.
Interested in becoming an ASFA Certified Personal Trainer or Sports Nutritionist? Click the link below to see all the certifications ASFA has to offer! Remember you can study and test 24/7, and you only pay if you pass!
