| When athletes get ready for a competition, the kind of | | | | is carbohydrates. When the body consumes |
| food they put in their bodies is more important than | | | | carbohydrates they can be stored in the body as |
| ever. They type of food, and when they eat it, is | | | | glycogen and used as an easy source for energy. |
| important even before an event or competition. The | | | | Choose foods that are high in carbohydrates, but |
| food athletes eat will supply them with the energy they | | | | remember that there are simple and complex |
| need to perform at their best and can greatly affect | | | | carbohydrates to be considered. Simple carbohydrates |
| the outcome of their performance. | | | | are easy for the body to convert into energy, while |
| It is important for athletes and sports players to | | | | complex carbohydrates take the body long to |
| remember that performing on a full stomach in not the | | | | process. When choosing what type of carbohydrates |
| best for their bodies. An overly full stomach can cause | | | | to eat, athletes should consider the type of event they |
| problems such as sluggishness, cramping, and even | | | | will be competing in. Something that requires a short |
| nausea. It is therefore best for athletes to eat a full | | | | burst of energy will require simple carbohydrates. An |
| meal from one to four hours prior to an event or sport. | | | | event that requires longer, sustained energy will require |
| This time period allows the body to process the | | | | complex carbohydrates to keep the body energized. |
| consumed food and begin converting it into energy | | | | But no matter what kind of an event an athlete is |
| that can be used in a sporting event or competition. | | | | preparing for, it is always important to avoid food that |
| As important as when an athlete eats is what an | | | | are high in fat content. |
| athlete eats. The main source of energy for the body | | | | |