Diet Tips for an Athlete
Posted: April 10, 2019
Assess yourself: where am I now as an athlete? Understanding your starting point is important in measuring forward progress. Some common measurements are waist size, weight and body composition. Pick a couple of the measurements that make the most sense to you and check in with yourself every week. By simply keeping your eye on those numbers that matter to you, you are more likely to make positive progress.
Start Eating Early
It’s not just what you eat; it’s also when you eat it. Two people eating the same diet with one front-loading their calorie consumption to the earlier part of the day will have a better result than someone who eats late at night. Make an effort to limit, if not eliminate, food consumption after 7 p.m.
Drink Enough Water
Many people unknowingly suffer from a lack of energy as a result of being continually dehydrated. Water is critical for clear thinking, energy and normal body function. A good rule of thumb that has stood the test of time is to drink approximately half your body weight in ounces of water.
Prep for Success
While going out to eat is convenient, most restaurants are more concerned with you loving the taste of their food than the health content. High fats, sodium and calories are many times the go-to strategy that will add up to a slow, steady decline in how you look and feel. Instead of relying on meals from the outside, take the time to cook and pack your own food. This way, you are in complete control of what goes into your body.
Make Healthy Replacements
Replacing constants in your life with healthy options can help improve your diet and overall health. Some simple examples of this include taking out of your snacking tortilla or potato chips for dipping and instead using fresh cut veggies. On the physical side of things, you can substitute the social benefits of happy hour drinking and switch it to a happy hour workout.
At Choi Kwang Do, we’re committed to promoting healthy lifestyle alternatives for our students and families. Take what works and use it to enhance the quality of your life.