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Nutrition for optimal Track & Field performance
Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D

For the recreational or competitive athlete, the body must be fueled optimally to exercise effectively. To maintain or improve strength, speed and stamina, one must consume adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate-containing foods have always been the staple of a sports diet, but many athletes consume less than optimal amounts. Carbohydrate is the primary energy source for high intensity, maximal-outburst activity, and a significant early fuel source for endurance exercise. Consuming adequate amounts of carbohydrate maintains usual training intensity and promotes rapid recovery.

Carbohydrate containing foods should be eaten at each meal and also before, during and after exercise. At meals, carbohydrates should take up about two-thirds of the plate. Pre-exercise carbohydrates stimulate muscle glycogen storage and may help delay fatigue. Carbohydrates consumed during exercise that lasts more than 60 minutes help the body maintain blood glucose availability late in exercise. Post-exercise carbohydrates help improve muscle glycogen storage, especially within 30 minutes after the activity. The body can store twice as much muscle glycogen after consuming sucrose or glucose than after fructose.

Carbohydrate-containing foods

• bread
• rice
• pasta
• cereals
• crackers
• fruits
• juices
• vegetables
• dried beans or peas
• sweets

Carbohydrate guidelines

Weight (in pounds) x 3 or 4 = number of grams of carbohydrate per day

Specific requirements

·  Pre-exercise -- 50 to 100 grams of carbohydrate 30 to 60 minutes before exercise (for example, a bagel, two granola bars or concentrated carbohydrate sports drink)

·  During exercise -- 30 to 75 grams of carbohydrate per hour (sources may include gels, sports drinks or gummy-type candy with water)

·  Post-exercise -- 75 grams of carbohydrate within 30 minutes (include sucrose or glucose containing foods, such as fruit punch, sweetened cereals, crackers or gummy type candy)

Protein

Protein is not the body's preferred fuel source during exercise, but it has a role to play in muscle growth and repair, and in boosting the immune system. Exercise can promote muscle protein loss due to reduced protein synthesis, increased protein breakdown and protein losses in urine and sweat. Some athletes tend to overdo on protein, while others barely meet their needs. Food is the easiest, most effective and least costly way to meet protein needs. If it seems difficult to meet the protein requirements, a scoop of nonfat dry milk powder added to milk, sauces or soups, or a sports bar that contains protein can help.

Protein sources

• poultry
• vegetables
• fish or shellfish
• eggs
• grains
• cheese
• dry beans
• soy products
• milk or yogurt
• nuts or seeds

Protein requirements

Fat

This nutrient has gotten a bad reputation for increasing weight and disease risks. Fat is the primary energy substrate for low intensity and moderate exercise, and consuming too little fat may limit the duration and quality of exercise. Fat is an energy dense nutrient, providing nine calories per gram. It is a good calorie source for active individuals. Although a diet high in animal fats is not the goal, including nuts or olive oil in the diet daily, and eating fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, may benefit the athlete's health and help prevent injury.

Too little fat may limit performance by affecting intramuscular triglycerides, as well as decreasing serum testosterone in male athletes. A little bit of fat prior to exercise will probably digest better than a cheeseburger and fries. Although some researchers are investigating fat loading prior to exercise, the current advice is to eat a mixed meal of carbohydrate, protein and some fat.

Fat sources

• butter
• margarine
• oil
• nuts or nut butters
• mayonnaise
• cream
• chips
• fried meats
• fried vegetables
• fatty meats (such as bacon, sausage, pepperoni, bologna or salami)

Fat requirements

Desirable weight (in pounds) x 0.45 = number of grams of fat per day

The bottom line

• Include carbohydrate, protein and fat at every meal.
• Think of eating for exercise as a three-part process: pre-exercise, during exercise and post-exercise.
• Do not buy into eating plans that limit or eliminate nutrients.
• Listen to your body, and note how you feel and perform with eating changes.

Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D., is the director of Sports Nutrition for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System. She is the nutrition consultant to the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Bonci is also a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.