While serious mixed martial artists spend hours each day in the gym working on everything from Jiu-Jitsu to boxing to strength training, exercise is not the only important factor in becoming a great athlete. The better you treat your body, the stronger and more mentally focused you will become.
It is important to avoid skipping meals, as this leaves you hungry and when you are hungry, you make poor food choices. Begin each day with a good breakfast that includes a mix of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This could be a quick plate of scrambled eggs with hot sauce and a bowl of oatmeal or another healthy cereal. If you are rushed in the morning, consider mixing up a giant smoothie that includes protein powder, peanut butter and fresh fruit.
Most people know that carbohydrates create energy in our body. This is true of both simple and complex carbs. However, simple carbs such as processed cereals and white bread or soda provide only a quick burst of energy. Complex carbs transform into glycogen when they are ingested, and this provides energy right when you need it. Any remaining glycogen is stored in your muscles so that you can use it later. Simple carbs aren't stored, so this is why people often feel tired or weak an hour or so after eating them.
The less a food is processed, the healthier it is, so try to eat grains in their natural form. For instance, oatmeal or brown rice or quinoa are better choices than whole grain bread, but whole grain bread is a better choice than most white breads, which contain poorer quality wheat and more sugar.
You don't have to down raw eggs like Rocky Balboa to be a great fighter, but you do need to eat a good amount of protein. Protein helps your body heal and promotes muscle repair, so obviously this nutritional element is important for those in MMA. Eggs are a great source of protein, as is fish and low-fat types of dairy. Lean meat is another protein option, but opt for smaller portions and buy grass-fed beef or perhaps even buffalo meat, as this is far better for your body.
Figuring out your daily calorie needs includes many factors, including your height and current weight, your weight goals and how many hours you work out. Your needs change coming up to a fight and then shift after the fight. Working with a trained dietician can help you make the best possible food choices.
To determine your daily caloric intake, you must take into consideration the amount of calories you burn typically as well as your weight and your height. Keep in mind that as you get close to a fight, you will probably alter your diet accordingly. For serious athletes, it is always wise to sit down with a nutrition expert and create a plan that covers all of your needs.
It is important to avoid skipping meals, as this leaves you hungry and when you are hungry, you make poor food choices. Begin each day with a good breakfast that includes a mix of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This could be a quick plate of scrambled eggs with hot sauce and a bowl of oatmeal or another healthy cereal. If you are rushed in the morning, consider mixing up a giant smoothie that includes protein powder, peanut butter and fresh fruit.
Most people know that carbohydrates create energy in our body. This is true of both simple and complex carbs. However, simple carbs such as processed cereals and white bread or soda provide only a quick burst of energy. Complex carbs transform into glycogen when they are ingested, and this provides energy right when you need it. Any remaining glycogen is stored in your muscles so that you can use it later. Simple carbs aren't stored, so this is why people often feel tired or weak an hour or so after eating them.
The less a food is processed, the healthier it is, so try to eat grains in their natural form. For instance, oatmeal or brown rice or quinoa are better choices than whole grain bread, but whole grain bread is a better choice than most white breads, which contain poorer quality wheat and more sugar.
You don't have to down raw eggs like Rocky Balboa to be a great fighter, but you do need to eat a good amount of protein. Protein helps your body heal and promotes muscle repair, so obviously this nutritional element is important for those in MMA. Eggs are a great source of protein, as is fish and low-fat types of dairy. Lean meat is another protein option, but opt for smaller portions and buy grass-fed beef or perhaps even buffalo meat, as this is far better for your body.
Figuring out your daily calorie needs includes many factors, including your height and current weight, your weight goals and how many hours you work out. Your needs change coming up to a fight and then shift after the fight. Working with a trained dietician can help you make the best possible food choices.
To determine your daily caloric intake, you must take into consideration the amount of calories you burn typically as well as your weight and your height. Keep in mind that as you get close to a fight, you will probably alter your diet accordingly. For serious athletes, it is always wise to sit down with a nutrition expert and create a plan that covers all of your needs.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias likes blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For more information about jiu jitsu lessons in San Diego or to find a San Diego mixed martial arts gym, visit The Arena MMA, site now.
No comments:
Post a Comment