Menos Hiras believes that it is not ideal for athletes to go on restrictive diets primarily because they need extra fuel for their training and workout. It is essential to consult health professionals if they want to go on a particular type of diet. These professionals can recommend a plan that ensures athletes get the proper amount of nutrients and perform their best while maintaining or losing weight.
Eating to reach your peak athletic performance is more than drinking sports drinks and eating high-carb or high-protein foods, unlike what others may believe. Menos Hiras thinks that it is not about requiring special diets or supplements. But what is vital is making most of the right foods that complement personalized fitness plans and training. However, younger athletes have unique nutrition needs, and they need extra calories to fuel both their athletic performance and growth. Teen athletes may need 2,000 to 5,000 total calories per day, depending on how active and strenuous their activities are. Their bodies are less likely to achieve peak performance if teen athletes do not eat enough. Menos Hiras also believes that extreme calorie restriction may lead to growth problems and increase the risk of severe health issues, including fractures and injuries.
Protein and energy bars do not do many good to young athletes, but they do not do much harm either. Although they may have benefits, some supplements may contain harmful components and mess with a person’s hormones, causing side effects that are not as pleasing as its claimed benefits. Menos Hiras believes that teen athletes should focus on having a balanced diet and having enough fluids to reach their peak performance instead of choosing which supplement is best for them.
Eating a variety of foods can also significantly help you reach your peak athletic performance. You may be aware of “carb loading,” but Menos Hiras believes it is not ideal to focus on just one food group. Aside from carbohydrates, your body also needs proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, so a balanced diet is vital to reach the peak athletic performance every athlete wants.
