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.
The old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is not just an old wives' tale. Studies show that athletes who have a balanced breakfast a few hours prior to exercise perform better than those who either skipped the meal or made poor nutritional choices. Always opt for a solid mix of healthy carbs and proteins. Some options include scrambled eggs with vegetables and a side of oatmeal or whole grain toast. You can also add a breakfast shake with peanut butter, organic soy milk, banana and other fruits.
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 drink protein shakes all day to get this necessary dietary component in your body. Protein helps your muscles stay strong and helps you heal faster after a tough fight. Protein is a huge part of your diet, but again, rather than just down mixed drinks, opt for food in its most natural form as much as possible. Fish and eggs are good choices, as is yogurt and other lower fat dairy options.
How many calories you consume depends on many factors, including your current weight and the weight goal you are seeking, as well as the amount of calories you burn per day on average. Of course, your calorie needs will change when you are close to a fighter, as well as immediately after. It is a good idea to meet with a nutritionist to create a diet plan that meets all of your needs.
While you can certainly enjoy a little bit of junk food from time to time, keep in mind that heavily processed foods have little to no nutritional value. So every time you put junk in your body, its ability to perform and heal is diminished.
The old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is not just an old wives' tale. Studies show that athletes who have a balanced breakfast a few hours prior to exercise perform better than those who either skipped the meal or made poor nutritional choices. Always opt for a solid mix of healthy carbs and proteins. Some options include scrambled eggs with vegetables and a side of oatmeal or whole grain toast. You can also add a breakfast shake with peanut butter, organic soy milk, banana and other fruits.
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 drink protein shakes all day to get this necessary dietary component in your body. Protein helps your muscles stay strong and helps you heal faster after a tough fight. Protein is a huge part of your diet, but again, rather than just down mixed drinks, opt for food in its most natural form as much as possible. Fish and eggs are good choices, as is yogurt and other lower fat dairy options.
How many calories you consume depends on many factors, including your current weight and the weight goal you are seeking, as well as the amount of calories you burn per day on average. Of course, your calorie needs will change when you are close to a fighter, as well as immediately after. It is a good idea to meet with a nutritionist to create a diet plan that meets all of your needs.
While you can certainly enjoy a little bit of junk food from time to time, keep in mind that heavily processed foods have little to no nutritional value. So every time you put junk in your body, its ability to perform and heal is diminished.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For additional information about jiu jitsu lessons in San Diego or to find a San Diego mixed martial arts gym, check out The Arena MMA, website now.
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