This week’s Speedo Tip of the Week comes from Dr.
Kathleen Woolf a registered dietician and a member of the American Dietetic
Association. Woolf offers some advice on pre-event
meals.Woolf’s
Tips:
Pre-event
meals are the foods an athlete consumes before exercise and competition. During exercise, athletes rely on
pre-existing stores of carbohydrate and fat to fuel exercise. A well-planned pre-event meal is the
last opportunity to maximize these stores before beginning an event. However,
the pre-event meal does not compensate for poor overall eating patterns.
An
ideal pre-event meal is high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and low in
fat. Because fat and protein take
longer to digest, they may remain in the stomach at the start of exercise
resulting in stomach upset. The carbohydrate and calorie content of the meal
should be reduced the closer to exercise the meal is consumed. One hour before exercise, try bananas,
crackers, or sports drinks. Two or
three hours before exercise, choose bagels, high-carbohydrate energy bars,
pancakes, or waffles. Four or more
hours before exercise, try a turkey sandwich or a bowl of
spaghetti.