Unleash Your Inner Athlete: 5 Tips to Improve Your Performance

Introduction

Improving athletic performance is a goal that many athletes strive for. Whether you are a professional athlete or someone who enjoys recreational sports, there are always ways to enhance your abilities and reach your full potential. In this article, we will discuss five tips to unleash your inner athlete and take your performance to the next level. While these are not the end-all of your athletic career, these tips will set you on a course for better success in the long term! They are:

• What is Supplement Stacking?

• Why Diets Don’t Work

• Our Favorite Pre-workout Snacks

• 3 Endurance Superfoods We Love!

• The Ultimate Guide to Collagen

Are You Taking Too Many Supplements?

Many athletes are turning to supplements in order to try and gain an edge in their sport. Unfortunately, this can lead to overuse of these products, which can have serious health consequences. Overuse of supplements can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even organ damage. Additionally, athletes may be taking supplements that are not approved by the FDA or have not been thoroughly tested for safety. This is why third-party testing is so critical. It is important for athletes to be aware of the risks associated with supplement use and to speak with a certified sports nutrition coach before taking any new product.

Fad Diets

The next focus of becoming a higher-level athlete is to take a closer look at your diet. Are you following a trendy diet, such as “Ketogenic”, that is promising "rapid results"? If so, it is important to consider if this diet is providing you with the right nutrients and energy to fuel your body for optimal performance. Many under-fueled athletes find themselves in a downward spiral of illness and injury. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the diet you are following is sustainable and can be maintained over a long period of time. 

Eat for Performance

Are you fueling enough for your workouts? Many athletes, even on an elite level, believe that they need to watch their calories and carbs when they are working out. It makes sense, right? If we are working out to be healthy, why should we drink bottles of sugar water (sports drinks)? Wrong! Our bodies require a large amount of energy when we are working at higher intensities, such as those that are close to our VO2 max. This is because our bodies are working harder and need more fuel to sustain the effort.

We can get this fuel from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, all of which are necessary for our bodies to perform optimally. By providing our bodies with the necessary fuel and hydration, we can ensure that we are able to perform at our highest level and reach our goals.

Eating The Right Things

Whole foods that are high in micronutrients are essential to any athlete's performance. Meals should contain whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, as well as healthy micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating a balanced diet that includes these foods and micronutrients can help to ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and function properly. Proper nutrition also leads to better recovery, keeping you in your sport for longer periods of time! Additionally, consuming whole foods and healthy micronutrients can help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Collagen

As a full-time cyclist, one of the most pivotal supplements that I have taken is collagen peptides. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the body that has a wide range of well-researched benefits. It helps to keep skin looking youthful and healthy, strengthens bones and joints, and supports healthy hair, nails, and connective tissue. Collagen is also believed to help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote heart health. Additionally, it has been linked to improved muscle mass and strength, better sleep quality, and increased energy levels. For me, collagen has reduced tendon and ligament pain, allowed me to recover more quickly, and makes a great addition to my morning cup of coffee! 

Supplements are always the last item that I recommend to athletes, after whole foods and nutrient periodization, but they do have their place. As with all supplements, it's important to check the ingredients and ensure that the brand has been third-party tested. 

Conclusion

Improving athletic performance is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow. Over the past decade, social media influencers have bombarded us with "quick fixes" and rapid results. This is not the case; nutrition is a long-term goal. By following these five tips to unleash your inner athlete, you can take your performance to the next level and achieve your goals. Always be your own champion and pay attention to your body, for we all differ in how we react to interventions.