For athletes, nutrition is the key component in a quality training program. An appropriate selection of food, fluids, meal timing and supplement use can altogether affect performance.
Consider the meals you eat as fuel. What you eat becomes you and will determine your performance.
Food is broken down and nutrients are extracted in order to provide you with the energy you need to run up and down the court, field or track during practices and games.
Below are three recipes, which can enhance your performance.
More: 7 Ways to Fuel Your Race Performance
Crusty Maple Oatmeal
Oats, like most grains, are a good source of whole-grain carbohydrates. This high-fiber food will provide adequate calories for an athlete who is demanding energy. Oats are found to favorably alter metabolism and enhance performance when ingested 45 minutes to 1 hour before any exercise of moderate intensity.
Ingredients
- 3 cups steel cut oatmeal
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple sugar
- 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts
More: The Best Natural Fuel for Runners
Instructions
- Cook oatmeal according to directions. In a small bowl, combine the brown and maple sugars. Set aside.
- Portion 1 cup servings of oatmeal into individual, oven-safe bowls. Layer, in order, 1 tablespoon walnuts and 1 tablespoon sugar mixture on top of oatmeal.
- Place under broiler to melt sugar until it forms a crust and turns golden brown.
