High
intensity sports and those which require a high degree of endurance
are two of the
most demanding physical and mental activities you will
ever experience. If you are to
achieve the personal goals you have
set out for yourself it is essential that all the components
necessary for attaining these goals be developed to a high degree.
Of
all the components that are necessary in achieving our fitness,
lifestyle and training goals nutrition is probably the most
neglected. No, not probably. It is the most neglected. Nutrition is
one of the more important factors in determining our success rate and
cannot be taken lightly. We need to shift nutrition to a higher
priority rating. I’ll tell you why.
Everything
we eat or drink affects us in a positive or negative way. It either
strengthens our bodies or weakens them to some degree. Many
activities impose great stress on the body’s many systems and
demand optimal fuel if we are to realize our potential. You wouldn’t
put leaded gasoline in your Ferrari would you? Why would you treat
your body with any less
respect?
The
martial arts for example, demand a high degree of mental clarity and
focus, as do many other sports. We need to supply our brains with a
high energy diet with plenty of glucose or it cannot function as well
intended. In order for your brain to efficiently transmit messages or
commands it requires a good clean diet of glucose along with
potassium and sodium. The sodium and potassium are essential for
supplying energy to the pumps in each neuron responsible for
transmitting those messages.
Understand
that nutrition is not an exact science. Yes there are general rules
and guidelines we need to follow but we are all individuals and our
requirements will differ slightly depending on environment, ability
to handle stress and many other things that affect our day to day
lives. Without a sound nutritional program, you will see some initial
progress when you first begin your training regime and it may
continue slowly for some time. If you wish to accelerate your
progress and guarantee continual improvement, it is absolutely
essential you provide your body with all the tools. Without the
inclusion of a sound nutritional plan it is comparable to giving a
carpenter the blueprint of the new renovations you expect him to do
and only supplying him with a hammer. He will be able to accomplish a
little at the beginning but soon he will have to stop because he
doesn’t have all the required tools.
Before
beginning any nutritional plan we need to ask ourselves some
questions.
- What do I want to accomplish? Release weight, gain muscle, have more energy?
- Do I need to include a supplement program? If so which supplements are designed for my requirements?
- Should I consult a professional? What costs are involved?
- What is my time frame to accomplish the goals I have set out?
- Any other questions you may have.
It
is estimated that nutrition can be as much as 85% responsible to your
success. Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are essential for optimal
performance. They need to be consumed in the proper portions,
combinations and at the proper times if you wish to excel in any
endeavour.
Make
nutrition a priority in your training. See and feel the difference.
Become the best you can be.
