Americans Could Learn From Athletes' Food Habits
Athletes Use Food To Improve Game
UPDATED: 11:50 am EDT July 13, 2004
DAVIS, Calif. -- For athletes going for the gold, food is not a problem. It's a positive tool that can help them increase their performance. Experts say that when it comes to food, athletes "get it," but unfortunately, most Americans do not.
Kim Cusimano is a sports psychologist who helps athletes of all levels improve their mental game. She says serious athletes don't look at food as a way to fix the problem when they have pressures."(Most Americans) use it to fulfill emotional needs. We use it to help us get through things. We don't use it for a purpose in terms of a thing that can help us do things better," Cusimano said. At the University of California-Davis sports performance program, experts help average people learn to view food like athletes do. Nutritionist Marlia Braun says people are often shocked when she analyzes their eating patterns."They come in with a lot of issues in the sense that they have restricted themselves. They have eliminated foods in the hope of trying to lose weight in the hope to perform better," Braun said.Braun shows her clients how small breakfasts and huge dinners only lead to food cravings, decreased strength and energy, and the inability to increase their fitness levels."They try and eliminate foods while they're exercising in hopes to lose more weight while not eating during their exercise, which in turn is hindering their performance," Braun said.Braun recommends that you drink plenty of fluids to regulate your body's internal thermostat. With each snack and meal, she says you should eat a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and a healthy source of fat -- like nuts. Braun also says to eat the most colorful fruits and vegetables you can find because they help the body recover after a workout.Some experts take the European approach to health care, focusing on performance instead of reactive treatment.
Kim Cusimano is a sports psychologist who helps athletes of all levels improve their mental game. She says serious athletes don't look at food as a way to fix the problem when they have pressures."(Most Americans) use it to fulfill emotional needs. We use it to help us get through things. We don't use it for a purpose in terms of a thing that can help us do things better," Cusimano said. At the University of California-Davis sports performance program, experts help average people learn to view food like athletes do. Nutritionist Marlia Braun says people are often shocked when she analyzes their eating patterns."They come in with a lot of issues in the sense that they have restricted themselves. They have eliminated foods in the hope of trying to lose weight in the hope to perform better," Braun said.Braun shows her clients how small breakfasts and huge dinners only lead to food cravings, decreased strength and energy, and the inability to increase their fitness levels."They try and eliminate foods while they're exercising in hopes to lose more weight while not eating during their exercise, which in turn is hindering their performance," Braun said.Braun recommends that you drink plenty of fluids to regulate your body's internal thermostat. With each snack and meal, she says you should eat a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and a healthy source of fat -- like nuts. Braun also says to eat the most colorful fruits and vegetables you can find because they help the body recover after a workout.Some experts take the European approach to health care, focusing on performance instead of reactive treatment. Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
