Nutrition Facts
 
Nutrition facts are that a correctly balanced diet must have adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and  fats . All athletes require good nutrition.
 
Nutrition Facts rule #1
 
If your diet is lacking in essential nutrients you will not attain your true potential.
 
Your body has to be able to digest and utilize what you eat without putting unwanted stress on the liver or unwanted fat on the frame. Junk foods have high calories and low nutrition; facts that have to be faced. Nutrient-dense food helps you feel good and gives the body what it needs to train hard. 
 
Nutrition Facts rule #2
 
There is always someone out there who is smarter than you! 
 
If you heard there was a better way to apply a technique, you‘d try to find out more. So why not do the same when it comes to nutrition facts? You can bet that your opponents will. 
 
Nutrition facts and figures can be confusing so here are some pointers to get you started…
 
Protein is essential for building and repairing body tissues like muscles and tendons.  The nutrition facts you need to be concerned with are that there are animal and plant sources of protein, and you should be eating both. Protein requirement is relative to bodyweight.  A common formula is to eat 1 gram of protein for every kilogram or 2.2 pounds you weigh. If you’re training hard or recovering from injury, you will need more. Your body can’t use too much at once, so it’s better to spread your intake over 3-5 sensible meals per day.  Important protein foods are lean meat, fish, milk, eggs and beans.  
 
Whole foods like whole-grain cereals and bread, also fruit and vegetables, are important sources of energy from carbohydrate, and fibre to keep the body healthy. The Nutrition facts are that whole foods are more nutrient-dense than refined foods like cakes and white bread. Vegetables are generally better raw or lightly-cooked. Fruit makes an ideal snack between meals.
 
Further nutrition facts are that sports supplements play an important part in the nutrition program of many top athletes. If you think you need to top up your nutrient intake, you may like to know that the most common food supplements are vitamins/mineral tablets and protein powder. Invest in some good books to get even more nutrition facts.
 
 
Did you know these nutrition facts…?
 
Eggs contain approximately 6 grams of high “biological value” protein 95% of which is available for use by the body.  Eggs also contain many vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Many protein powders contain egg protein. 
 
Eggs contain lecithin and it is believed by many to help the body to metabolize cholesterol and balance cholesterol levels in the blood.  The lecithin content in an egg is 8 times higher than its cholesterol content. There are other nutrition factsconcerning lecithin that you need to know. Lecithin is a type of fat known to scientists as phosphatidylcholine. The important nutrition facts about choline part are that it is very important for good memory, cardiovascular health and liver function.  It is that important that the FDA require it contained in baby formula! Choline is classed as an essential nutrient, meaning that it can’t be synthesised by the body but must be obtained from a dietary source. Lecithin and choline are available in a variety of food supplements designed for athletes.
! It may have worked for Rocky Balboa, but eating too many raw eggs is not recommended.  Relevant nutrition facts are that raw eggs contain a protein called avidin that prevents absorption of biotin, a B–complex vitamin important in the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Low levels of biotin are often found in people with type 2 diabetes.
 
A Zen master once said ‘when hungry eat, when tired sleep’. Like many things on the road to your goal, this sounds simple yet can be difficult. It will be worth your effort. 
 
Go to Wellness Delight for tips on natural nutrition or check our product links for food supplements and books containing nutrition facts.