I think it’s safe to say that everyone is aware of the fact that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear, but many are still unaware that believing something you read online could be far more threatening.
There is an enormous amount of conflicting information online, which makes it especially tough for new athletes to do the necessary research and ultimately separate fact from fiction. Luckily for you, I’m here to help bust the sports nutrition myths we have all come to believe as true.
Some Insight
If you consider hitting the tracks to experience the thrills of a bit of Cox Plate betting as engaging in sports, then we probably aren’t talking to you, but if you’re serious about guaranteeing optimum performance in your sports endeavours then you’re at the right place.
That said, and before we dive into the world of legends and myths in sports nutrition, I must stress that while sports nutrition may not be for everyone, a well-balanced diet is and it never hurts to learn about the importance of good nutrition.
Carbohydrates Cause Weight Gain
This is a commonly believed myth in sports nutrition. In actual fact, consuming an excess of calories, regardless of what it is you consume, will make you gain weight.
Unfortunately, carbohydrates have gained a fairly bad reputation, and amazingly enough, the fitness community is largely to blame for this. They are actually a primary source of energy for your body and should form an essential part of anyone’s diet if they are looking to get involved in a fitness lifestyle.
Water is Best for Rehydration
It’s imperative that you have a full understanding of this one. Despite the fact that water is never going to be a bad choice in terms of hydrating, it isn’t necessarily the best choice when it comes to rehydrating. When we exercise, we sweat, and when we sweat we lose a lot more than just water. Engaging in exercise means losing valuable electrolytes like potassium and sodium.
The truth is, if you have just finished with an intense workout and you feel closer to the floor than the path to health, you should probably grab the nearest sports drink – just make sure that it is an actual sports drink and not one of the many drinks cleverly disguised as transportation for evils like sugar and caffeine.
Sugar Must Be Avoided at All Times
Our bodies are incredible machines, converting carbohydrates into glycogen and providing us with the energy we need to complete our desired tasks. This is exactly why the myth that sugar is bad is not entirely true.
While an excess of sugar (or anything, really) will do some serious damage to your body, simple sugars such as fructose, glucose and lactose are easily converted, meaning the result is far more immediate than drinking water. The moment your glycogen reach a low point you will find yourself feeling lethargic, with your performance impaired as a result.