|
Fitness Question I have been training for a triathlon for the
last three months. My question is based on integrating my fitness
program with nutritional needs to maximize my performance. In
the past, I worked with a physical trainer. Although, I’m reusing
the training program, I’m unsure if I should eliminate fat from
my diet to enhance my endurance and performance.
Fitness
Answer
To maximize athletic performance, generally athletes are advised
to maintain low levels of fat intake. Alternatively, certain
athletes misconstrue low to mean absolute elimination of fat
intake. Unfortunately, the elimination of fat may not only be
devastating to physical performance, but to one’s overall health
as well.
Verisimilar
to various types of protein and carbohydrates that affect the
body in diverging ways, the same is true of different types
of fat. For instance, healthy fats are necessary for the body’s
well-being, energy production, the body’s healing process, and
the management of cell function and repair. Generally, these
are essential fatty acids (EFAs). Alternatively, these fats
are not produced naturally in the body and needed from the environment
(in example: alpha-linoleic acid, linoleic acid, and fish oils).
On the contrary, “bad” fats interfere with the body’ chemistry.
They are not beneficial to the body’s health. As a result, they
stunt athletic performance and endurance.
When
fat is stored (free fat) in the body, it is unable to produce
energy without oxygen; however, it may significantly render
the production of energy during physical exertion or endurance
activities. In short, the best kind of fat to consume during
rigorous training is a low saturated fatty acid because it will
be less apt to negatively impact the body’s energy production. |
