| 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. |
