Sport Diets to Lose Weight

Sports diets are usually recommended for athletes to help them perform at their maximum potential. Diets rich in complex carbohydrates such as cereal, pasta and breads will provide the fuel and energy necessary to achieve this task. During digestion, these carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the energy source used by muscles during exercise. .

Sports Diets

• Sport diets are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Diets low in fat have been shown to aid in weight loss because they prevent the consumption of excess dietary fat that is later stored as body fat. Foods to avoid include nuts, butter, shortening, mayonnaise, margarine and avocados. Foods such as fish oil and olive oil can be used in moderation. Fruits and vegetables are recommended in sports diets since they are high in fiber and provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.

  Carbohydrates are an important part of any sports diet, since they provide energy for the body, mainly the brain and the nervous system. The enzyme amylase breaks the carbohydrates down into glucose, which is then used for energy. As diets high in carbohydrates also contain more calories, a good exercise plan is a vital component for weight loss while on a sports diet. Weight training is usually suggested, since it is an anaerobic exercise that burns carbohydrates, while exercises such as jogging or cycling burn fat.

  Sports diets also recommend drinking plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This in turn can lead to a feeling of fullness that will help with appetite control. Consuming foods high in water content but low in calories, such as grapefruits and carrots, also will aid in appetite control, which is essential for successful weight loss.