Healthy Living

When you drink enough water and eat a balanced diet, your body can make energy efficiently and fuel top performance. You can make the most of your athletic talents and gain more strength, power and endurance when you train. Base your diet on a variety of factors including your age, size and physical condition; and the type of exercise you are doing.

Live Better

The most important fuel source, carbohydrates come in fruits, vegetables, pastas, breads, cereals, rice and other foods, and should provide about 60 to 70 percent of daily calories. Your body converts sugars and starches in carbohydrates to energy (glucose) or stores it in the liver and muscle tissues (glycogen), giving you endurance and power for high-intensity, short duration activities.

The team physicians say that androstenedione has raised concerns about serious health risks and an unfair advantage in competition. They also warn of potential complications such as acne, breast enlargement, liver and heart problems, and personality disorders resulting from andro use.

Sports drinks (i.e., 6 to 10 percent carbohydrates) are useful for longer events. Most of these types of drinks should be diluted approximately 50 percent with water. Drink even if you are not thirsty.

Hydration

You also need more when you start an exercise program. Exercise type, intensity and duration: Endurance athletes often burn protein for fuel, as do body builders and others doing intense, strength-building activities. Total calories: Your body burns more protein if you don't consume enough calories to maintain body weight.