MS, RDN, CSSD, CDCES
Licensed dietitian
specializing in sports nutrition
and eating disorders
Gels are a compact and convenient way to deliver easily digestible carbohydrates during endurance sports like running, cycling, swimming, or triathlons. They provide quick energy to fuel your performance and help you maintain steady energy levels throughout your activity. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider when selecting the best gels for your events.
Eating a balanced lunch offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it especially crucial for college athletes. However, research shows that up to 60% of college students skip lunch due to their busy schedules and budget (Pendergast, 2016). Skipping this meal can negatively impact energy, hunger management, and overall well-being.
Here’s a list of great snacks for endurance athletes, focusing on fueling energy, aiding recovery, and supporting sustained performance. Keep these snacks on hand to fill in the gaps with nutrition. These options are portable, nutrient-dense, and easy to digest:
Winter months bring unique nutritional needs for runners, including reduced sunlight exposure, which increases the need for Vitamin D. Meeting nutrition goals through food is ideal, but supplements can be helpful when dietary intake is insufficient. Below are recommended winter supplements and their top food sources.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a medical device designed to deliver real-time measurements of glucose (sugar) levels in the body. Although it is mainly utilized by individuals with diabetes to regulate their blood sugar, it has also become increasingly popular among athletes and health enthusiasts. While these devices offer a wealth of data, it’s crucial to consider how that information will be applied effectively.
Studies have shown an improvement in sports performance when caffeine is consumed before exercise (Clarke, 2018). Here are details about how caffeine works and the safe and effective dose that yields the best results.