Nutrients are vital to the human body. Nutrients are split into various components. These components are; carbohydrates, protein, fats, water, vitamins and minerals and fibre. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. This is because they can be converted quicker to glucose than proteins or fats can. Your body is in need of a balanced diet so even too much carbohydrates can upset the body’s sugar level, which can affect your mood, leaving you feel tired and irritated. It is recommended that you balance your intake of carbohydrates with protein, a little fat and fibre. There are two types of carbs: complex and simple. Complex carbs, also referred to as starchy foods, are carbs that are made up of three or more sugar molecules linked together. They differ from simple carbs that are made up from only one or two linked sugar molecules. Complex carbs take longer to break down than simple ones, which helps your body to maintain a steady sugar level. Whole grain bread, pasta and breakfast cereals are example of complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates may also be describes as “bad” carbs as simple carbohydrates are refined or processed foods, such as white rice or white bread, which is bad for you. Simple/ bad carbs should be avoided because they offer little to no nutritional value, while adding too many calories to our diet; this makes them “empty” calories. Fruit juice, sweets, cakes and fizzy drinks are examples of simple carbohydrates. Carbs for a Gymnast Although carbohydrates may be given a bad name, carbs are actually needed as immediate and short-term sources of energy for a gymnast. The energy released from carbohydrates takes the form of glycogen which is stored in the muscles. A gymnast’s storage of glycogen becomes very low after exercise and so needs to be replaced. Many gymnasts surprisingly opt for a low carb diet. That is because gymnastics, unlike swimming or long-distance running, is considered an anaerobic sport, one in which short, intense bursts of power are much more important than endurance. Consequently, having lots of complex sugars stored up, which doesn’t help a gymnast that much. Most gymnasts try to get between 60 and 70 percent of their calories from proteins like meats and cheeses, the rest from carbs like whole-grain pasta, fruits, and fats like oils from peanuts. Protein Protein has a great number of vital roles in the body an important role is building and repairing body tissues, including muscle. Essential body processes such as nutrient transport and muscle contractions require protein to function. Protein is also a source of energy and like most other essential nutrients is absolutely crucial for overall good health. Proteins are the main actioners in cells and in an entire organism. Without proteins the most basic functions of life could not be carried out. Respiration, for example, requires muscle contractions, and muscle contractions require proteins. Meats, fish and soybeans are examples of protein foods. Protein for a Gymnast A high-protein diet is beneficial to gymnasts. First, the routines used in gymnastics are short and require high bursts of energy. Protein provides this type of energy. Also a high-protein diet is helpful because protein repairs broken down muscle tissue.The strengthening process includes your muscles enduring small tears which are then rebuilt, resulting in increased strength.Protein is the material that rebuilds your muscles. Finally, high-protein diets help gymnasts keep their weight down. In gymnastics extra body weight can slow you down and make it more difficult for you to perform the required skills. Eating a high-protein diet can help you stay lean and reduce your body fat percentage. Fats Fats perform a range of functions in the body and are one of the three Show More
