Diets for different sports and pre-competition meals

Overview

Food fuel use by intensity, duration and fitness, endurance and power athletes' diets, diet and type of training, pre-competition meals and their timing and content, eating during long events and after exercise.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does food fuel use change with exercise intensity?

   Model answer

   At low intensity fat is the main fuel. As intensity rises, carbohydrate becomes the main fuel.

2. 2

   How does food fuel use change with exercise duration?

   Model answer

   As exercise continues, glycogen stores fall. The body relies more on fat as duration increases.

3. 3

   How does fitness level affect food fuel use?

   Model answer

   Trained performers use fat more efficiently. They save glycogen for when they need it.

4. 4

   How does the diet of an endurance athlete differ from that of a power athlete?

   Model answer

   An endurance athlete needs a high carbohydrate intake. A power athlete needs extra protein for muscle repair and growth.

5. 5

   How should diet change with the type of training?

   Model answer

   Heavy endurance training needs more carbohydrate. Strength training needs more protein.

6. 6

   When should a pre-competition meal be eaten?

   Model answer

   A pre-competition meal should be eaten about three to four hours before the event. The food has time to be digested.

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