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Copyright © 2005 Peak Performance. All Rights Reserved.
FAQ #2 - If I was to chose the perfect meal or one food to NOT be without as an athlete, what should it be?
I don't want to take the wind out of your sails...but there is NO perfect meal! First of all, it has to consist of foods that you like to eat. Second of all it has to have enough energy to keep you being able to do whatever physical activities you are doing. Third of all, it has to help you maintain a healthy weight! The #1 thing that will limit your activity level and ability to perform is your level of hydration (or dehydration)...which means drink more water and use liquid foods to fuel you - so soup, milk, vegetable juices are all great choices. For the solid food component you need a mix of carbs, protein and fats....well you can't go wrong with a more bean than meat chili (in a thermos) or 3-4 ounces of lean meat with ONE wrap (whole wheat is great, regular is good) and LOADS of cut up veggies. Stick to the watery veggies and those that are more brightly colored. There is a great cookbook called "Chef in your Backpack" by Nicole Bassett (Arsenal Pulp Press) with lots of diiferent recipes etc....check it out! I got it at the bookstore in Westgate Mall in Ottawa (on Carling near the Royal Ottawa Hospital).
As for one food to not be without – I would give a high five to bananas. Bananas contain three natural sugars -- sucrose, fructose and glucose which when combined with the fiber in the banana, give an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
Copyright © 2005 Peak Performance. All Rights Reserved.
