Mary Jo Walicki Sports drinks replace the carbohydrates and electrolytes lost during strenuous exercise. Sports nutrition used to be about maintaining endurance. But soccer kids and marathon runners alike are finding that motor skills, mental focus, immune system integrity and recovery from workouts all can be influenced by what you eat and drink before, during and after exercise. And some products could harm you. What athletes should be eating and drinking, and whether dietary supplements are a waste of money or can provide a competitive edge were among issues discussed recently by sports nutrition experts from around the world at the Science and Practice of Sports Nutrition conference in Chicago, sponsored by the Gatorade Sport Science Institute.
Most experts say carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source for nearly all athletes.
And some research suggests that higher levels of protein may be beneficial to people who are physically active. But many sport nutritionists say those diets don't have enough carbohydrates for the energy demands of most athletes. Too many athletes, especially those involved in endurance activities, often try to get by on an overabundance of carbohydrates and don't get enough protein. A sedentary person normally needs to consume .8 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. Athletes, depending on their sport and activity level, may need to eat 1.2 grams to 2 grams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight.