Clean nutrition is an essential factor in athletic success. In fact, nutrition’s role in sports has been recognized by trainers and athletes themselves. As an example, National Nutrition Programs have been included in the 2012 London Olympic Games. These were included in the preparation of the Australian, British and American sports systems, according to a review published in the Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series.
Because sports is mental as much as it is physical activity, sports medicine also recognizes the role of nutrition on the brain. According to an article by Romain Meeusen Ph.D. of the Department of Human Physiology of Vrije Universiteit Brussel, nutrition can influence how the brain functions from “moment to moment.” Three nutrients have been associated by Everyday Health with better brainpower: omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and flavonoids, and Vitamin E.
An athlete’s diet isn’t very different from the one that’s suggested for the general public, but it should be well-planned to meet the athlete’s vitamin and mineral needs, recommends Better Health Channel. It also has to provide enough protein to promote muscle growth and repair.
Surfing legend Kelly Slater is on top of his diet. He keeps himself updated about diets, food, and how they affect the body. He practices eating clean, which for him means “not eating too many different types of food all at once” and “eating a wide variety of the same nutrient.” He also debunks a common myth about fat: that fats can make you fat. Slater emphasizes the positive effects of healthy fats like avocados and coconuts on the brain, joints, and digestion.
