Happy National Sports Day!
??Ryan Fernando??
Celebrity Nutritionist & Health Coach I Founder at quanutrition.com clinics
As we celebrate our athletes’ incredible achievements, let’s not forget the key to their success: Nutrition. It’s the driving force behind every victory, fueling those early morning workouts, powering through intense training, and helping them recover stronger. Whether you're an athlete or a supporter, understanding the right nutrition can make all the difference.
Today, let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge to support our athletes’ journeys and maybe even fuel our own. Ready to take your game—or your favorite athlete’s—to the next level? Let’s dive into the essential nutrition guidelines that can help you achieve just that!
1.???? Carbohydrates: The primary energy source for athletes, fueling intense workouts and endurance events. Complex carbs from whole grains, brown rice, and lentils are preferred over refined sugars.
·?????? Recommended Intake: 5-7 grams per kilogram of body weight per day
·?????? Indian Sources: Brown rice, whole wheat roti, oats, millets, lentils, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, corn
2.???? Proteins: Essential for muscle repair and growth, athletes require higher protein intake than sedentary individuals. Regular protein consumption is key.
·?????? Recommended Intake: 1.2-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day
·?????? Indian Sources: Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, paneer, milk, yogurt, eggs, fish, chicken, meat
3.???? Fats: Healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil support hormone production and cell function.
·?????? Recommended Intake: 20-35% of total daily calories; 1.2-1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight for endurance and strength athletes
·?????? Key Role: Provides essential fatty acids, and energy, and supports hormone production
4.???? Vitamins and Minerals: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and performance.
Indian Sources:
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5.???? Hydration: Staying hydrated prevents dehydration and maintains peak performance. Water, coconut water, and sports drinks can be tailored to the intensity of the workout.
·?????? Recommended Intake: 8-12 glasses of water per day, with electrolytes during training sessions
·?????? Example: Include 1 Chaze (hydration product) as part of the athlete's hydration strategy
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Regional Insights: Haryana and Punjab's Contribution to Olympic Glory
In the last five Olympics, Haryana has consistently been at the top of the chart, contributing between 15% and 22% of India’s contenders. Punjab contributed the highest share of contenders in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and the second highest share in the 2012, 2020, and 2024 editions.
Haryana and Punjab have been powerhouses in producing India's Olympic athletes, with a strong tradition of dairy consumption playing a key role. The higher prevalence of the lactase persistence gene in these regions has boosted calcium absorption, contributing to their athletic success. However, addressing nutritional disparities across the country is crucial to allowing all athletes to excel.
Additional Considerations
·?????? Individualized Approach
·?????? Nutrient Density: Focus on nutrient-dense foods
·?????? Professional Guidance: Consulting with a registered dietitian
·?????? Adherence: Choose a diet that can be sustained long-term.
·?????? Timing is Everything: Starting specialized training at a young age, ideally between 12 and 16, is crucial for developing athleticism, strength, and endurance.
Physical conditioning is crucial, but mental resilience
India has the potential to be a global sports giant! Prioritizing nutrition and holistic well-being
On National Sports Day, let’s cheer for a healthier, stronger India! Give our athletes the tools they need to crush it on the world stage. For that extra edge, athletes should team up with top-notch sports nutritionists and coaches.
Hope you’re ready to play to win!
Note: To get a well-balanced diet that caters to all your nutritional needs, please get in touch with us at 0091 9256363925 or please fill out this form and my team will get in touch with you https://forms.gle/MjSXjUdMEjNFmMgf8
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