Demystifying Sports Nutrition

By Sabrina Grotewold, Published Jul. 8, 2013, Updated Oct. 1, 2013 at 6:45 AM UTC

A diet that is laden with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will slow the aging process and its effects on performance. Photo: Scott Draper | Competitor.com

Debunking The Garbage Disposal Theory

You’ve probably heard this before—you might have even said it: I’m an endurance athlete who trains and races hard, therefore, I can eat whatever and however much I desire. “I call it the garbage disposal theory,” says Liz Applegate, Ph.D., director of sports nutrition, University of California, Davis. “It works for some male athletes, but it’s going to catch up to you.”

Of course, all food is fuel and the body will burn whatever you give it, but if the goal is lifelong good health and longevity in sports, consuming quality nutrition cannot be overlooked.

Filed Under: Inside The Magazine / Nutrition / Recovery

Carbo Loading dietary supplements dieting performance nutrition race fueling Recovery Recovery Nutrition Weight Loss

Sabrina Grotewold

Sabrina Grotewold is runner and editor based in southern California. Christened the Kitchen MacGyver by her husband, she’s determined to persuade people to eat their veggies.