Among the dietary advice I provide, it is important to understand the role of different active compounds and nutrients, as each has its function within the body. Moreover, a varied diet helps fulfill the majority of needs naturally and optimize the energy intake required before, during, and after physical activity.
It goes without saying that athletes put their bodies through intense challenges, especially in endurance disciplines such as ultra-marathons and Ironman races. Training load helps the body adapt, but particular attention should also be given to nutrition in preparation for the race (what to eat in the week leading up to it, breakfast on the race day, etc.), as well as during and after the race (different energy products, post-exercise nutrition).
If you want to maximize your chances, I recommend reading my articles on sports nutrition, where I discuss definitions (glycemic index, glycogen, etc.) and provide practical insights (dietary supplements, digestive issues, etc.). In my opinion, this category is a treasure trove of information.
If you follow a specific dietary regimen, I have created two categories to provide advice: food allergies (gluten-free, lactose-free) and vegetarianism.
Finally, as a dietitian in a cardiac rehabilitation center, I offer dietary advice that is more focused on clinical settings.
Some questions and answers about active compounds and nutrients
What are the important active compounds during exercise?
It is quite complex to answer this question because there are many of them. Carbohydrates are essential as they provide fuel, but vitamins and minerals are also important, especially when the outside temperature exceeds 24°C (75°F).
Are lipids harmful for sports performance?
No, although it is important to distinguish between unhealthy and healthy fats. Healthy fats are crucial as they become one of the primary sources of energy, particularly after 45 minutes of exercise. Eliminating fats entirely is counterproductive.
Nicolas AUBINEAU
Sports and Clinical Nutritionist
