Nutrition Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Anastacia Sampson , who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.
Anastacia Sampson has a private practice and is available for consultation in a number of ways.
Anastacia Sampson will answer your nutrition-related questions.
Q: I am a soccer player but sometimes during practice I feel weak or exhausted.
What do you think I should be eating to have a better performance during my practice and official games?
I'm not asking for a specific diet, just some tips on improving my energy levels to perform better.
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A: It would be worth your time to consult with a sports nutritionist if possible because on this platform we can only provide general advice to aid anyone not specific advice.
Some ideal foods you can eat to enhance fast release of carbohydrates to support energy production and performance are jelly babies, peanut butter and those electrolyte sports drinks. Fatigue can be the first sign of dehydration. During intense activity such as in soccer one needs to replace lost electrolytes and water, let alone fuel.
Fuel your performance by eating high calorie snacks before running on the field. Wholegrain oat cookies/biscuits, a wholegrain sandwich with peanut butter or tahini (crushed sesame seeds) mixed with jam. Bananas are superb as a fresh fruit to provide B vitamins and fuel. We need those B vitamins to aid digestive processes and convert our foods into cellular energy!
A supply of jelly babies provides excellent fast calorie intakes. You can eat them while travelling or in a rush as they only need to be taken direct from the packet into your mouth.
As a diet is not relevant as per your request the following foods may be of interest before activity; a bowl of oats with a handful of raisins (with milk), energy snack bars, a protein shake of whey protein with mango juice. Obviously individuality in tastes will determine what suits you.
Do email if you have further need of info any time! Thank you for sending your question and all the best with your soccer.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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Enjoy better health!
