Fitness Question
I have been training for a triathlon for the last three months.
My question is based on integrating my fitness program with
nutritional needs to maximize my performance. In the past, I
worked with a physical trainer. Although, I’m reusing the training
program, I’m unsure if I should eliminate fat from my diet to
enhance my endurance and performance.
Fitness Answer
To maximize athletic performance, generally athletes are advised
to maintain low levels of fat intake. Alternatively, certain
athletes misconstrue low to mean absolute elimination of fat
intake. Unfortunately, the elimination of fat may not only be
devastating to physical performance, but to one’s overall health
as well.
Verisimilar to various types of protein
and carbohydrates that affect the body in diverging ways, the
same is true of different types of fat. For instance, healthy
fats are necessary for the body’s well-being, energy production,
the body’s healing process, and the management of cell function
and repair. Generally, these are essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Alternatively, these fats are not produced naturally in the
body and needed from the environment (in example: alpha-linoleic
acid, linoleic acid, and fish oils). On the contrary, “bad”
fats interfere with the body’ chemistry. They are not beneficial
to the body’s health. As a result, they stunt athletic performance
and endurance.
When fat is stored (free fat) in the
body, it is unable to produce energy without oxygen; however,
it may significantly render the production of energy during
physical exertion or endurance activities. In short, the best
kind of fat to consume during rigorous training is a low saturated
fatty acid because it will be less apt to negatively impact
the body’s energy production.
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