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Sports nutrition

By Mayo Clinic staff

How much do you know about sports nutrition? What — and when — you eat can affect your performance and how you feel while you're exercising. Brushing up on sports nutrition basics can help you make the most of your exercise routine.

Sports nutrition often focuses on carbohydrates. Generally, you'll feel better when you exercise if you eat foods high in carbohydrates and low in fat. If you're training for an endurance event, loading up on carbohydrates in the days before the event may even boost your performance. Protein for muscle repair and growth is another important aspect of sports nutrition.

Of course, sports nutrition goes beyond simply what you eat. When you eat counts, too. To maximize your workouts, coordinate your meals, snacks and drinks.

MY00396

March 19, 2009

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