Five Things You Should Already Do To Reach Your Potential This Season
Five Things You Should Already Do To Reach Your Potential This Season
By Alicia Kendig, Nutritionist, U.S. Olympic Committee
I often hear from athletes and parents wanting answers to their very pointed questions about, “what will make me stronger,” “what will help me recover faster,” and “what will keep me healthy.” Oftentimes, they are fishing for the quick and easy solution. They want to hear the latest trend or fad diet that will hold the secret to success. Upon further assessment, I am astonished to learn how often these same people aren’t doing the basic things that, in my opinion, are the foundation for success for an elite athlete.
1. Know your blood chemistry
Elite athletes ask a lot of their bodies, every day. Working hard and pushing through hard workouts means that your body has to be resilient and able to adapt to that stress. There are a few blood markers that are accurate indicators of low levels of nutrients in the body that affect performance. Low Iron stores (Serum Ferritin) and Vitamin D (25-hydroxyD3) results in a blood test can both cause fatigue and can inhibit recovery. A doctor or dietitian can use these results to make dietary modifications or recommendations to improve performance. Know your numbers!
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1. Know your blood chemistry
Elite athletes ask a lot of their bodies, every day. Working hard and pushing through hard workouts means that your body has to be resilient and able to adapt to that stress. There are a few blood markers that are accurate indicators of low levels of nutrients in the body that affect performance. Low Iron stores (Serum Ferritin) and Vitamin D (25-hydroxyD3) results in a blood test can both cause fatigue and can inhibit recovery. A doctor or dietitian can use these results to make dietary modifications or recommendations to improve performance. Know your numbers!
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