Fad Diets have become popular due to quick and rapid weight loss results compared to traditional diet programs. Fad diets are also easy to follow because they provide rules and structure. But don't be fooled! FAD Diets are known to be effective because they eliminate one food group in order to achieve rapid weight loss. When we reduce weight too quickly we are also causing the loss of muscle mass. This in turn hinders athletic performance.
What To Remember:
➊ As an athlete it is important to include all food groups to maximize performance. This means that not all diets are appropriate.
➋ Athletes have special needs based on the amount of hours they spend a day training. Athletes have higher carbohydrate, protein, and caloric needs due to rigorous physical activity.
➌ Athletes also need to fuel more frequently based on pre and post workout recovery nutrition.
➍ FAD Diets are difficult to sustain for long periods of time. This leads to more weight gain than initially lost!
➎ Keep in mind that when we restrict the foods we love, we can put ourselves at risk of binge eating after the diet is over.
What To Know:
➊ FAD Diets that promote low carbohydrate consumption:
Reduce energy levels during training and/or game day
Increase in fatigue and at higher risk for injuries
Increase in cramping due to inadequate energy intake that causes inability to retain water
Poor mood and staying focused due to lack of energy to the brain
➋ FAD Diets that promote low sodium intake:
Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps retain water that reduces dehydration and cramping
A decrease in sodium increases impaired muscle function. This is caused to the imbalance of sodium to potassium, two important electrolytes
➌ Fasting Periods:
Training with low energy due to inadequate energy intake leads to poor performance and increases the risk of syncope (fainting and or drop in blood pressure)
Difficult to obtain sufficient calories during critical absorption periods which leads to lean muscle tissue loss
Overtime the body adapts to burning fewer calories and storing fat, this leads to easier weight regain, especially fat mass
Poor mood and decrease in focus