Sports Nutrition

Natural Foods as Ergogenic Aids: Part 2 -- Whole Food Protein

Natural Foods as Ergogenic Aids: Part 2 — Whole Food Protein

  Branched-chain amino acids, otherwise known as BCAAs (which include leucine, isoleucine and valine), are generally used by endurance athletes as an alternate source of energy when glycogen (carbohydrates stored as energy in the muscles) reserves dip too low (Rosenbloom). BCAAs are highly coveted among athletes because they have a much greater impact on muscle protein synthesis; they are also… Read more →

Natural Foods as Ergogenic Aids – A Multipart Series

Natural Foods as Ergogenic Aids – A Multipart Series

By Katie Jeffrey, MS, RD, CSSD and Nicole Parmenter Are you looking for something to give your athletic performance an extra edge? Have you ever been tempted to try a supplement because it’s supposed to be a “magic pill” that will enhance your performance and speed? Ergogenic aids are dietary supplements (external influences) that are designed to enhance your athletic… Read more →

Just Beet It!

Just Beet It!

  Beets (beet root juice) are number one of the top ten foods that contain nitrates. Dietary nitrates, or nitric oxide, have been proven to decrease blood pressure and increase athletic performance. How Nitrates Aid Athletic Performance Nitrates reduce oxygen uptake (VO₂) during exercise which reduces fatigue and increases stamina. This occurs by increasing the blood flow to the muscles,… Read more →

Are you drinking enough this winter?

Are you drinking enough this winter?

By Nicole Parmenter and Katie Jeffrey, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, RDN Courtesy of www.b2h.co.uk The winter months are approaching and if you’re anything like me, you love outdoor sports. For those of you who think winter is for hibernation, it’s time to kick it up a notch and take your workouts outside! Even though we bundle up to stay warm,… Read more →