Category Archives: Sports Nutrition

Weight Loss with Probiotics

Weight Loss with Probiotics

The latest study suggests not only can probiotics help you lose some weight; they also regulate inflammation that is caused by extra weight and regulate some hormones to help lose extra weight. The Journal of American College of Nutrition recently published an article “Effects of Probiotic Yogurt on Fat Distribution and Gene Expression on ProinflammatoryContinue Reading

The Skinny On Intermittent Fasting. Does it Work, or Is it Just Another Diet Fad?

The Skinny On Intermittent Fasting. Does it Work, or Is it Just Another Diet Fad?

Intermittent fasting is quickly gaining popularity in the dieting world. A quick online search about this diet will show hundreds of success stories, with claims like “naturally lead to fat loss” and “eat, fast, and live longer,” (1). Based on the ancestral paleolithic diet, it is believed that brief periods of fasting protect lean bodyContinue Reading

Trending Paleo Diet, Athletes and Weight Loss

Trending Paleo Diet, Athletes and Weight Loss

Many believe that the Paleolithic “ketogenic diet” may be the answer for a healthier life, and for increased performance and weight loss during sport and physical activities.  A study by Paoli, et al. observed that when elite male gymnasts were placed on a very low carbohydrate “ketogenic” diet they were able to decrease weight andContinue Reading

Pre-Workout Supplements: Will They Maximize Your Workout?

Pre-Workout Supplements: Will They Maximize Your Workout?

A clinical trial was done to see the changes in physical performance with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and a pre-workout supplement compared to a placebo group. The interval training was done for a period of three weeks (1). This study was the first trial done with HIIT and pre-workout supplementation and needs further research.Continue Reading

Pre-workout Beetroot Juice Boost

Pre-workout Beetroot Juice Boost

Nitric oxide (NO) has become a big focus of pre-workout supplementation because of its effect on performance. Increased NO may help with muscle contraction and increased blood flow during exercise; however, it seems these results may be achievable through natural sources as well as supplementation. The ACSM published a new study examining the effect ofContinue Reading

Power of Milk

Power of Milk

We’ve talked about milk and its proteins before when we went over the different major kinds of proteins, but casein and whey aren’t milks only beneficial nutrients.  The naturally high blend of protein and carbohydrates makes milk a great choice to fuel muscles after a workout so they are primed and ready to go againContinue Reading

Staying Hydrated for Better Performance

Staying Hydrated for Better Performance

Being properly hydrated is one of the single most important factors in physical performance. The body is made mostly of water and relies on it for optimal function, as soon as dehydration begins to set in these normal body systems become less efficient. Soon heart rates and body temperature are on the rise, it becomesContinue Reading

Fine Tune Your Intake for Optimal Athletic Performance

Fine Tune Your Intake for Optimal Athletic Performance

South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition – A review of current research performed by Sunita Potgeiter illustrates that the International Society for Sport Nutrition (ISSN), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have redefined carbohydrate, fat, protein, and calorie guidelines for athletes who train and compete at moderate to highContinue Reading

Replenishing Electrolytes

Replenishing Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium and potassium that are essential for normal bodily function, but during exercise these substances are lost in sweat. In just an hour of moderate physical activity it is possible to sweat about 2 liters and each liter of perspiration contains around .9 grams of sodium and .2 grams ofContinue Reading

Carb Loading

Carb Loading

Carb loading, or muscle glycogen supercompensation, is a process used to increase glycogen storage in the muscles beyond normal levels. It is hoped that this extra storage will then allow athletes to maintain their exercise for a longer period of time before exhaustion starts to kick in. While this is may seem like great news,Continue Reading