Sports Dietitians Australia
Sports Dietitians Australia has great information about a great training diet, the fluids needed and even eating before competitions and much more.
Training Diet
A general healthy eating pattern helps to support the needs of a gymnast. The training diet usually includes Lean protein for muscle repair and recovery, carbohydrate appropriately timed for fuel and fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds for vitamins and minerals, along with healthy fats.
Fluids Needed
Despite training indoors, gymnasts need to maintain good hydration levels during training to prevent dehydration that can negatively impact performance. In most circumstances, water will be sufficient to meet hydration needs in training. However, well timed use of sports drinks may be beneficial during long or hot sessions as they simultaneously provide fluid, carbohydrate for the active muscles along with electrolytes for hydration.
Eating before competitions
Gymnasts need to choose foods and drinks that are easy to digest before competition to avoid gastrointestinal upset from fast movements, turns and flips.
A light meal or substantial snack about 2 hours before warm-up will help to top up energy stores before competition. Foods chosen should be carbohydrate rich and low in fat and fibre to reduce the risk of gut discomfort.
MORE INFORMATION >> sportsdietitians.com.au/factsheets/food-for-your-sport/food-for-your-sport-gymnastics/
