Issue 15 - Nutrition Abroad
Nutrition E-Bites Edition 15 September 2009
Eat well, row well
With the World Rowing Championships in Poland at this minute, and the World Junior Rowing titles just behind us, there isn’t a more appropriate time to talk about the role of sound nutrition in the world of rowing. No matter what age, the level of competition or the division, good eating and drinking habits should be a part of any rower’s strategy. This could be as simple as having breakfast handy in the car between training and school for young rowers, taking the extra steps to “bulk up” for heavyweight requirements, planning suitable team snacks at regattas, or having a sound hydration plan on course for when the temperature soars in summer.
The high dynamic power and endurance requirements of the sport present many nutritional challenges, including adequate fuelling techniques, hydration strategies, nutrition for growth and development demands and fitting all of that in around a busy day’s schedule. For those that are in the lightweight division, there is the additional challenge to make race weight. This can lead athletes to extreme and dangerous methods of weight loss that can be avoided with the right advice and supervision of an experienced sports dietitian.
SDA has re-launched the Rowing fact sheet and is a must-read for anyone involved in the sport. Clickhere to access the new fact sheet now available online.
For athletes travelling abroad…
Long distance travel is a way of life for many athletes and can be disruptive to normal nutrition practices when at home. Whether travelling overseas, interstate or spending a couple of hours in a car or bus, the aim is to arrive ready to perform at your best. If you have trained well, you owe it to yourself to be well-prepared for your trip. Travelling for competition can often take on a holiday atmosphere, pushing good nutrition to one side. The goal is to meet all your nutrient needs for training and competition despite the challenges that go hand-in-hand with travelling.
Some of the challenges include navigating your way around foreign food, and safe places to eat; other issues can be food acquisition and knowing where your next meal will come from. Hydration can be a challenge, especially on long flights, through international airports or bus trips where fewer bathroom stops are more desirable than adequate hydration.
Are you a frequent flyer? Or travel with the team?Click here to check out the new SDA fact sheet on The Travelling Athlete.