Why is eating breakfast important to athletes, in and out of season?
As an athlete, whether you are looking to lose a few pounds or gain muscle, eating a good breakfast is one of the most important things you can do to perform your best. Breakfast provides some of the essential nutrients needed to sustain energy levels through hours of practice, intensive weight training and even a long school day. Eating breakfast in the morning helps stimulate the metabolism, which can be helpful for an athlete trying to lose weight. For an athlete looking to add a few pounds, the additional calories consumed at breakfast can help achieve that goal. Q: What are potential negative effects of not eating breakfast or eating the wrong foods at breakfast? A: Potential drop in blood glucose levels due to lack of glycogen (carbohydrates) can lead to fatigue, shortened attention span and a general feeling of sluggishness, all of which can be serious disadvantages to athletic performance. Glycogen is also the main fuel source for the brain. Without an adequate supply, an athle