"Avery's Sports Nutrition Almanac"

[AUG. 9, 2000]   Avery’s Sports Nutrition Almanac." Edmund R. Burke and Daniel Gastelu, Avery Publishing Group, 1999, 321 pages.

Whether you’re a full-time athlete or just a weekend warrior, you always want to increase your competitive edge. One of the athlete’s most important training secrets is proper nutrition. Nutrition not only increases your strength and stamina, it also boosts your individual performance by improving body mass, muscle tissue and fitness. Dr. Edmund Burke and Daniel Gastelu have compiled an almanac of current information on the subject of nutrition and its role in sports.

 

 

They describe their work as "an encyclopedic resource on sports nutrition that athletes and fitness exercisers…can put to immediate use. In this almanac, we present information on basic performance nutrition factors, dietary supplements, and the latest research on sports nutrition."

The book is divided into three general categories: sports-nutrition basics, sports performance enhancers, and facts and resources.

In section one, "Sports-Nutrition Basics," the authors analyze the different nutrients required by the body for athletic competition. Carbohydrates are vital since they provide the best source for energy. The chapter on carbohydrates contains information on the types, sources and digestion of this crucial nutrient. Building your carbohydrate levels before, during and after an exercise activity is also emphasized. Proteins and amino acids are analyzed for their ability to improve strength and performance. The authors alphabetically list the different amino acids and their effect on the human body. The little-known energy source lipids is also discussed. Lipids contain fat-soluble vitamins and concentrated sources of energy. The authors caution that intake of lipids must be closely monitored since they can contribute to certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. One of the most neglected nutrients is water. According to Burke and Gastelu, water is one of the most important nutrients for performance; they write that "studies have verified that even minute fluctuations in the body’s water balance can, and often do, adversely affect performance."

 

 

Section two, "Sports Performance Enhancers," contains up-to-date information on the latest advancements in nutritional supplements as well as a review of some old favorites. This section contains a description and advice on these supplements and their proper use.

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Old standbys include the natural nutrients found in herbs and mushrooms. Information on different herbs is provided – herbs that not only provide consistency but also improve performance. Mushrooms are considered important to the athlete because they strengthen the immune system and allow you to handle greater amounts of stress from training.

One of the most interesting chapters describes the scientifically enhanced performance nutrients available on the market. The most important of these are the metabolites, or substances that take part in metabolism. The performance benefits and the dangers of these substances are also compared. Other important chapters in this section include information on scientific nutrition (powders, optimizers and supplements), new products on the market (most notably androstenedione, made famous by baseball star Mark McGwire), and the trends for the future (the authors’ evaluations and predictions of upcoming products).

 

 

The chapter that may be of the greatest interest to the reader is "Winning Nutrition and Training Programs and Tips." It contains the personal training programs of some of the world’s most successful fitness and bodybuilding personalities. Included in these regimens are around-the-clock diet and supplement programs, and specialized training and exercise programs. One example is husband and wife bodybuilders Donna and David Waterman. Their programs include a daily diet regimen from 9 in the morning to 10 at night, and a seven-day-a-week exercise schedule.

"Avery’s Sports Nutrition Almanac" is a great one-stop source for anyone wishing to integrate better nutrition into his or her workout. The book contains a wealth of information on the science of nutrition, and includes addresses and Web sites, a dictionary of terms, and a comprehensive bibliography of reference sources. The index makes searching for a specific topic easy, especially if you’re interested in the controversial new performance enhancers.

"Avery’s Sports Nutrition Almanac" is recommended for anyone who wishes to improve their physical health as well as those associated with sports or performance activities.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 217-732-8878.

   

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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