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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.
(To
top of second column)
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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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