Exercise physiology Flashcards
Why is a balanced diet important?
It is essential for health and optimal sporting performance by meeting energy requirement of macronutrients.
What are the three macronutrients?
Carbohydrate
Fats
Proteins
What is the recommended requirement of Carbohydrates?
50-60%
What is the recommended requirement of fats?
20-30%
What is the recommended requirement of Protein?
10-20%
How much does an average woman expend per day in calories?
1800kcal
How much does an average man expend per day in calories?
2000kcal
What is a neutral energy balance?
Where an individual expends the same amount of calories as they consume per day.
Why might the average requirements of macronutrients be different for athletes?
Athletes require considerably more, depending on the intensity and duration of their training.
What does a + energy balance result in?
Weight gain
What does a - energy balance result in?
Weight loss
Carbohydrates
Primary energy source used by the body.
How is carbohydrate stored?
as glycogen in the muscles and liver.
How are carbohydrates used as energy?
It is converted to glucose which enter the blood stream where it can be used for immediate energy.
Simple carbohydrate
Quickly digested providing fast release energy.
Complex carbohydrate
Take longer to digest and provide slower release energy.
What is the glycaemic index?
The rate at which glucose is released into the bloodstream. Nutritionists rank carbohydrates on a scale of 1-100, where glucose is 100 and used as a reference for placement of other foods.
What do high GI foods provide?
A rapid surge in blood glucose levels, releasing energy quickly
What do low GI foods provide?
A more sustained energy because they are absorbed at a much slower rate so blood glucose levels are maintained.
If the energy from high GI foods isn’t used immediately what can happen as a result?
It is stored as fat in the adipose tissue.
Causes the pancreas to release insulin to control the blood sugar levels.
Can lead to an intolerance to insulin and therefore diabetes.
What are the effects of foods with low GI?
Leave you felling fuller for longer and provide a sustained energy release.
When should high GI foods be consumed?
During and just after exercise.
When should low GI foods be consumed?
3 hours prior to exercise and within 30 minutes after intense exercise.
Why should a mixture of high, medium and low GI foods be consumed after intense exercise?
To refuel the body’s depleted glycogen stores.