Nutritional Strategies

1. Put this in slide show mode for the interactivity Nutritional Strategies Weight Loss Weight Gain Weight Loss Weight Gain Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass

2. If an athlete needs to lose weight, care needs to be taken to identify where the loss in weight will come from. Weight loss should not come from muscle mass because this will affect performance, unless they are training for a sport that requires this. Ideally, any weight loss should normally come from fat loss unless the person already has a very low body fat percentage. Weight Loss Weight Gain Weight Loss Weight Gain Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass

3. Where a sports performer needs to gain weight, this should ideally come from increased muscle mass, although this is not always easy and might be difficult for someone because of their body type. Types of performers that may need to gain weight include boxers wanting to fight in a heavier category or defenders in football wanting to become stronger. Weight Loss Weight Gain Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass

4. Where a sports performer wants to increase the amount of lean muscle tissue, a training programme must combine effective strength training programme with effective nutrition. An increase in training must result in an increased energy intake otherwise poor energy intake will result in loss of lean muscle tissue. Weight Loss Weight Gain Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass

5. Fat gain is not normally associated with sports performance, although athletes who need to gain body fat because of health problems might attempt fat gain. Care should be taken when planning any diet for fat gain, because high fat intake and storage can lead to serious disease. Weight Loss Weight Gain Gaining lean mass Gaining fat mass