Monday, November 11, 2013

A Strong Diet Can Improve Your MMA Skills

By Nolan Barias


If you really are serious about becoming a professional MMA fighter, not only do you have to work hard in the gym, you also have to create a balanced dietary plan. Proper nutrition will strengthen your body, make it less prone to injury and improve your focus.

One tip that should always be remembered is that you should never skip breakfast. Providing your body with a healthy mix of foods will give you a huge burst of energy in the mornings. Consider a protein-rich egg white omelet combined with a bowl of oatmeal or a smoothie that contains a mix of fresh fruits, hemp protein and almond milk. Add a scoop of natural, organic peanut butter or nut butter for extra protein and taste.

Because MMA fighters expend so much energy, it is imperative that they fill their diet with plenty of healthy carbohydrates. These are known as complex carbohydrates and these foods are converted into glycogen by the body. This glycogen can help your if you need a quick burst of energy, and the leftover glycogen is stored in your muscles for later energy output. Poor carbohydrates, also known as simple carbs, provide a quick sugar spike but not energy is stored for later usage.

There are many options for adding healthy, complex carbs to your diet. Whole grains such as oats, wild rice, brown rice and buckwheat are high in complex carbs. If you love pasta, opt for the whole grain or whole wheat pastas and you will be making better carb choices. Apricots, plums, pears and oranges are among several fruits with complex carbohydrates. When it comes to vegetables, most of them are full of complex carbs so feel free to eat a wide variety of vegetables.

You don't have to drink protein shakes all day to get this necessary dietary component in your body. Protein helps your muscles stay strong and helps you heal faster after a tough fight. Protein is a huge part of your diet, but again, rather than just down mixed drinks, opt for food in its most natural form as much as possible. Fish and eggs are good choices, as is yogurt and other lower fat dairy options.

Athletes talk a lot about bulking up on protein, and protein is important because it keeps your body strong and aids in recovery. However, you shouldn't have protein be the majority of your diet, as everyone's body needs a balance of foods. There are many excellent sources of proteins, including eggs, low-fat yogurt and lean meats and fish. When you opt for animal products, select the highest quality meats possible. Grass-fed beef is far better for you, as the animals are fed a healthier, more natural diet with less corn and fillers.

To determine your daily caloric intake, you must take into consideration the amount of calories you burn typically as well as your weight and your height. Keep in mind that as you get close to a fight, you will probably alter your diet accordingly. For serious athletes, it is always wise to sit down with a nutrition expert and create a plan that covers all of your needs.




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