Nutritional Information Sheet
Nutritional Information Sheet – Training
Fluid
The main aim is to ensure that enough fluids are being taken to keep the body hydrated. One way of checking is that your urine is plentiful and clear. Aim to drink 2-3 litres per day (more in humid environments e.g. warm pool sides).
Correct fluids to take are water, preferably with cordial or juice added. The low calorie varieties are better as these will hydrate the body faster than the sugar varieties. Small sips, but loads of them, during training are the best way to keep hydrated. If you are thirsty – you are already dehydrated!
Diet drinks are better to be consumed after training sessions to help with the hydration. Full fat drinks provide more sugars to the body but also dehydrate it at the same time therefore these are better to have during training sessions as it will provide sugars and glycogen to the body.
Energy Needs
Food is your fuel (glycogen). What you eat will significantly affect the way that you train. Therefore, you must take in the same amount of fuel that you will use. Depending on the week of the cycle will depend on what and how much of different food stuffs will be required.
As the training duration and intensity increases through the cycles this should be reflected in your eating habits. For example, more carbohydrates need to be eaten when the training is predominantly aerobic endurance/threshold.
The key is to start every day with a fully stocked energy store and avoid running out of steam half way through the day or in the middle of a session. Therefore, breakfast should never be avoided.
No Dieting
If weight loss is needed do not try and achieve it by reducing the amount of food intake. The same amount of food should be eaten just lower fat alternatives. Choose low fat dairy products, lean meats & skinless poultry, use only small amounts of butter & margarine, and avoid all fried, fatty or greasy foods, as well as high fat snacks such as crisps & chocolate. However, as the training duration and intensity increases through the cycle and programme a reduction in weight will be seen, especially in females.
A well balanced diet alongside a well planned swimming programme should provide ultimate performance in the pool, both at training and competitions.
Do not use supplements to mask a poor diet. Nothing beats a well planned nutrition programme.
Food Suggestions
- Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
- High Complex Carbohydrate intake eg pasta, potatoes, bread, rice. It is these foods that will provide the most energy. The wholemeal/wholegrain varieties are better as they provide more fibre. The best time to eat these types is within 1 hour of training/competition.
- Consume small quantities of fat on a regular basis
- Consume a mixture of different protein containing foods on a daily basis e.g. fish, eggs, meat as part of a meal, not as an expense of a carbohydrate meal. Eat enough Protein. Proteins are the building blocks of all our body’s cells, including muscles, bones etc. You should have some protein at each meal to ensure maximal muscle growth & development, as well as injury recovery.
- Eat less sugars. Small amounts are ok if you have high energy requirements but sugars do not fill you up as much as starchy foods like bread and cereals, and are lower in vitamins, minerals & fibre.
Nutritional Information Sheet – Competition
Swimmers THREE major nutritional aims when preparing for a competition should be:
1. To ensure maximum store of Glycogen (Carbohydrate): Failure to do so may result in fatigue. Although a one off swim may not severely deplete these stores in reality, swimmers often compete in several races, heats and finals, over one or successive days. Several bouts of exercise a day have been shown to reduce glycogen stores considerably leaving the athlete feeling jaded, lethargic and tired.
2. To ensure hydration: Swimming pools are extremely hot and humid places. Sweat losses can be high in such conditions. It is particularly easy to neglect your fluid requirements in the excitement and nervousness of the event. Dehydration will occur if fluid losses are not replaced.
3. To maintain a familiar nutrition programme: Food is often different to “home cooking” in unfamiliar surroundings of a hotel or Guest House. No matter how tempting, the key to successful preparation is to stick to the foods that are familiar. Always pack an emergency bag of food and drinks so that you never get caught short. A little prior investigation is a wish precaution to find out what type of foods will be available in the hotel and pool and plan accordingly.
Night before the competition
Continue to focus on a high carbohydrate/low fat diet with plenty of fluid. Some suggestions are:
- Rice or pasta with a low fat sauce
- A noodle dish e.g. Chow Mein
- Jacket potato with a low fat filling
- Deep pan pizza (watch the fatty toppings)
- Beans on Toast
Between Races
The length of time between races, and individual preferences, will determine your food selection. As a general rule if there is less than an hour between races your choice will be limited to drinks rather than food. If you have longer and are sure that you are able to tolerate food then select carbohydrate rich food or snacks to boost your energy levels. Some suggestions are:
- Sports drinks
- Sandwiches and rolls eg banana sandwiches.
- Energy Bars/ Cereal Bars
- Pop Corn/Pop Tarts
- Jelly cubes/sweets
Post Competition
Whilst temptation is to tuck into burgers to celebrate, such choices may not meet your fuel or fluid requirements if you are competing the following day. Since many galas finish late at night treat yourself to a sensible takeaway or restaurant meal. Some suggestions are:
- Chinese Meals – focus on rice and noodle dishes
- Pizza – focus on deep pan varieties
- Pasta dishes with tomato based sauces
- Jacket potato and salad with a low fat filling
- Indian food – focus on rice and breads
QUICK LINKS
