Question

Kay is an aspiring 800-meter track athlete who has read various nutrition books with the hope of finding the ideal diet for her sport. From her reading she has learned that fats yield more calories per gram than carbohydrates. In addition, she knows that dietary proteins are needed to help her muscles recover from training and additionally can be used for energy. She is now convinced that one of the popular high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets is her best choice. Her coach disagrees with her decision. She recommends that Kay speak with a sports nutrition professional prior to changing her current diet in which the majority of calories come from carbohydrates.

1. Bioenergetically speaking, is Kay on the right track with her thinking? Why or Why not?
2. What energy system does an athlete running the 800-meter event rely on for energy?
3. Is a diet of energy-dense fats really better for Kay’s event?
4. How would you explain to Kay why she should or should not follow this new diet?

Answer 1

1. Yes she is on right track.The body normally uses carbohydrate as a  energy source.The stored form of energy is taken from the liver as glycogen.Then it goes to the energy stored in muscles.After the carbohydrate is utilized , the body takes fat as a body fuel.Comparing fat to carbohydrate , fat provides much higher and it act as a body fuel for longer time than carbs.hence it is suitable for a athlete.

2.Fat energy system gives more energy for athlete running in 800 meter event rely.Fat and ketones are the energy source gives immediate and intense energy to complete a sports activity.

3.Energy-dense fats are better for kay's event. High fat and low carbs diet is suitable only for sports men.Because they burn the fats and keeps the body healthy.

4.She can follow this new diet.This diet helps her for her sports event . She must be regular in her exercise and other practice or else it may lead her to various health problems.