5 Common Sports Nutrition Mistakes and How to Solve Them

By Christine Luff, About.com Guide

Updated June 12, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Many runners focus so much on consuming their carbs that they don't pay enough attention to their protein. Protein is used for some energy and to repair tissue damaged during training. Protein should make up about 15% of your daily intake.

Solution: Runners, especially those training for long distances such as marathons, should consume .5 to .75 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Good sources of protein are fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, egg whites, low-fat milk, low-fat cheese and some vegetables. If you're not sure how much protein you should be getting, meet with a sports dietitian for advice on how to get the right amount of protein in your diet.

Previous

• Problem: Not Drinking Enough
• Problem: Not Consuming Enough Protein
• Problem: Not Eating Properly Before a Workout
• Problem: Not Getting Enough Iron
• Problem: Not Fueling Properly After a Workout

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