Let’s get real and debunk some sports nutrition myths!
- It’s necessary to carbo-load before your big race. Hey, if it’s your ritual and it gives you confidence, then go for it! But science has proven that eating that massive bowl of spaghetti won’t actually have much effect on your performance in a race of 90 minutes or less, says
- You should drink to completely prevent dehydration. Nope again. Science shows that your body can’t absorb consumed liquids fast enough when running anyway, so the water is just going to slosh around in your gut, which can lead to stomach pain. “A number of studies have shown that runners perform best and face no additional risk of heat illness when they simply drink by thirst,” the website says.
- Muscle cramps are caused by dehydration. This, too, is untrue. “Instead, muscle cramping appears to be a symptom of a type of neuromuscular fatigue that is caused by unaccustomed exertion (this is why muscle cramping occurs almost exclusively in races),” the website says. Therefore, guzzling energy drinks won’t ease the cramping.
- Runners need to eat as carefully as non-runners. Good news for runners: this is also false! Runners can “get away with” eating a little more junk than sedentary people because of the positive effects of high-aerobic exercise.
To learn the “10 biggest sports nutrition myths,” check out this really well-done slide show.