3 Tips For The Gluten-Free Athlete

Are You An Athlete That Can’t Eat Gluten?

Athletes need energy to be able to perform at their peak. The typical go-to form of energy is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are usually in the form of pasta and breads.  Most pasta and breads are made from wheat flour. Wheat flour contains gluten. So, if one cannot (or chooses not to) eat gluten, what is the athlete to do? The answer: substitute stellar gluten-free alternatives from the bench.

When it comes to athletic energy, these tips for athletes with a gluten sensitivity or intolerance can help you keep your energy levels up when you’re not able to have some of the typical carbohydrates. Having a gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity means that you can’t have foods that are made from barley, wheat, or rye.

That eliminates many types of breads, pasta, and other carbohydrates that athletes usually depend on to have the energy they need. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have carbohydrates – you just have to be careful about the ones you choose.

First, understand that as an athlete, being sensitive or intolerant to gluten will cause you to have digestive problems when you load up on foods that contain gluten. There’s nothing worse than having intestinal problems when you’re trying to compete in a physical challenge.

The benefit of giving up gluten is that you can eliminate those problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. This will allow you to focus on the sport rather than focusing on how to get through the discomfort.

Second, choose healthy carbohydrates when you’re gearing up for an athletic event. You need to know what carbohydrates will help you get energy without causing a gluten reaction.

Some of the best carbohydrates for the gluten-free athlete include beans, rice, corn, and potatoes. Quinoa is a fantastic grain that’s safe to eat if you’re gluten-free. Nuts also have a lot of protein and carbohydrates, but no gluten.

While there are many gluten-free substitutes, most athletes look to stick with foods that are naturally gluten-free. These substitutes can be added where needed. For example, you may want to try gluten-free breads or snacks.

Third, pay attention to your performance. It turns out that many people find they perform better when they’re eating a gluten-free diet. If you have a sensitivity or intolerance to the gluten protein, you’ll definitely feel the relief that comes from getting rid of the digestive problems.

Even if you don’t have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may find that you have more energy and improve your performance. This might be due to more efficient use of sugar by the body and also because you’re absorbing more of the nutrients from your food. This can motivate you to stick with your gluten-free program.

Let’s be honest, athletes care a lot about what they eat. It’s the fuel that powers their activities. If you’re a gluten-free athlete, you’ll want to use these tips to keep you fired up so that you can outperform your competitors in order to bring home the victory!