When you chose to be involved with mixed martial arts, you separated yourself from the regular athletes that do not want to go the extra mile with their training. Most athletes thinking about getting into fighting want to be involved in the speed, strength, flexibility, and technical work, believing that that will lead them to improved performance. This belief is true, but do not forget one important piece of training that cannot be left out if you are going to reach your potential. That piece is what we call performance nutrition.
You are first and foremost an athlete. This means you cannot feed your body with the same food that regular people use. You are special, and have special nutritional requirements if you are going to perform at your highest level. Your body is a high-performance vehicle, and you need to fuel it as such. You, therefore, need to search out quality nutrition information that will help you to eat correctly for the rest of your life as an athlete.
Performance nutrition is important to an athlete for four major reasons. First, you need the proper fuel to sustain your performance out in the ring or on the mat. Second, the correct fuel will also help you to build quality muscle and prevent injury. Third, eating correctly will minimize body fat levels, which will allow you to be faster and improve your endurance. Fourth, following proper nutrition habits will prevent future health risks, lengthen your career, and lead to increased self-esteem.
Before you should worry about whether you even need supplements or not, first begin with the basics. All too often, athletes will jump to the extras, before they have done their groundwork. Nutrition should first be seen as simple before you try to look at it as complex.
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. (Avoid soda and high-sugar juices.)
Eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 2-3 larger ones.
Avoid products containing high amounts of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and fat.
Make sure that there is a balance of protein, carbohydrate, and fat in every meal that you eat throughout the day.
Make sure that you have a high-quality postworkout meal immediately following exercise such as a carb-protein shake.
Try to eat 1 hour before exercise or a training session.
Challenge yourself with the following question: "What is more important to me? To be successful in MMA or to eat poorly?" If you answered to be successful in MMA, then your decision has been made. Now you need to stick to it.
