A strength and conditioning program is not complete without a suitable diet.  It’s very easy to fall into the convenience of the fast-food trap, except there is little if any nutritional value in fast-food.  Your body and workouts will suffer greatly if your diet is not balanced.  I came a crossed an interesting journal article, “Nutrition as a Key Player in Injury Recovery”.  This article gave me a new perspective on how important good nutrition is for enhancing performance and repairing damaged tissue.  We all know our body runs on fuel for energy production however, are people aware that certain types of fuel help to promote the healing process by decreasing inflammation?  Long and short term injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, bruises and, fractures will benefit from the right nutrition if consumed during the phases of healing.  Don’t get mislead by thinking proper nutrition is only needed if you have an injury.  Recovery of muscle and joint soreness after exercise can be reduced by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory properties.  I ask myself, is taking Advil or ibuprofen for my aches and pains the right decision if the cause could be what I’m eating?  I’m an avid runner, so I know what it feels like to have sore muscles and joints.  I wonder if my cravings for certain foods have anything to do with their anti-inflammatory capability.  The chart below lists foods that suppress inflammation.  Foods rich in Vitamin C and E and Omega 3 have high anti-inflammatory effects.

*  Alcohol must be consumed in moderation with meal.

*  One or two alcohol drinks per day. 

Next blog entry will discuss why overweight athletes are more prone to higher amounts of inflammation in their body.