How undereating impacts your health and fitness

 

Should we be surprised in our diet crazed, body image obsessed society?

Research shows that almost 75% of athletes do not eat enough calories to fuel workouts and to perform to full capabilities on event day. Some of this is unintentional as many athletes underestimate how much food/calories are needed to keep the metabolic processes functioning well with the added load that exercise brings to the body. But undereating is not always unintentional. For a large number of athletes, undereating is intentional and purposeful. 

Asking your energy-deprived body to perform doesn't make much sense but sadly, far too many athletes intentionally restrict food intake (specifically carbohydrates) - often to lose weight, become more metabolically efficient or to change body composition. 

Although it's clear that committing to adequately fuel your body can improve performance, reduce the risk for injury and enhance well-being, far too many athletes are more motivated to undereat - than to fuel for performance - in hopes of losing weight, changing body composition and decreasing body fat. In other words, intentional insufficient fueling is almost always related to a strong desire to look differently.... change body composition. 

Underfueling is a form of stress and that alone can negatively impact training, mental well-being and physical health.

A well-planned diet, with enough energy (calories) and nutrients to fuel the body and help it recover from workouts is critical to fitness gains and overall health. Food is the best (and easiest) way to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to rebuild and repair muscle tissue, replace glycogen (carbohydrate) stores, maintain immune health, and to keep vitamin and mineral stores stocked.

Let's look into some of the consequences of intentional underfueling and not eating enough to support your body and exercise regime.