6 Healthy Ways to Manage Weight for Sports

As an athlete, you sometimes need to shed some weight in order to be fully ready for a competition. Some atheletes make the mistake of cutting weight— or dramatic weight loss in a short period of time. Fast weight loss, such as over-exercising, extreme dieting or calorie restriction,  fasting or not eating for an extended period is not a healthy way to reach the goal of weight loss.

Below are healthy ways you can manage your weight:

Schedule Eating

Try to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at about the same time each day, and work in healthy snacks in between. Never skip meals, as this may promote hunger and lead to poor food choices and overeating.

Take Balanced Diet

You need to take a variety of food required for a healthy diet and peak performance. Your meal should include dairy or a non-dairy substitute, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats in your everyday eating and at each meal. Taking a balanced diet not only offers up necessary nutrition, it also helps you feel more satisfied.

Cut Down Fat

You need to cut down your fat intake by stayin away from fried foods because they are high in fat and carry a lot of calories. Replace your fried potato with a baked potato.

Tackle the Treats

Take little or no treats. Foods such as soda, candy and other desserts with added sugars carry calories but few nutrients. You’ll need to keep a cap on them  if you’re trying to lose extra pounds.

Eat Smart Snacks

Intake of foods that contain carbohydrates and protein are good bets for keeping your body fueled. But you must be smart with them and ensure they don’t take over your diet.If you are snacking more than once or twice a day, you may be getting too many calories from snacks.

Watch Food Serving Sizes

How do you top your plate when you’re hungry? When you’re hungry, it’s easy to overeat. Test yourself and your portions by checking the suggested serving size on food packages. Staying in line with them will help you stay on track with your overall calorie intake.Take your weight loss process slowly, it’s more healthy to lose it gradually, rather than all at once.