Lately I've been running more so I thought I would get my stamina up, however when I sparred I ran out of gas just after a first round. Also, I've been eating some fast foods lately and candies, could that be the reason for my stamina getting worse? Because before I ate any junk food I just ate healthy and didn't run much, but I was able to go through sparring 3 rounds pretty nicely. I probably already answered my on questions, but I just want to see what you guys think about how diet effects performance.
You haven't eaten enough, you've been running so you've depleted your glycogen stores and you're not as fresh. Eat more and rest more. Food can't make you lose stamina, it can only help it.
Hmm, that could be the reason, but whenever I eat some pre-meal before I go to the gym I would get diarrhea or a stomach cramp. Is there any recommended foods to eat before working out and when should the food be consumed before going to gym?
I don't entirely agree that food won't affect stamina. Although i'm not one that can explain this in scientific terms. I do agree that 'gassing' has more to do with anaerobic conditioning than food. But eating properly has a less immediate effect on your workout. Someone that eats a suitable meal will be able to sustain a longer workout than someone who doesn't. Eating candies with refined sugars and flours will burn up quickly and leave you with little energy and motivation to get through it. Fast food will have a high fat and protein content which will slow down digestion and that leads to indigestion. Also, digesting food itself consumes calories. So the effect is twofold - indigestion, and less energy available for activity. So some simple rules are: - Don't eat too close to your workout/activity (leave 1-1.5 hrs leeway) - Don't eat large quantities of food - Eat foods that are easy to digest Fruits, whole grains, bread, granola bar, energy bar.... avoid things that irritate stomachs (like dairy and greasy/fatty foods) and/or provide a poor energy source like candy. Protein in moderation (avoid full servings of meat). I'm sure someone more knowledgeable can pick apart my unscientific comments and correct me. But much of this is common sense. My favourite pre-workout meals are: whole wheat bagel or toast with peanut butter & jam or bananas, bananas, granola bar, apples, almonds, raisins.
Do me a favourite and start eating large amounts of whole grains everyday, and also cut out dairy. And watch you're health FAIL. http://wellnessmama.com/575/how-grains-are-killing-you-slowly/
