The Nutrition Racecar Analogy
The human body and the racecar share several similarities. In both, the level of performance is correlated with the quality of the fuel, the material used to generate power or energy. Use the correct type and amount of fuel to experience optimal performance. It is possible for the human body, as it is for a racecar, to perform at a high level while using less than optimal fuel. However, both the human body and the racecar run most effectively and efficiently while using the optimal quality and quantity of fuel. Finally, both the human controlling the human body and the driver controlling the racecar have the power to control the amount and quality of the fuel.
Below is an extension of the human body as a racecar analogy:
The human body and the racecar share several similarities. In both, the level of performance is correlated with the quality of the fuel, the material used to generate power or energy. Use the correct type and amount of fuel to experience optimal performance. It is possible for the human body, as it is for a racecar, to perform at a high level while using less than optimal fuel. However, both the human body and the racecar run most effectively and efficiently while using the optimal quality and quantity of fuel. Finally, both the human controlling the human body and the driver controlling the racecar have the power to control the amount and quality of the fuel.
Below is an extension of the human body as a racecar analogy:
A racecar may have the
- Most horse power (speed),
- The best driver (mind, attitude, dedication),
- The strongest body frame (strength),
- The most expensive tires (equipment, sponsorship),
- And the best pit crew (coaches, parents, team mates)-
And still not make it off the starting line if someone forgot to add the right fuel!
Athletes are like “racecars.” They demand energy for practice and competition and then require more energy for re-building and gaining strength. An athlete needs a healthy meal before competition, hydration and possible healthy snacks during competition, and then a healthy meal for rebuilding and strengthening after competition.
Athletes that eat poorly (or not enough) cannot perform at their peak, cannot rebuild after a long workout, and cannot gain endurance and muscle.
If an athlete is doing well while eating poorly- they would even be faster, stronger, and healthier if they ate better. Just like a car- it can run on 87 octane- but runs smoother, faster, and more powerfully on 92 or 100 octane. Racecars use up almost all their fuel during the race (like an athlete during practice) and need to be refueled often. And a car that doesn’t get enough energy with gas- or an athlete that doesn’t get enough energy with food- will sputter to a stop while the competition passes them by.
Race cars that get too little gas (not enough calories) or bad gas (fast food, junk food, soda) ultimately have problems with winning the race and have problems with the car (an athlete will get weak bones, less muscle, trouble concentrating).
If you happen to be succeeding while eating poorly (or not enough)- you will actually improve even faster if you eat correctly and eat more! Eventually your competition will pass you by if your diet is poor. Just like a racecar with 87 octane (unhealthy food) or a race car running out of gas on the last lap (not enough food)- an athlete needs the best food and enough of it to beat the competition.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to gain a competitive advantage in order to compete at the highest level possible, consider what type of “fuel” you are putting into your body. Prepare your body to perform at the highest level possible by fueling your body with “nutrient dense” food and drink options (unprocessed, or natural, foods packed with vitamins and minerals). Avoid “empty calories,” a.k.a. “junk food” (foods that have been altered from their natural state with the addition of trans fats, sodium, sugar, or high-fructose corn syrup).
Think of your body as a racecar. What kind of fuel (87, 92, or 100 octane) are you going to use? The choice is yours!
Luke MacLean
Annandale Middle School and High School Activities Director
Source: http://www.wellbodykc.com/?page_id=707
If you are looking to gain a competitive advantage in order to compete at the highest level possible, consider what type of “fuel” you are putting into your body. Prepare your body to perform at the highest level possible by fueling your body with “nutrient dense” food and drink options (unprocessed, or natural, foods packed with vitamins and minerals). Avoid “empty calories,” a.k.a. “junk food” (foods that have been altered from their natural state with the addition of trans fats, sodium, sugar, or high-fructose corn syrup).
Think of your body as a racecar. What kind of fuel (87, 92, or 100 octane) are you going to use? The choice is yours!
Luke MacLean
Annandale Middle School and High School Activities Director
Source: http://www.wellbodykc.com/?page_id=707