5 Common Mistakes in Sports Nutrition (And How Active Root Can Help)

Sports nutrition is crucial for athletes at all levels, but navigating it effectively can be challenging. Here are five common mistakes and how Active Root products can help you avoid them.

1) Neglecting Hydration

One of the most common mistakes in sports nutrition is not taking hydration seriously. Dehydration can lead to decreased performance, early fatigue, and recovery issues. Many people also make the mistake of just taking on water, which doesn't contain the electrolytes that your body loses through sweat.

Active Root have a variety of solutions to help athletes properly. Our Electrolite Drink Mix and Electrolite Tablets are both great options, as they are loaded with electrolytes. Our Sports Drink Mix and Energy Chews are also great options which also provide fuel.

2) Over Relying on Artificial Ingredients

There are many sports nutrition products which are packed with artificial colours, sweeteners, and preservatives, which can cause gastrointestinal distress in some athletes. At Active Root, we are proud to use natural ginger and other clean, simple ingredients that are easy on the stomach and better for overall health. 

By using natural ingredients that the stomach is used to, the risk of digestive problems is minimized, and allows you to focus more on your performance instead of worrying about stomach issues.

3) Timing Nutrition Intake Incorrectly

Consuming the right nutrition at the wrong time can lead to impaired performance and recovery. For example, eating too close to a training session can lead to stomach discomfort, while not refuelling soon enough afterwards can hinder recovery.

Our Drinks and Gels are designed to be easily digestible and are effective for pre, during, and post-exercise. This makes it easier to time your nutrient intake optimally for energy boosts and recovery.

4) Not Tailoring Nutrition to the Activity

The nutritional needs can vary greatly depending on the type of activity, duration, and intensity. What works for a marathon runner might not suit a triathlete and vice versa. Some athletes may find that they don't have enough nutrition for their race, which can lead to them "hitting the wall."

At Active Root, we have a variety of Bundle Packs tailored to a variety of races. From Half Marathon Packs, all the way up to an Ironman-level Triathlon Pack, there are options for athletes regardless of level.

5. Skimping on Carbohydrates

Many athletes avoid carbs for a variety of reasons, including fear of gaining weight, and also due to the fear of suffering gastrointestinal distress during a race not realizing that carbohydrates are a crucial source of energy. Reducing carb intake drastically can lead to energy depletion and reduced stamina.

To alleviate fears of stomach issues, as mentioned before, we use our stomach-settling ginger alongside carbs from natural sources. This combination works in harmony to help prevent gastrointestinal issues, whilst providing a steady supply of carbs. 

Summary

Avoiding these common sports nutrition mistakes is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and recovery. Active Root's natural, ginger-based products offer a stomach-friendly, effective way to stay hydrated, energized, and on top of your game.