We all know that what you eat affects your athletic performance. It seems like common knowledge that eating a diet based on potato chips and soda is not going to get you very far-- although I have seen an athlete win medals on a Pop-Tart and chocolate milk diet. It is important to fuel your body with the right fuels. Carbohydrates are the best source of fuel. Foods high in carbohydrates and low in fat are going to be your best friend. Your body stores excess carbohydrates as glycogen, and this is what your muscles use when energy is needed....

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After a muscle burning and heart pounding workout, what should you be reaching into your fridge for, as you stand there, drenched with sweat? The answer is simple--chocolate milk. While some people drink water to hydrate themselves and to keep their muscles from cramping, others turn to sports drinks, such as Powerade or Gatorade to hydrate and replenish electrolytes. However, a key to becoming a stronger and healthier person is to eat protein after you exercise to help  you recover and be more effective with your workout. Protein is needed to rebuild muscles that are torn down during exercises, so...

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Note: Hemoglobin is the iron-containing part of our red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. The words iron and hemoglobin will be used interchangeably throughout this article because low hemoglobin levels are concomitant with low iron levels. I have tried to donate blood twice in the past year but was denied both times because my hemoglobin level was below the allowed range. While my iron level was below the accepted amount, it was not necessarily a cause for concern. It is not uncommon for female donors to be turned away for this reason....

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Everyone wants a flat stomach or the famous six pack abs.  The problem is most people do not do the right things to get them.  Hopefully, I will give you some ideas to steer you in the right direction. First off, I want to say that I personally do not feel flat or muscular stomachs are a staple of being fit.  They only make you "look" fit.  I say this because I see too many people chasing after this one quality.  Stop.  Work on everything else, and the abs will happen.  All the times I carried around my six pack were...

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When it comes to fitness, there is no secret that you put your body through the wringer.  Afterward your body requires the replacement of essential nutrients.  There are many companies and a trillion dollar fitness industry willing to sell you the secret potions to replenish you after a workout and to get you going for the workout.  Instead of creating an empty bank account, visit your grocery store for better alternatives. Before your workout, drink a cup of coffee.  Athletes used to frown on this because it is a diuretic.  Those working out take in as much water as they can...

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