Proper Nutrition For Better Sport Performance

Ann Pow (Left) won the 2nd Place for PowerMan Classic Category 2022

In any form of sports proper nutrition is just as important as skills, mindset or strategy.

Experienced fitness individuals, marathoners and sportspersons would know that the proper nutrition intake could make a lot of difference in helping them to improve their performances.

One research indicated that potatoes packed with energy, fibre, potassium and Vitamin C, are viable functional food that helps fuel and enhance sports performances. 

Potatoes USA recently sponsored the Malaysian leg of the PowerMan World Series. PowerMan World Series has been active in the sports industry for the past 16 years and the Asian Championship for duathlon was held at Putrajaya. 

Potatoes USA enlisted two sportswomen influencers, Ms Ann Pow and Ms Yen Chia, who both are well-known in the running and cycling arena of competitive sports.

They incorporated Potatoes USA in their meals as part of their carbo-loading diet to prepare for participation in the PowerMan Classic category comprising a 10km run – 60km cycling – 10km run.

During the event, Potatoes USA served potato products to over 4,000 sportsmen and sportswomen at their booth. 

All participants were treated to mashed potatoes which helped runners replenish their energy levels and nutrients needed after the race.

Educational materials on potato nutrition to improve sports performance were also distributed during the event. 

The Winners

Ann Pow (left) and Yen Chia (right) carbo-loading with U.S. Potatoes for the race

Ann Pow won the 2nd position for the PowerMan Classic category. Ann was also a participant at the 31st SEA Games held in Hanoi in May this year, and also the champion of the recent Garmin Malaysia Marathon 2022.

She is a 26-year-old personal trainer who loves competitive running and cycling and is a familiar face at local marathon races.

“Endurance sporting events such as the PowerMan, required a large number of carbohydrates.  I usually start carbo-loading during my training session, usually one to two days before the race. There is a need for concentrated sources of complex carbs and U.S. potatoes promote satiety and help increase or decrease the richness and tastiness depending on the cooking preparation and method,” she explained.

Another Potatoes USA representative sportswoman, Yen Chia, 32 years old, finished  4th position in the PowerMan Classic category.

She shared “Potatoes USA are cost-effective and rich in nutrients needed for highly competitive races. They are gluten-free and an awesome source of carbohydrates to help me stay fueled and reduce hunger pangs during long or intense races.  I consume U.S. potatoes for my training, recovery process and of course, for race day! Furthermore, they are tasty, easy to cook and versatile,” enthused Yen.  

Numerous studies had been conducted over the past 40-50 years also suggested that carbohydrates are a primary macronutrient for sustaining and improving athletic performance.

According to Nutrition Today, a US journal, it is suggested that a balanced diet high in natural, quality carbohydrate-rich foods like nutrient-dense potatoes may be optimal for improving physical performance among elite endurance athletes.