Category: Performance training

During high-intensity exercise, the body’s muscle glycogen stores are the primary fuel source, and for a well-trained individual, these reserves can be significantly reduced in as little as 90 to 120 minutes. The exact timeline, however, is a complex interplay of intensity, nutrition, and training status.

According to a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, choking is one of the biggest risks for anyone participating in an eating contest. However, elite competitive eaters have honed specific strategies to maximize their performance and minimize risks in a high-speed, high-stakes environment.

According to sports nutrition research, eating a substantial meal 3 to 4 hours before a high-intensity event is recommended to provide sustained energy, while closer to the fight, smaller, easily-digestible snacks are advised. Therefore, the critical question for combat athletes is not just what to eat, but specifically, how long before a fight should I stop eating?

During intense, short-duration anaerobic exercise, your body relies on stored glucose (glycogen) and phosphocreatine for quick bursts of energy. Understanding what nutrition is best for anaerobic based activities is crucial for maximizing strength, power, and muscle recovery. This article breaks down the dietary strategies you need to succeed.