the US Department of Agriculture appropriated it for a report on nutrition. Specifically, a calorie was defined as the unit of heat required to raise 1g of water 1 degree Celsius.To apply this concept to foods such as sandwiches, scientists would set food

at Sports-Nutritionist.com. "Then you need to take in foods that give you the fuel to perform your best." Here's how. Calories are based on a 68kg athlete.Picture credit: Sue TallowEasy Spin or RunCalories: 200 to 300 Time before: 30-45 minutes

your training and your peace of mind. To help keep the weight off, it is important to understand exactly what is happening to your body.The biggest change is the decrease in exercise and thus a decrease in the ability to burn calories. Nick Suffredin

. Brewed coffee contains just two calories per cup, so it doesn't provide the energy muscles need after exertion, but adding low-fat milk and sugar contributes calories, and the calcium and vitamin D improve its nutritional profile. And coffee contains

One of the long-enduring and rarely questioned traditions associated with triathlon events of all kinds is the substantial pasta dinner the evening before race day. After all, who doesn't believe in the hearty, turbo-fuelling advantages of eating a

, "It depends on the adequacy of the diet, the calorie intake, individual nutritional needs etc. Many endurance athletes consume a large amount of calories to meet their metabolic and training needs. A higher calorie intake will often provide more

When you're sidelined by injury your natural reaction should be to cut back on calories until it's time to return to training - and burning energy. But the healing process demands fuel, too. "It's like fixing a house," says sports dietitian Cynthia

". By recognising your errors you can develop a routine that ensures optimum energy every time you train. Here are five common mistakes and ways to avoid them.Skipping breakfastSome people aren't hungry in the morning. Others skip breakfast to trim calories, says

Some people think it's a calorie-heavy food, and so it is if you eat it by the kilo, but in sane amounts it's a terrific food for triathletes. Its carbohydrate content gives an energy boost and its fibre content keeps you feeling full for longer and helps keep

in a while.10. ParmesanGrate hard, strong cheeses, such as Parmesan, on your salad for added protein. "The key here is to add protein to all of your meals, which fills you up faster and helps you burn more calories throughout the day," says nutritionist