to meet their demand; extra calcium may help to reduce the risk of stress fractures in female athletes with menstrual irregularitiesSodium Helps to control body fluid balance; involved in muscle and nerve functions Table salt; tinned vegetables; fish

also offer protection against some cancers.Red PotatoesThe humble - and let's be honest, it's not much to look at - potato has had a bad reputation in terms of nutrition because we have a habit of frying it in fat, covering it with cheese or mixing

, such as sausages, bacon and pastries. These take longer to digest and will sit heavy in the stomach.Liquid Meal If you can't eat because of nerves, have a meal replacement shake, smoothie or yoghurt.Drink Enough Have 500ml of water, a sports drink or diluted fruit

functioning of nerves, brains and muscles Wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereals; beans, lentils and peas; pork; fruit; fortified breakfast cereals May optimise energy production and performance Involved in energy production; increased needs of athletes can

going for longer. It's also great if you're trying to lose weight as it keeps you feeling full. Fruit and fibre In other words, fresh fruit and foods that are packed with fibre. A recent study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise

to match your training energy output. However, as your training volume increases and then tapers, so should your food intake. Planning your pre-race diet needn't be a nutritional nightmare: here are 25 handy do's and don'ts to help get you started

and nutrition. You'll need around 30-60g of carbohydrate per hour - one 330ml bottle of Lucozade Sport and a gel (or four Jelly Babies) provides roughly 50g carbohydrate. Q. Are dextrose sweets a good alternative to gels or Jelly Babies? Kate FA. Gels

Ruth is a leading sports dietician and a member of the British Dietetic Association and Health Professional Council. She is also an advisor to Sportscotland's Institute of Sport, specialising in helping athletes of all levels prepare nutritionally