At this moment, the chances are you have a dietary deficiency that's harming your health, hindering your recovery and holding you back in training. Even if you pop a multivitamin and get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals, you're unlikely to be consuming enough...

in antioxidants, which the body employs in the ceaseless war against cell-destroying free radicals. Shallots also pack a powerful vitamin A punch, to aid bone growth, protect vision and fight infection.BroccoliOne of nature's nutritional big hitters, broccoli

but wild rice is still packed with nutrition. It offers a hefty dose of potassium, which the body's muscles need to work properly and which is also vital for the nervous system. Wild rice is high in folic acid, which may offer some protection against heart

in protein, particularly high-quality protein, but there is no need to worry; by eating a varied and well-balanced diet, vegetarian triathletes can obtain the necessary nutrients to adequately fuel the body for hours of training and racing.The current

rise in blood sugar. A food with a low GI, such as porridge, will produce a slower rise, resulting in a steadier supply of energy. Carbo loadingA huge plate of pasta the night before a race is a runner’s rite of passage, but there is some debate among

There’s no hotter issue in sports nutrition right now than the carbs versus carbs-plus-protein controversy. The battle pits scientist against scientist, small companies against behemoths, and new research against long-held beliefs. At one crucial

marathon or other endurance race. Carbohydrates are, after all, the top choice for fuel and the best energy source. "Runners should be taking in about 55 to 65 per cent of their calories in the form of carbohydrates,"says RW Nutrition Editor Anita Bean

produce up to three times the amount of honey they need.Nutritional BenefitsStudies at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory confirm that honey is one of the most effective forms of carbohydrate to eat just before exercise

Lynn Clay from Maxifuel is a sports scientist, nutrition consultant and freelance journalist with eight years' experience in the nutrition industry. She’s a former AAA gold medallist runner, a keen cyclist and she’s competing in Ironman Austria

," says Currell. This alone makes it a good meal choice the night before a big race.Many elite triathletes eat pizza before overseas races, particularly if they are a little unsure about the local food. But it's not all good news, says Currell. "It