Main description:

Optimizing Physical Performance During Fasting and Dietary Restriction examines the effects of sustained fasting and food restrictions on metabolism and physical performance in athletes. It provides broad coverage including both religious and non-religious fasting and dietary restrictions.

This practical and evidence-based guide outlines recent findings from peer-reviewed literature as well as original experiments conducted by the authors, who are experts in the supervision of athletes during fasting. The book presents findings and information simply and clearly and also summarizes implications for athletes.

Written in an accessible style, each chapter reviews 30 to 100 investigations and also includes relevant citations, teaching objectives, definitions of key terms, summary of key points, practical implications for athletes, and questions for discussion

Contents:

Introduction: Characteristics of Fasting. Changes of Body Mass and Energy Balance during Fasting and Dietary Restriction. Carbohydrate Metabolism and Fasting. Mobilization and Utilization of Lipids during Dietary Restriction Conditions. Protein Metabolism during Dietary Restriction. Hydration and Fluid Restriction in Athletes. Changes in Hormone Levels and Circadian Rhythms during Fasting. Oxidative Stress and Fasting. Effects of Dietary and Fluid Restrictions upon Physical Performance, Cognition and Vigilance. Nutritional Recommendations for Dietary Restriction. Tactics to Sustain Training and Competitive Performance during Fasting. Coping and Recovery Tactics during Fasting and Dietary Restriction. Miscellaneous Medical Issues during Dietary and Fluid Restriction. Conclusions.