Are there certain dietary requirements athletes should follow?

Are there certain dietary requirements athletes should follow?

John Spencer Ellis (Author, TV Show Host, Trainer and CEO, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association) gives expert video advice on: What do muscles use for energy during exercise?; What should I eat before I compete in an athletic event?; Should I take extra vitamins and minerals? and more...

Every athlete will have different dietary requirements. For example, an endurance athlete will consume and burn more carbohydrates. However, an endurance athlete also needs quite a bit of protein because of the intensity of the workout may actually break down the athlete's muscle a lot and athletes need the protein to help replenish that breakdown. If a strength athlete also needs carbohydrates, but probably can get away with a little higher percentage of protein. So really there is no one-size-fits-all diet or meal plan for athletes in general.