Eating Like a Pro: Five foods Ghanaian sports stars must avoid

As elite performers, the path to victory is always paved with discipline, dedication, and a strict diet. As such, not all foods are deemed healthy for them.

While it is essential to take note of these, experts have also warned about the excessive intake of oil and fatty foods by athletes.

According to Thomas, D. T., et al. (2016) through an American College of Sports Medicine joint position statement, high-fat diets can decrease the body's ability to utilize fat as a fuel source during endurance activities, leading to decreased performance and can also lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired recovery after exercise.

As such, there are certain foods that athletes should refrain from consuming if they wish to maintain their fitness and discipline. Below are some foods that Ghanaian sportspeople should avoid:

Jollof rice

Ghana’s jollof rice has gained international recognition, especially in the ongoing rivalry with Nigerian jollof, making it a common and accessible meal.

However, if not prepared with minimal oil, it can become very calorie-dense. High-fat meals can leave athletes feeling sluggish and may slow down their recovery rate after workouts.

Kelewele

Kelewele, one of Ghana’s most popular street foods, is highly cherished, as evidenced by the long queues at selling points. However, regular consumption by athletes can negatively impact their performance.

Kelewele is often high in calories, and a calorie-rich diet can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, slower recovery, and impaired athletic performance.

Bofrot

Bofrot, a popular snack found on almost every street corner in Ghana, is best consumed in moderation by athletes. Made with flour and sugar and deep-fried, bofrot is high in unhealthy fats and sugar.

Overconsumption can lead to weight gain and energy crashes. For Ghanaian athletes, excessive sugar intake can reduce endurance by making the body less efficient at utilizing fat as a fuel source.

Palm Nut Soup

Palm nut soup, a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, is often prepared with a significant amount of palm oil. Its high saturated fat content may reduce nitric oxide production, leading to decreased blood flow and reduced exercise performance.

Athletes consuming such meals may also experience dehydration, as their bodies struggle to digest and absorb the fat content.

Fried foods

Fried foods, such as fried plantains and fried yam, are typically high in unhealthy fats and calories. Regularly consuming these foods can result in weight gain and decreased energy levels.

For athletes, who require agility and endurance, such foods can hinder performance during training or competition.

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