FEELING TIRED?

As an athlete, eating a balanced diet is an absolute MUST to maintain the level of energy needed to perform at your best. If you usually find yourself too pooped to pop, you could have a slight magnesium deficiency.

"This mineral is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including breaking down glucose into energy," says Samantha Heller, MS, RD. "So when levels are even a little low, energy can drop."

In a study done at the Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D., "women with magnesium deficiencies had higher heart rates and required more oxygen to do physical tasks than they did after their magnesium levels were restored. In essence, their bodies were working harder which, over time, can leave you feeling depleted."

The recommended daily intake of magnesium is around 300 milligrams for women and 350 milligrams for men. To make sure you're getting enough, Heller suggests:

Add a handful of almonds, hazelnuts or cashews to your daily diet. Increase your intake of whole grains, particularly bran cereal. Eat more fish, especially halibut.

(Thanks Colette Bouchez)