Potatoes USA Fuels "Powerman" Malaysia Dualthon Series 2022

  

Hmm... what should I cook?

Here are some of my pantry staples for an easy, healthy and delicious meal. One of the most versatile vegetables, U.S. potatoes are loaded with fiber, potassium and Vitamin C that can help fuel and enhance sport performances and active lifestyles. A medium-sized (148g) potato, with the skin-on, provides more potassium than a banana, no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. It is perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events. Potatoes are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and protein which helps to boost the immune system and aids in collagen production, a major muscle tissue component as well as fueling performance. With only 110 calories, potatoes are easily digestible and more energy dense than any other popular vegetable which make them a good choice to fuel the demands of racing a marathon. In competitive sports or competitions, there is an element as, if not more, important than skills, mindset or strategy. Experienced fitness buffs, marathoners and sportspersons would know that the right nutrition intake could make all the difference in helping them achieve success in their performance.

 

That being said, Potatoes USA recently sponsored the Malaysian leg of the PowerMan World Series which has 16 years heritage and is the sanctioned Asian Championship for duathlon held at Putrajaya.

Over 4,000 sportsmen and sportswomen were treated to yummy U.S. mashed potatoes to help them replenish their energy levels and nutrients after the race. Educational materials on potato power nutrition to improve sports performance were also distributed at the event. 

Potatoes USA enlisted two sportswomen influencers Ms Ann Pow and Ms Yen Chia, both very popular in the running & cycling arena of competitive sports. They incorporated U.S. potatoes in their meals to aid their carbo loading for their participation in the PowerMan Classic category comprising a 10km run- 60km cycling-10km race.

Ann Pow clinched 2nd position for the PowerMan Classic category. Ann was a participant at the 31st SEA Games held in Hanoi in May this year, and also the champion of the recent Garmin Malaysia Marathon 2022. She is a 26-year-old personal trainer loves competitive running and cycling and is a familiar face at marathon races in town.  

“Endurance sporting events such as the PowerMan, place large demands on muscle glycogen stores.  I usually start carbo loading during training session, one to two days before the race. There is a need for concentrated sources of complex carbs and U.S. potatoes promotes satiety and help increase or decrease the richness and tastiness depending on the cooking preparation and method,” she explained.

Another Potatoes USA representative sportswoman, Yen Chia, 32 years old, finished  4th position at the PowerMan Classic category. She shared “U.S. potatoes are cost-effective and rich in nutrients needed for highly competitive races. They are gluten-free and awesome source of carbohydrates to help me stay fueled and reduce hunger pangs during long or intense races.  I consume U.S. potatoes for my training, recovery process and of course, for race day!”.  Furthermore, they are tasty, easy to cook and versatile to prepare them in many different ways,” enthused Yen.  

Numerous studies had been conducted over the past 40-50 years also suggested that carbohydrates are a primary macronutrient for sustaining and improving athletic performance. According to Nutrition Today, a US journal, it is suggested that a balanced diet high in natural, quality carbohydrate rich foods like nutrient-dense potatoes may be optimal to improving physical performance among elite endurance athletes. 

Let's power up and fuel your workout with U.S. Potatoes!