How should an athlete’s diet differ from that of a sedentary individual?

An athlete’s diet should focus on providing adequate fuel for training, promoting recovery, and supporting overall health and performance. This often means consuming more calories to meet energy needs, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, and staying hydrated. In contrast, a sedentary individual may require fewer calories and can afford to be more mindful of portion sizes and food choices to maintain a healthy weight.