POTATOES USA Fuels “POWERMAN” Malaysia Duathlon Series 2022

(From left) Ann Pow & Yen Chia carbo-loaded with U.S. Potatoes for the race

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.

Research indicates that U.S. potatoes, packed with energy, fiber, potassium and Vitamin C, are a viable functional food that can help fuel and enhance sport performances and active lifestyles.

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 the weekend. 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.

At the event, Potatoes USA served U.S. potato products to over 4,000 sportsmen and sportswomen at their booth. All were treated to U.S. mashed potatoes which helped runners replenish energy levels and nutrients needed after the event. Educational materials on potato power nutrition to improve sports performance were also distributed at the event.

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.

As for your truly, U.S. potatoes have been a staple ingredient in the pantry. Easy to cook, great for many recipes, delicious and packed with nutrients, U.S. potatoes are always my choice when I go grocery shopping.  

Key facts about the potato power:

• 26 grams of carbohydrate – Potatoes are a nutrient-dense quality carbohydrate, important for optimal physical and mental performance as the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. And, because your body’s own stores of carbohydrate are limited and may be depleted – even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise– it’s important to replenish them.
• 620 Milligrams of Potassium – A medium-sized (148g) potato, with the skin-on, provides more potassium than a banana, no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. Potatoes are perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events.
• 30% of daily value of Vitamin C – Potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system and aids in collagen production, a major muscle tissue component.
• 3 grams of plan-based protein – Protein is a key component of muscle and an important nutrient for performance.
• 2 grams of fiber (7% daily value) – Fiber helps regulate blood glucose and increase satiety, making one feel full longer.
• 110 Calories for Energy – Easily digestible and more energy dense than any other popular vegetable, potatoes are a good choice to fuel the demands of racing a marathon.