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Mercy internist Dr. David Scharff

Mercy Internist Dr. David Scharff Discusses Diet In Tandem With Athletic Activities/Sports On WBAL's "Woman's Doctor"

It is good for people, especially athletes, to know what foods do for various body functions, according to doctors.

Becky Frederick, 31, is an avid cyclist who participates in 20 to 30 races every year. She's also a ski instructor in the winter. She said what fuels her body is key to her doing well.

"I watch how much coffee I consume, how much alcohol I consume and when I consume it if I want to have legs that work on the bike," she explained.

Mercy internist Dr. David Scharff said functional foods have to do what you need them to do.

"I would say all foods are functional foods. It's knowing how to use them and what their function is and trying to weigh which one of them is going to do the job better for you," he said.

"Three hours before a race, I'll have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's easy to digest and it keeps me warm, especially on a cold day," Frederick said.

In that case, bread provides the energy and the nuts or peanut butter provide a plant-based protein and a fat source. Doctors say anything but animal fat is preferable.

"An energy source, protein source and fat source eaten two to three hours before a race lays the basic nutritional needs before the event occurs," Dr. Scharff said. To view Dr. Scharff's interview with WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor," click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/26354578/detail.html.