What is the primary reason athletes require different nutrient ratios than sedentary individuals?

Athletes require different nutrient ratios compared to sedentary individuals primarily because of their higher caloric necessities due to exercise. The intensity and duration of physical activity performed by athletes significantly increase their energy expenditure, necessitating a greater intake of calories to support their training and recovery needs. This increase in caloric demands must be met with a tailored balance of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—to optimize performance, aid in recovery, and support muscle repair and growth.

During intense training, athletes also have a greater requirement for carbohydrates, which serve as a key energy source during exercise, while protein intake becomes crucial for repairing and building muscle tissue. Furthermore, athletes may need to adjust their fat intake to ensure adequate energy levels and maintain overall health. Thus, the primary reason for the differing nutrient ratios lies in the increased caloric needs driven by regular and rigorous physical training.

The other options, while potentially relevant to an athlete's lifestyle, do not fundamentally address the core reason for the differing nutrient requirements. Fatigue from training is a consequence of high energy expenditure, and while it may influence nutrient timing or recovery strategies, it does not directly explain the need for different nutrient ratios. Similarly, time constraints for food preparation can affect dietary choices but do