When training, many athletes go on strict diets to enhance their athletic performance. Sugar and sweets are cut out first in an attempt to only put on lean muscle and zero fat. Some say "eating a donut tastes better than skinny feels," but why can't you have both?

Many athletes think having a lot of body fat will decrease their athletic performance. And that is true up to a point. The ranges can vary but typically women athletes should have between 14-20 percent body fat while men athletes should have about six to 13 percent body fat. Body fat is essential for the human body and is an especially good energy source to burn for fuel. Anything under those ranges can be detrimental to an athlete's health and performance. A low body fat percentage can even be an indicator of eating disorders and anorexia, mainly in female athletes which in turn can cause even more physical damage to the body such as heart problems, weak muscles, brittle bones, and decreased energy. The one thing athletes need is more energy not less.

Athletes must consume upwards of 3000 calories a day to maintain their energy levels and fuel their workouts. With the average donut containing anywhere from 200-400 calories, eating a few after a workout couldn't hurt. Or a few dozen. And fatty foods stay in the stomach longer to prevent hunger and more cravings for snacks afterwards. This tasty treat will keep you feeling full and satisfied until dinnertime. Life is better when you eat dessert first.

A higher donut intake can lead to a healthier body fat percentage in athletes. For example, one of the reasons why female distance runners are more efficient in a marathon than male distance runners is because they maintain a higher body fat percentage. After about 90 minutes of aerobic activity, you move into fat burning mode. Since women have more fat to burn than men, they have more energy that can be used in the marathon. Maybe Galen Rupp and Mo Farah should spend more time carbo-loading at Voodoo Donuts.

Donuts are a great source of sugar which helps with brain health.To function normally, your brain needs sugar in the form of glucose. Neurons in the brain require a constant stream of sugar to produce energy and communicate with other neurons. Sugar also produces acetylcholine which helps you learn and remember and regulates attention and mood. So a sprinkled donut for breakfast provides your brain with all the energy it needs throughout the day way better than eggs and sausage.

So why not maintain a healthy body fat and have a donut to be slim thick instead of bone thin? Donuts give you brains and beauty.