Everyone knows that if you eat healthy then you’ll be healthy, but athletes’ nutrition has always been important. People in this day and age are becoming more and more unhealthy, so what does that say about our future athletes?
It is generally agreed that how you perform is influenced by what you eat. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a healthy diet is a balanced one. It would (should?) include: an emphasis fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products, incorporate lean meats, poultry, fish beans eggs and nuts, and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugar.
Athletes usually believe that they need to “carbo-load” the day or night before a big game or competition in order to have enough glucose in their body to perform respectively. However, increasing your carbohydrate intake over several days before the event results in a better performance than eating a large pasta dinner the night before.
Junior Katie Gates, who plays varsity lacrosse, begins her pre-season diet in September even though lacrosse practices begin in late February. Her diet is very strict and contains mostly fruits, vegetables, and grains. Once the season begins, she avoids foods high in fat and added sugar.
“When I eat better I have more energy. But when I’ve eaten a lot of sugar I don’t feel like performing that day,” Gates said.
Track and field, cross country coach, and Biology teacher Adam Bergeron says that athletes need to eat a balanced diet with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates. He also says that athletes need to include bright colored fruits and green leafy vegetables.
Senior Jocelyn Finkelstien eats healthier during her tennis and swimming seasons, with an emphasis on whole grains.
“If I eat junk the night before, I know I’ll be disgustingly slower [the next day],” Finkelstein said.
Often times students will eat protein bars or protein shakes as vitamin and protein supplements. Bergeron feels that eating them is the same as eating a candy bar or a milkshake.
Students who don’t fuel right risk calcium and iron deficiencies. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis later in life.
Sophomore Jonathan Hwang admits that his diet is junky before his seasons begin, but that he eats a more balanced diet during his fall soccer season and his spring track season.
Track and field, cross country coach, and art teacher Steve Warren highly suggests eating a balanced diet to stay healthy.
“An athlete is like a nascar: you don’t put in cheap or junky fuel if you want to do well,” Warren said.
