Posts Tagged ‘Sports’

Florida State Football Players get “Cheat Day” on Diet

October 28, 2010 @ 8:57 pm posted by

FSU Seminoles have their own Nutritionist

I’ve long been a proponent of giving yourself a little food or beverage treat now and then.    It’s the perfect way to reward yourself for a full week of eating healthy and respecting your body.

I got a kick out of hearing ESPN report tonight (during a game) that the Florida State Seminole football team gets a “cheat day” on Mondays.   The team nutritionist apparently lets them relax their nutritional standards one day a week, to keep them on course.

The reporter also added that “if the team wins, they get to choose their meal, and their favorite is honey-fried chicken.”
Obviously a southern team !   LOL

I’ve worked with several teams and always look forward to helping them achieve their goals.   My 80/20 rule says that 80% of effective athletic training is nutrition:  the fuel you put in the body.   

If any Noles find this blog, congrats on having an impressive 2010 football season with your new coach!

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Nutrition tips for young athletes

September 3, 2009 @ 8:40 am posted by

Back-to-school means back to the courts and fields for student athletes. Reaching peak athletic performance doesn’t mean you have bulk up on carbohydrates or chug the latest sports and energy drinks. Student athletes have unique nutritional needs, requiring approximately 2,000 to 5,000 calories per day, depending on body composition, amount of exercise and other health factors.

Here are some tips for fueling your body for optimal strength and energy:

-Eat a variety of foods including protein, carbohydrates, fats, calcium, minerals and vitamins; lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and dairy for calcium provide a balanced diet

-Avoid supplements and steroids, which can have negative side effects on your health

-Avoid extreme diets. Youth athletes require the proper amount of nutrition and depriving your body of proper nutrients can cause decreased energy, muscle loss and sometimes, more serious health problems

-Hydrate with water; avoid caffeine and sugary drinks
Before practices and games:

-Be sure to eat a small, balanced meal approximately 2 to 4 hours before the event and include proteins and carbohydrates such as a turkey sandwich, or pasta and tomato sauce

-No time for a meal? Eat a light snack less than 2 hours before the event such as low-fiber fruits, crackers or yogurt

-Hydrate by drinking plenty of water before, during and after sports activities; avoid caffeine

Because body sizes and activity levels vary from person-to-person, you need to alter your diet to fit your individual needs. For more information, visit http://www.mypyramid.gov/ and create a personalized plan that works best for you.

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