Information about Proper Nutrition at Sports Camp
Athletes are training today harder than ever. Practices, weight training, and speed and agility training leaves athletes physically and emotionally drained. Where does all this energy come from? Food, of course! But what exactly does an athlete need to fulfill the nutritional requirements to keep their training at a high level?
Well, that all depends on the age and physical demands that training places upon one’s body. Crash, fad diets do more harm than good. While this works in the short term, it places a hard toll on their body that can take months to regain their proper metabolism. There are many simple ways to ensure your body is receiving the nutrition it needs.
Breakfast is the most overlooked meal of the day. It’s also the most important! With many athletes in a rush with time constraints between school, practices, and other commitments, it can be easy to roll out of bed and head straight to school or practice. But this leads to not only physical hunger, but mental fatigue.
Those who work in physical labor know that the key to maintaining performance throughout the day is to eat breakfast. That is the foundation through which the day is started. However, many Americans eat a light breakfast, if any at all, a decent lunch and big dinner. That’s the opposite of how it should be done! You’ll gain most of your day’s energy from a nutritious breakfast, combining equal parts of protein and carbohydrates.
Eggs, toast, and oatmeal are all good ways to start your day. Many people think carbohydrate is a forbidden word, through which weight gain is inevitable. Not the case! Carbohydrates are essential, especially in the morning to give you strength to get through your day. Oatmeal is good source of carbohydrates, which will leave you feeling less hungry than sugary cereals.
Lunch is usually the most consistent meal of the week for students. Remember you still have the rest of the school day, and practice or a game afterwards, so keep eating. With all the activity ahead of you post-lunch, all the food will burn off quicker than you think.
Dinner should be heavy on protein, since you’ve had a full day. Fish, chicken, or other meats are a good way to get your body the nutrition and protein it needs. Don’t forget to have a salad or vegetables along with main dish. It will help your body digest easier, and they’re good for you!
While this all sounds so simple, we all live hectic lives, and sometimes we forget that we need to eat proper meals to give us the energy needed to thrive every day. Remember to eat breakfast. Your body and mind will thank you!
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