During this past season the Board has been working on ways to improve the health of our athletes. We started the food log as a way to monitor what the athletes are eating and drinking. The purpose of the log was not to torture the athletes, but to help them make better food choices when possible. We are what we eat and the body functions better when we eat better quality food. The body needs a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Going forward please take the log seriously and report the information accurately.
The body also needs to be hydrated. We have always told all of you to drink 2 liters of water while at school and then another liter before bed. Since MSD there are now new rules in schools. Bathroom breaks are now restricted and thus it is not possible to drink as much as you used to. Do not stress out over this as we have a plan. Drink 1 bottle of water before school, 500cc. Drink 1 bottle with lunch and 1 bottle after school. This plan then leaves you only 500 cc short and you can make that up during and after practice. Water is best for hydration and sports drinks should be reserved for after practice and track meets.
Ideally you should eat breakfast 2 hours before competition. This meal should be a combination of protein and carbohydrates. A good example of this is cooked potatoes and eggs with fruits. You also need to snack and hydrate throughout the meet. Make sure you have a normal lunch on the days you have practice and a small meal 2 hours before practice is due to start. As this season progresses we will have meal plans and healthy snack advice available. Working together we will help all of you to become stronger from the inside as well as from the outside.
Dr. Sheryl Facey