Skipping breakfast may be impacting student-athletes at practice and in games. Encourage them to plan ahead – grab something on the way out the door or a breakfast at school.

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but fueling early in the day CAN make a big impact. Remember carbs + protein + color. Breakfast will also help your student-athletes focus during those morning classes.

Breakfast is the first opportunity to refuel since the evening before – your tank is running on empty! A small breakfast at home, on the way to school or between first and second periods will start to refuel your muscles and brain.

What to eat and when to eat it: Whole grain English muffin with scrambled egg, cheese and spinach. Add an apple and milk on the side for breakfast on the go.

Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.