Coaches Guide to Nutrition: No Tricks, Just Smart Fuel
October 20, 2026
Halloween may bring plenty of treats, but fueling your body doesn’t have to be tricky!
For high school athletes, healthy snacks are an important way to maintain energy between meals and support performance before and after activity.
A simple formula to remember is carbohydrate + protein.
Try combinations like Greek yogurt and fruit, cheese and crackers, a fruit smoothie, or chocolate milk and almonds.
And yes, there’s still room for your favorite Halloween candy!
Rather than labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” focus on choosing nutrient-rich foods more often while enjoying foods with less nutrition occasionally.
For athletes, it’s all about finding balance while giving your body the fuel it needs for school, practice, and competition.
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.
Coaches Guide to Nutrition: Hydration
May 27, 2025
Stay hydrated during exercise. Encourage athletes to take at least 2-3 sips (2-3 ounces) of water every 15 minutes.
Exercising for more than an hour? Sports drinks can help replace fluid, carbs and electrolytes.
Some athletes do not feel thirsty while they are active, so regular water breaks are important. As always, if they feel thirsty, let them grab a drink. If they feel dizzy, confused or nauseated, they should STOP and tell a coach or teammate. This may indicate they are dangerously dehydrated. Access to water should NEVER be used as a punishment.
Athletes should also look for these symptoms in teammates and remind them to hydrate when necessary. For a more individualized recommendation or for athletes with a cramping history, refer them to a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN).
Dehydration Warning Signs:
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.