Coaches Guide to Nutrition: No Tricks, Just Smart Fuel

Halloween may bring plenty of treats, but fueling your body doesn’t have to be tricky! 

Milk Means More logoFor 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: What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals that come in the form of sodium, calcium, chloride, potassium, phosphate and magnesium.

Milk Means More logoThey help maintain fluid balance, regulate muscle contractions, and promote healthy brain activity.

Did You Know: An athlete can lose up to two pounds of sweat (or more) after exercising? That is equivalent to 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium and 20 mg calcium (all of which are found in chocolate milk).

Encourage your athletes to refuel and rehydrate those lost electrolytes with chocolate milk (a.k.a. Nature’s Sports Drink). This can help reduce the risk of stress fractures and muscle cramping.   

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