brookSport Volume 7 | Page 21

The food you eat supplies much more than just fuel for your body to function properly. It provides the raw materials from which your skin, hair, muscle, bone, and all other tissues are made. Your diet provides nutrients that are necessary to manufacture hormones and enzymes that control the function of every cell in your body. Your body also uses these nutrients to make neurotransmitters that regulate how you think and feel. Therefore, ensuring a proper balance of nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals) is essential to your overall health, muscle development and performance. You really are what you eat, and that’s why a balanced diet is SO important.

Eating three meals daily (starting with a hearty breakfast, as breakfast sets your metabolism for the day), and 2-3 snacks daily is the best way to keep you properly energized and satisfied. Eating or not eating affects hormone levels that can cause muscle loss as well, so it is extremely important NOT to skip meals. Healthy snacking, especially before practices or games, is also important. This will provide the energy you need for optimal performance, and more importantly will help guard against injuries and help with recovery time. You should develop good, consistent eating habits, even during the off season as this will provide a solid foundation during times of competition. Remember, the best fueled athlete is the better athlete…

Nutrition 101 for High School Athletes

The Importance of a Healthy Diet:

http://heritageihc.com/blog/nutrition-101-for-high-school-athletes/

NUTRITION

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