health & nutrition
By Brandi Givens , RD
Holiday Warmth :
Balancing Nutrition and Fun
The holidays are here again , right along with the inclement weather . Avid pickleball players are flocking south or crowding onto covered courts to beat the anti-outdoor-ball conditions . With the frigid temps in mind , here are some warm-you-up recipes with nutritional benefits to help keep you fired up on and off the court .
FOODS THAT WARM YOUR MOOD
It can be challenging to eat healthfully during the winter months . Fewer daylight hours can lower moodboosting serotonin levels , causing us to crave simple carbs that are low in nutritional value . You may help boost your serotonin with foods that contain tryptophan , like turkey , dairy , soy , nuts , seeds , and salmon .
To avoid being the cranky person on the court , here are a couple of tryptophan-loaded recipes that are easy to pack in an insulated container for long play days .
If you ’ re looking for a holiday gift for your favorite pickleball player , here ’ s a tip : An insulated food jar is a practical present that can help keep your buddy fueled for many tournaments to come !