S B Coaches College - Tip of the Month February 2005




		S B Coaches College Tip of the Month February 2005

Bringing in a New Year always brings about more resolutions to eat better, lose weight, and increasing one’s health. This tip of the month will focus on ‘eating healthy’. This is a topic that many people talk about and strive to achieve, but rarely understand. People assume that athlete’s know how to eat healthy and which choices to make. This is not totally true. Many athletes have no idea about fundamental nutrition, and how nutrition can affect performance.

Eating healthy is not a sometimes thing, and requires a great amount of effort, especially if your current diet is quite poor. Initially when you begin to change your diet to a healthier one, it will be tough. But once this adaptation takes place it becomes a habit, and then it becomes a routine and very easy to do.

Here are the steps to a healthier diet:

Balanced Diet
You must make sure each meal and snack contains a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Athletes in general eat more than enough carbohydrates, but are extremely protein deficient. Make sure each and every meal contains a good source of protein! The second misconception most athletes have is that fat is bad. Fat is essential for athletes to maintain peak health. Try to limit saturated fats (fats from animals) and increase fats from plant sources.
Avoid Packaged Foods
A general rule of thumb is that if you are eating something from a box, it usually isn’t very good. Choose foods that are more natural and not processed. This means that fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, and water should form the bulk of your diet.
Limit Re-fined Sugars
This goes along with the tip above. Many packaged foods are loaded with extra sugars and preservatives that can lead to adding extra pounds, and creating unhealthy blood profiles. Choose foods that have naturally occurring sugar in them, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose whole-wheat and darker breads over plain white options. Usually the darker it is the better.
Drink More Water!!!
If you haven’t read the September 2003 Tip of The Month, be sure to check it out. Enough Said.
Moderation
Everybody has a weak spot for such cravings as sweets, nachos, or wings. These aren’t the best choices to make when striving for a healthier lifestyle, but they shouldn’t be totally eliminated. Everything in moderation can be allowed. When things go to excess is when health problems occur. If you’ve eaten well all week long, and want a dessert, go ahead and treat yourself. Just don’t make this a habit. If you know you will be attending a party or a wedding on the weekend, make sure that you are strict during the week, so you can enjoy yourself on the weekend. This will help mentally and physically to keep you going.

The above tips are simple suggestions that everybody can use with their athletes,
partners, friends, and family to lead a healthier lifestyle. Good luck in the New Year!