Student-athletes balance hours of practice with school. With all that’s on their metaphorical plate, they have to manage what they’re eating, as well.
“We definitely, as runners, need to make sure that we are having the right balance of carbs and proteins,” boys cross country coach and math teacher Steven Szabo said.
Szabo further explained that the timing of nutrition is more important than the nutrition itself.
“Carbs are really things that the muscles utilize when they’re in the middle of a run…The protein is really there after a run…it’s really going to help heal your muscles,”Szabo said.
He also explained that a balance of carbs and protein is very important, not just one or the other. He noticed students with poor timing of nutrition or poor nutrition would get cramps more frequently.
Szabo elucidated that water and hydration are also very important for athletes.
“When we train through the summer and through the hot fall months, [it is important to have] the right electrolytes in your system to prevent you from dehydrating, [and] to prevent your muscles from cramping up, as well,” Szabo said.
Szabo also said that it’s good to communicate with your coach if you’re not in a good mental headspace, because if your mental health is not well, then your performance will not be up to par.
meet. (Jadelyn Winkler)
Anastasia Boots (10), a tennis player, pays close attention to her diet.
“I just try to eat natural foods and get enough proteins, carbs, and fats,” Boots said.
Boots explained that she maintains the same diet throughout the year, but adding more protein, carbs, and fat during the Fall, when tennis is happening.
Giuseppe Urso (11), a running back for the varsity football team, explained that he especially stays away from sugar and soda, opting for fruits, vegetables, and meat instead.
“[I have] lots of water and real food…like meat rather than a protein shake,” Urso said.
Urso also explained that he would take an extra break on game day to be at his best.
“It’s not always about food; sometimes [it’s] about not doing as much physical activity. [I’ll] go home, put my legs up, ice [them], [and] maybe sleep a little bit extra that night,” Urso said.
Urso also said that after a season is over, he spends a week resting and eating more food so he gains the weight he lost during the season.
Abigail Karl (12), an equestrian athlete, also explained how she cares for her body through her diet and nutrition.
“[My diet] is really important to me. Knowing that I [am] going to be on a Division One team this coming Fall…I would try and have lots of chicken and lean meat in what I was eating,” Karl said.
Karl has committed to University of Tennessee at Martin which is a Division One school. Division One is the highest level of competition among the NCAA’s three divisions.
Karl explained that she has a lot of eggs, cheese, and turkey. She also said she eats foods with higher sugar content before heading to the barn to have high levels of energy throughout her practice sessions.
She also explained that it’s important to be aware of what you’re putting in your body when you choose what to eat. However, Karl said she personally does not count her calories because she does not want to feed into the toxic eating habits she has seen fostered in the horseback riding community.