Eye On Health: Nutrition For Student Athletes
'To Be Active, You Have To Have Balance'
Posted: 5:06 pm CDT July 22, 2002
It feels like midsummer, but the fall sports season is about to get under way. And kids, your coach may have a new assistant this year.In a special Eye on Health, Carleen Wild reports that more and more schools are bringing a nutritionist on board. 
Every single morning, Bonnie Glover gets on her bike and rides. But her workout doesn't stop there, it's actually only beginning.
The 18-year-old probably trains more than most. Her goal this fall is to walk on to the soccer team at the University of British Columbia-Vancouver.She knows she has to train hard, but like any sprint, Bonnie knows improving strength and endurance means discipline off the field, as well."I always have fruit, some carbos, protein," she said. "I've always thought about it, because I usually feel a lot better when I eat well, and then, that makes me want to exercise more."Unfortunately, few teens ever play by the same rules.
"The problem is, what kids are eating because of what seeing friends eat, and what's advertised on TV, versus what they really need to be eating," Dr. David Bernhardt, sport medicine doctor at UW Hospital and Clinics.Nutritionists say skipping a meal is common, among young girls especially, and it can come with a price. Too much exercise and not enough calcium often leads to stress fractures."Many times due to lack of time, they may go through fast food and count that as their evening meal, or skip meals in general," said Amy Mihm, a trainer at Middleton High School.Poor nutrition also means it'll take more time for injuries to heal. Fatigue or a decrease in performance is the most common physical problem -- not just on the field."Mentally, especially when talking about high school athletes, during school year, they're obviously not able to perform as well in school," Mihm said.
"Some people expect that as long as they are active, they're healthy," Glover said. "But to be active, but you have to have the balance."Glover knows it won't be easy to walk on to a college soccer team, but having already found a good balance between what her body needs and gets she's going to give it her best shot.Eating healthy doesn't have to be a big deal either. Snacking especially can be simple. Nutritionists say keep foods like granola, bagels and things kids can easily grab from the fridge, like cut up fruits and veggies, stocked.If you're on the go and need a meal, a sub shop can be a healthy option.Online ResourcesFood Pyramid Guide -- The Pyramid illustrates the research-based food guidance system developed by USDA and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It goes beyond the "basic four food groups" to help you put the Dietary Guidelines into action. You can use this guide to track what you eat and then rate your diet.USDA For Kids -- You can print out a food pyramid poster on this site.Healthy Recipes -- You can find all kinds of healthy kid recipes on KidsHealth.org, including delicious drinks, fun frozen snacks and baked treats.Healthy Recipes -- The whole family can fun with these recipes, including yogurt dipping sauce and soy sauce dressing. Log on to FamilyGo.com.
Every single morning, Bonnie Glover gets on her bike and rides. But her workout doesn't stop there, it's actually only beginning. | Video |
"The problem is, what kids are eating because of what seeing friends eat, and what's advertised on TV, versus what they really need to be eating," Dr. David Bernhardt, sport medicine doctor at UW Hospital and Clinics.Nutritionists say skipping a meal is common, among young girls especially, and it can come with a price. Too much exercise and not enough calcium often leads to stress fractures."Many times due to lack of time, they may go through fast food and count that as their evening meal, or skip meals in general," said Amy Mihm, a trainer at Middleton High School.Poor nutrition also means it'll take more time for injuries to heal. Fatigue or a decrease in performance is the most common physical problem -- not just on the field."Mentally, especially when talking about high school athletes, during school year, they're obviously not able to perform as well in school," Mihm said."Some people expect that as long as they are active, they're healthy," Glover said. "But to be active, but you have to have the balance."Glover knows it won't be easy to walk on to a college soccer team, but having already found a good balance between what her body needs and gets she's going to give it her best shot.Eating healthy doesn't have to be a big deal either. Snacking especially can be simple. Nutritionists say keep foods like granola, bagels and things kids can easily grab from the fridge, like cut up fruits and veggies, stocked.If you're on the go and need a meal, a sub shop can be a healthy option.Online ResourcesFood Pyramid Guide -- The Pyramid illustrates the research-based food guidance system developed by USDA and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It goes beyond the "basic four food groups" to help you put the Dietary Guidelines into action. You can use this guide to track what you eat and then rate your diet.USDA For Kids -- You can print out a food pyramid poster on this site.Healthy Recipes -- You can find all kinds of healthy kid recipes on KidsHealth.org, including delicious drinks, fun frozen snacks and baked treats.Healthy Recipes -- The whole family can fun with these recipes, including yogurt dipping sauce and soy sauce dressing. Log on to FamilyGo.com.Copyright 2007 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
