Coaches Guide to Nutrition: Supplements
December 10, 2024
Did you know that dietary supplements are not regulated by the government?
Encourage your athletes to utilize food as their first option rather than a supplement.
If your athlete decides to utilize supplements, encourage them to look for supplements with a “USP Verified,” “Informed Sport,” or “NSF Certified Sport” seal.
For athletes, it’s important to note that some supplements (or ingredients in supplements) are banned. This includes some energy drinks; encourage your athletes to utilize supplements with extreme caution.
Supplements are intended to supplement or add to the diet – not act as a substitute for food. Supplements can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics or herbs.
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.
Coaches Guide to Nutrition: Snack on a Smoothie
November 12, 2024
A smoothie is a perfect pre- or post-exercise snack.
Making a smoothie can be an easy way to get a serving of dairy, fruit and vegetables. Add milk, yogurt, berries, bananas, avocado, spinach, and kale to the blender and let the magic happen.
Along with protein and carbohydrates, it will provide vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Snacking can be detrimental when done out of boredom or in place of regular, balanced meals. But, for an athlete, healthy snacks can aid performance and recovery.
Having a snack in the hour or two before practice and in the “window of opportunity” following practice can help maintain energy levels and ensure proper recovery.
Snacks are important to maintain energy between meals, before exercise and after workouts. Snacks before and after exercise help performance as well as aid optimal recovery.
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.