Coach's Guide to Nutrition: Hydration
June 10, 2024
Stay hydrated during exercise. Encourage athletes to take at least 2-3 sips (2-3 ounces) of water every 15 minutes.
Exercising for more than an hour? Sports drinks can help replace fluid, carbs and electrolytes.
Some athletes do not feel thirsty while they are active, so regular water breaks are important. As always, if they feel thirsty, let them grab a drink. If they feel dizzy, confused or nauseated, they should STOP and tell a coach or teammate. This may indicate they are dangerously dehydrated. Access to water should NEVER be used as a punishment.
Athletes should also look for these symptoms in teammates and remind them to hydrate when necessary. For a more individualized recommendation or for athletes with a cramping history, refer them to a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN).
Dehydration Warning Signs:
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.
Coach's Guide to Nutrition: Fueling with Fast Food
October 8, 2024
Life is busy, and sometimes getting food fast is the only option.
Fueling up with fast food can provide the proper nutrition to students when they are in a pinch.
Learning to identify more nutritious foods on restaurant menus will help provide the macronutrients students need in a meal.
Fast food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be part of a balanced diet.
Encourage students to keep the macros in mind when choosing from the menu. Giving students tips, such as choosing baked or grilled chicken, fresh fruit or salads, and milk as a beverage can make it easier for athletes to choose foods that will nourish their bodies.
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.