Coach's Guide to Nutrition: Window of Opportunity

The 30 minutes following exercise, often referred to as the window of opportunity, is the best time to begin to refuel, rebuild and repair muscles.

Milk Means More logoCarbs plus protein in this window can help your students refuel and be ready to attack their next workout.  

After an exercise session or game, muscles are depleted of glycogen, their primary energy source, and are in need of recovery from the stress of training. A small snack is all that is needed in this “window of opportunity.”

The focus should be on carbohydrates with some protein; the ideal snack would have more carbs than protein. Chocolate milk has both carbs and protein, along with electrolytes and fluids to rehydrate. Liquids are also more easily absorbed by the body to help refueling happen more quickly. Other refueling options could include a smoothie, yogurt and granola, or a cheese stick with fruit.

Within 2-3 hours, have a full meal to continue recovery.

Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.

Coaches Guide to Nutrition: What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals that come in the form of sodium, calcium, chloride, potassium, phosphate and magnesium.

Milk Means More logoThey help maintain fluid balance, regulate muscle contractions, and promote healthy brain activity.

Did You Know: An athlete can lose up to two pounds of sweat (or more) after exercising? That is equivalent to 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium and 20 mg calcium (all of which are found in chocolate milk).

Encourage your athletes to refuel and rehydrate those lost electrolytes with chocolate milk (a.k.a. Nature’s Sports Drink). This can help reduce the risk of stress fractures and muscle cramping.   

Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.