Health Tip: Game Day Nutrition
September 24, 2019
By Nick Parkinson, M.Ed., ATC, AT
Henry Ford Health System
Parents, you know how important it is for your student athlete to be well-rested, well-fueled and well-hydrated. Just like a car needs gas, their bodies needs food.
So, whether they’re doing an intense workout during practice or competing in a strenuous game, it’s crucial for them to be properly hydrated and nourished, both before and after, so they can perform their best and recover properly.
Pre-Training Nutrition
The most important part of pre-training nutrition is making sure your child’s food choices give them the healthy energy boost they need for the type of physical activity they’re engaged in, and not a just quick sugar rush.
Carbohydrates may have a bad reputation, but they’re actually the body’s main source of energy. Before a workout, a healthy snack is a great idea. The trick is to eat far enough in advance to be able to digest before being active.
To ensure proper digestion while fueling up, follow these tips:
If there’s less than two hours until go time, try a quick snack like a banana, apple, or a small bowl of Greek yogurt with granola and fruit.
Have a little time to spare? You could try a brown rice bowl with sautéed vegetables or a cup of oatmeal topped with fruit.
Either way, carbs will fuel the body so your child can perform at his or her peak.
Post-Training Nutrition
After an intense workout or game, your child’s body is depleted of its nutrients. It needs to be recharged, which means eating carbs, fats and proteins. The word “fats” tends to scare people, but they’re actually a crucial component in building muscle and recovering.
After an event where your athlete worked out hard, encourage your child to eat something that includes multiples food groups. Try something simple like avocado or peanut butter toast, hummus with veggies and whole-wheat pita, or even a smoothie.
Hydration No Matter What
Regardless of the intensity of the workout, the most important thing is to keep your kid hydrated before, during and after.
It is recommended to top off water intake approximately two hours before any physical activity. Then, athletes should continue hydrating throughout. And while there are many sports drinks to choose from, the healthiest option is water. If you want to add some fun (and natural) flavors to them, try infusing with fruits and/or veggies.
Want to learn more? Henry Ford Health System sports medicine experts are treating the whole athlete, in a whole new way. From nutrition to neurology, and from injury prevention to treatment of sports-related conditions, they can give your athlete a unique game plan.
Visit henryford.com/sports or call (313) 972-4216 for an appointment within 24 business hours.
Stretching Done Right: Easy Tips To Stay Limber
By
Christina Chapski, Ed.D., AT, ATC
Henry Ford Health
November 7, 2023
Stretching is more than just a workout suggestion – it's a vital way to avoid injury and get the most out of your activity. You wouldn’t take your car on a long drive without making sure it’s in tip-top shape, right? So before you work up a sweat, work up a stretch.
One important thing to keep in mind is that dynamic stretching is best. It uses momentum to propel your muscles into an extended range of motion. Unlike static stretching, where you remain in an almost still position, a dynamic warm up is the best way to get your blood flowing and your heart rate pumping.
To get your muscles primed for activity, high knees, "butt kicks" and side shuffling are more effective than standing quad stretches. If you are doing an upright quad stretch, it's best to lean back a little to get the full benefit, since your quads originate from above the hip. Also, remember to always grab the ankle and not the toe.
Here are some other helpful hints on how to warm up the right way:
- For hamstrings: The hamstring muscle attaches to your bones below the knee at the back of the leg, so you want to avoid bending them (which ultimately shortens the muscle you’re trying to stretch). When bending at your back, make sure to keep your spine straight like a table to elongate those muscles. Keep your chin up. If you bend down to touch your toes, there’s no need to hover closer than six inches above the ground – unless you’re able to comfortably do so.
- For pectoral muscles: "Door stretches” offer the best stretch. Simply place your arms out on either side of you as if you were making a “T” with your body. Then, bend your arms up at your elbows so they each form a 90-degree angle. In this position, put your arms on either side of a door frame, with your body within the frame’s opening and walk forward slowly to open up the chest.
- For triceps: Make a gesture like you’re scratching your upper back and be sure to keep your elbows in for maximum benefit.
- For the torso: The iron cross stretch involves putting your arms out at your sides like a “T” and then rotating at your waist side to side. You can also drop down toward the floor and reach for your toes, one side at a time.
Other great tips to add to your stretching repertoire include:
- Don’t forget to keep breathing throughout your stretch. It will help keep your muscle tissue oxygenated.
- Hold each stretch for 10 to 20 seconds, aiming for three repetitions of each. If you prefer, you can split up your stretching throughout the day, or use props like foam rollers to help ease tension in your muscles and break up knots.
- Listen to your body while stretching. Slight pain is acceptable, but if your muscles start shaking, it's a warning for you to stop.
- Don't give up. Stretching progress can be slow, so comparing your progress to that of others will only discourage you. Pay attention to your own progress. Seeing your body become more flexible when you previously weren’t limber will help keep you motivated and is the ultimate reward.
To find a sports medicine doctor or athletic trainer at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com/athletes. Christina Chapski, Ed.D., AT, ATC, is the director of athletic training and community outreach at Henry Ford Health. Read more of Chapski's articles.