Dining Commons Beware!
Categories: Athletics According to Anthony
Cippy is back!!! One topic that I think is important to discuss and is commonly overlooked involves the eating habits that you should have as a student-athlete. A lot of athletes think that since they work out and stay active they can eat anything and everything they want. I can tell you from previous experience that one who follows this “eat everything plan” will wind up with an extra 20 pounds by the end of their first year. “The Freshman 15” is possible!!!
While it is not healthy for any college student to eat solely unbalanced meals, it is especially detrimental to student-athletes. Our coaching staff, and I am sure many others, have freshmen students that we have had to talk to about nutrition since it was hindering their performance on the field. To help our athletes succeed, we have nutrition professors meet with these student-athletes to create an eating regiment that is realistic for them. Not every college has professionals that will be able to give each player individual assistance with their nutritional diet, so it’s up to you to take control of your own eating habits.
The Dining Commons provides various eating options. All the food is good, don’t get me wrong, but the quality of nutrients varies with the type of choice you make. It is very easy to grab a quick burger or slice of pizza before class, but make sure you check your portions!!!! Don’t eat 5 slices of pizza and perhaps throw a salad into the mix every once in a while! Also, be careful about drinking your calories. Soda, iced tea, and even sports drinks are just sugar drinks. And as an athlete, make sure you are drinking enough water, the only drink that can hydrate and quench your thirst at the same time. We are very lucky that we have a nutrient fact sheet in our main dining commons (check your college, you might have one too)! I suggest student-athletes (and really anyone that cares about their health and nutrition-remember healthy eating not only helps you athletically, but it can help your brain function better too- something every college student can benefit from!) take the time and read what is being served and how much saturated and trans fat are in the meals. It may seem like a pain, but your mind and body will thank you.
If you would like a jump start on your healthy nutritional path there are many websites that can help (in addition to resources provided by your college). I suggest the following site to help get you in the right mindset. Remember if you have any questions or want me to post a new topic of your choice, leave me a comment!
-Cippy out!!!
Great points Cippy. I agree that college students can sometimes get into unhealthy eating and other habits like a lack of sleep. I know my dining hall had many healthy options like stir fry, sushi, a salad bar, and a sandwich station. I also could use points on my meal plan to go eat at the student union where I would often grab a soup or smoothie. Eat a balanced meal and I guarantee you will perform better in class and on the field!
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At the very least, starting the good habits in college makes it that much easier to continue the dietary habits after you take that desk job and aren't as active.
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This is a great topic. Being more aware of your diet while in school is very important. With late night term papers and the pizza to go with it, alot of students don't think about all that they are eating. Making a log of what you eat each day for a week can show you where you might want to save a few calories or replace them with a healthier option. That way you'll be able to cheat here and there with some late night pizza!
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Cippy you are right buddy, optimal nutrition is vital for overall performance. I see a lot of my friends in college eat fried foods or little food before going to compete in sport. I’m glad to see schools are helping their athletes with nutrition. I like Rich’s comment, I think education in nutrition and learning good habits can also help in the game of life, good point Rich…
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Thanks for the post.... healthy eating is a key for student athletes!
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Especially this time of year, when we are all going through finals, it's a good reminder to eat healthy and not just go for the quick fix. Thanks Cippy!
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