Eat well, play well
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hen asked about the benefits of eating five meals a day, Science Department Chair Natalie Rasmussen said, “Eating five meals a day is better than eating two big meals. If you spread out your caloric intake over the day, your stomach is not over loaded, you don’t get sleepy, you don’t have cramps, and you keep your blood sugar levels throughout the day as opposed to having big spikes and crashes.”
Blake is a school full of athletes. Every student has played at least two seasons of sports, so every student know that what you eat can make a big impact on the field, the court, the pool, or the ice.
Caleb Slavitt ’16 says, “I’m more conscious of what I put into my body when I know I have a game that day.”
Eating five meals a day will increase metabolic efficiency, which will effect an athletes need to eat less carbohydrates and perform better during long races and hardcore training sessions.
Whether the goal is building muscle or losing weight, five meals a day will benefit you. While eating five small meals, be aware that the types of snacks make a big difference in the results. The small meals still need to be healthy to get the desired end product.
For breakfast, an omelette with whole wheat toast,and a glass of orange juice is a nutritious way to kick off your morning. Egg is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. Orange juice has a high percentage of Vitamin C which will help protect your immune system.
Fruit is a good mid-morning snack. Fruit is another good source of vitamins, and it’s always available in the lunchroom. A banana is packed with fiber, carbs, and potassium which prevents cramping and promotes cardiovascular health.
Salmon with vegetables is a great meal for lunch . Salmon is packed with protein and the Omega Three Fatty Acids that the body needs but can’t create. Omega Three also has numerous heart benefits. Vegetables also are good sources of antioxidants and vitamins.
In the afternoon, snack on a clif bar. A good source of fiber, carbohydrates, and protein. Cal Slavitt ’16 says, “I eat fruit, protein bars, and granola.” Brandon Pearson ‘14 says, “I keep a high protein high starch diet, because it gives a little boost of energy.”
For dinner, spaghetti is a great option. Many teams have pasta feeds, known as “carbo loads” the night before games because the high amount of carbohydrates.