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Archive for Nutrition

As the kids get ready to go back to school and after school sports practices kick back in, take time to fuel your athlete with healthy mini meals. We have found that four small meals a day is the best balance for my daughters – they eat breakfast before school, have a packed lunch at school, then they eat a mini-dinner between school and gymnastics (or swimming depending on the day), and then they have another mini-meal after practice.

A few years ago a friend of mine, who is a registered nutritionist, gave us a great list of healthy lunch box and snack ideas. I keep this list posted on the inside of the cabinet in the kitchen for quick reference.

  • Tuna sandwich on whole grain bread
  • Egg salad sandwich on whole grain bread
  • Smoked or roast turkey breast on whole grain bread
  • Lean roast beef on whole grain bread
  • Natural peanut butter and all fruit spread on whole grain bread
  • Whole wheat pita topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese (not the Lunchables)
  • Starkist Tuna Kits
  • Roll-ups – fill whole wheat flour tortillas with refried beans and shredded cheese; tuna fish; smoked turkey breast with shredded lettuce and cheese; or make your own combinations
  • Hot soup in a thermos
  • Fresh fruit – apple slices (drizzle with orange juice to keep from turning brown), small bunch of grapes, banana, orange slices, strawberries, blueberries
  • Container of unsweetened applesauce
  • Container of reduced fat yogurt – stay away from the ones with sprinkles or added toppings
  • Fruit roll-ups or fruit leather made with real fruit puree
  • Raw carrots, broccoli or cauliflower with ranch dressing
  • Mini salads – place cut up romaine or other dark, leafy greens in plastic container with lid. Place croutons in aluminum foil to be added and put salad dressing in small container with lid .
  • Celery with peanut butter and raisins
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks
  • Raw almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews and peanuts (if there are no peanut allergies in the class)
  • Trail mix made of dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries), raw almonds or other nuts, sunflower seeds, mini pretzel rings or sticks, goldfish pretzels, popcorn, etc
  • Baked tortilla chips and salsa
  • Natural peanut butter on whole grain crackers
  • For more ideas, check out Lunch Boxes and Snacks: Over 120 healthy recipes from delicious sandwiches and salads to hot soups and sweet treats

With a little planning and some creativity, you can give your athlete the fuel her body needs and avoid unhealthy stops at fast food restaurants, too.

Categories : Nutrition
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Nov
29

Our Favorite Quick Snack – Smoothies

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One of the challenges I face as a parent of an athlete is making sure her body gets the right nutrition through out the week. Add to that she is a very picky eater and lactose intolerant and you can see why it is a challenge.  One of her favorite snacks/mini meals is a smoothie. Smoothies are great because they are portable, you can sneak in all sorts of good for you ingredients, and they are fun!

Since my daughter is lactose intolerant I have to be careful what I use as a base for her smoothie. She can handle yogurt in small doses but is not a fan of it. The recipe we use most often is very basic:

  • Fill blender half full with frozen strawberries and a fresh (or frozen) banana
  • Add a 1/4 cup of calcium fortified orange juice
  • Blend until smooth, adding a bit more juice as needed.

Because the strawberries are frozen, you don’t need to add ice.

Startcooking.com has 10 more great recipes and ideas for creating that perfect smoothie.

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Categories : Nutrition
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Jul
05

Keep Young Athletes Hydrated

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keep your athlete hydratedThe sun is shining and outdoor temperatures are climbing! One of the most important things you need to remember is to keep athletes hydrated during summer sports practices and competitions.

  • Make sure your athlete has 1-2 cups of fluid within 2 hours of practice/competition
  • For events lasting less than an hour, water is preferred over sports drinks
  • Athletes should be consuming 5-9 ounces of water every 20-30 minutes depending on the intensity of the activity

These guidelines should also be kept in mind for afternoons at the pool, trips to the amusement park, and general outdoor play.

Source: MSNBC

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