NUTRITION
Keep Your Body Strong Key sport foods and meal ideas to improve your performance and keep your immune system strong as we approach colder months on the court
BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, USPTA
A
s we approach the colder time of the year and a potentially challenging flu season, it is crucial to keep your body strong. Nutrition can help! An obvious starting point is hydration; don’t forget to hydrate just because it’s cold. Tennis players often don’t drink as much in cooler weather because of less visual sweat losses, but staying properly hydrated helps maintain endurance and power on the court. Drink two cups of fluid two hours before play, and another one to two cups before hitting the courts. Consider some of the new flavored waters that may enhance your drinking volume such as Propel and Powerade fitness waters.
DRINK TWO CUPS OF FLUID TWO HOURS BEFORE PLAY, AND ANOTHER ONE TO TWO CUPS BEFORE HITTING THE COURTS.
Foods to consider BEFORE you play Oatmeal with added nuts and cinnamon Hearty oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate, and it is high in fiber which provides you longer-lasting energy and protein. Adding nuts for more protein and a healthy (unsaturated) fat can help the oatmeal last you even longer on the court. If you sprinkle a little cinnamon, you will be adding even more immuneboosting antioxidants to help fend off winter viruses. Consider the following products to help you quickly choose a convenient pre-match meal: Quaker and Kodiak high-protein oatmeals in a cup.
High-carbohydrate energy bars Energy bars have always been a top sport nutrition recommendation, and now there are some new kids on the block that can be grab-and-go pre-tennis high energy sources. Make sure the bar you choose has at least a 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein to ensure that the bar is an appropriate pre-exercise choice and can be eaten as close as one hour and even 30 minutes before you walk out the door to play. Pro Bar and Kind Bar Energy Bar are two new products to consider.
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NETNEWS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
