b'BRING FOOD TO SCHOOLHighschoolathleteswhohaveafter-school activities could easily spend 10-12 hours a day at school, and the school lunch and vending machinewillnotsupporttheirdailyenergy needs. Athletes who have the most success with buildingmuscleandreachingtheirstrength and body weight goals do so by having a plan, which involves bringing snacks to have between main meals. Teens can take a few minutes each day or 20 minutes on a weekend day to prepare snacks for the week. They can make 10-15 sandwiches (pb and j, turkey and cheese, etc.), 10-15 bags of trail mix, and organize their nutrition bars and fruit so that when they wake up in the morning, all they have to do is grab an AM, PM, and after-practice snack fuel for the day.INCREASE NUTRIENT QUALITYThe diet of a young athlete is often filled with a varietyFruits and Vegetablesreduceinflammation,muscle offastandprocessedfoods(i.e.candy,cookies,soda,soreness,andimproveimmunefunction,reducingan etc.). There is a place for these type of calories, but weathletes chance of getting sick.want to keep these foods to about 10-15% of the diet at most as they contain little to no nutritional value (i.e.LeanProteinhelpspromoteahealthymetabolism, low in vitamins and minerals) and increase the risk offacilitates muscle recovery, and improves muscle growth inflammation.when combined with a well-rounded strength program. PURPOSE OF FOODState Championship Carbsprovide fuel and sustainedEditorsNote:TavisPiattoly,MS,RD,LDNistheEducation energy to the working muscle as well as facilitates muscleProgram Manager and Sports Dietitian for the Taylor Hooton recovery. Think sweet potatoes, beans, whole grain bread,Foundation where he educates young individuals and their adult brownrice,quinoa,oatmeal,butternutsquash,wholeinfluencers about the dangers of Appearance and Performance grain pasta, potatoes, and whole grain waffles.EnhancingSubstancesandDietarySupplements.Formore information, go to taylorhooton.org.GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMARCH 202037'