A sports-performance coach answers quick nutrition questions for athletes. He recommends 6-7 eating periods instead of three meals, suggests chicken and rice before games, and says don't skip meals while traveling.
Sports drink versus electrolytes with water?
I'm gonna take both of them. It just depends on the day and the game and the practice and, you know, some sports drinks don't have enough electrolytes in them, but electrolyte drinks don't always have enough carbohydrates in them. Just both.
3 big meals a day or 6 small meals a day?
Really whichever way is gonna work best for athletes. However, I usually have my athletes doing at least 6 to 7 eating periods throughout the day.
Organic fruit versus normal fruit?
Let's just slice this down the middle. I'm gonna just stay Switzerland on this one. Very neutral. If you like the organic, stay with organic fruit. If you don't, just eat non-organic fruit.
Moral of the story, get your fruit in. Chicken and rice bowl or a sandwich?
Is this personal preference?
Yes.
Lately it's been like a sandwich. I'mma probably take like a good turkey sub over that right now.
What about for athletes?
Uh, if it's pregame, I'd probably say chicken and rice bowl.
Eating out on the road or not eating at all?
Eat out. Even if it's not gonna be the best food in the world, something is always gonna be better than nothing for you athletes.
