Whether you or your kids are competitive athletes, good nutrition is important. For peak performance choose a variety of foods from each food group in Canada’s Food Guide every day. Vegetables, fruit and whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta and oatmeal provide the carbohydrates needed to fuel the body for sports.
Milk, fortified soy beverages, yogurt, cheese and smoothies made with milk build bones.
Meat and alternatives such as chili, grilled chicken, stir-fried tofu and tuna sandwiches are high in protein and iron.
Visit Health Canada’s website www.healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide to create your own personalized food guide.
Insist that the food and beverages available at school events are healthy.
Healthy choices not only help to fuel optimal performance, but their presence at school sporting events and fun days reinforces healthy eating messages taught in the classroom. Whenever possible, link healthy choices at activity days with your school’s healthy living programs.
Ensure the menu at school events allow students the opportunity to choose a balanced meal.
Instead of chips and candy, include milk, 100 per cent real fruit/vegetable juice, cheese, apple slices or crisp raw vegetables and dip.
For more information on eating for performance, email a question via www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian.
