Calories Count..Perhaps Not in the Way You Think

If you’re like most people, then you’ve probably been led to believe all your life that calories matter. And, to some degree, this is true. Take in more calories than your body burns/needs, and you will gain weight. Take in fewer, and you’ll lose. Take in just the right amount, and you’ll stay the same. All of these things are true, but none of this means that all calories are created equally, nutritionally speaking, especially when it comes to athletes.

The food that you eat and that you get your calories and, thus, your energy from matters. Think of it this way- would you feel just as satisfied eating a 100 calorie tablespoon of mayonnaise as you would a 100 calorie piece of chicken? Calories differ in terms of the satiation they offer, as well as in terms of overall nutritional content, effects on the body, hormone release triggered in the body, and digestion speed and efficacy.     

This is especially true for athletes, especially young ones, who require all the energy, stamina, speed, and endurance possible from their calories. Thus, all people, but especially athletes, need to be making efforts to take in calories (aka food) that is nutrient dense, meaning full of not just empty calories but healthy, energy and endurance promoting calories.

Usually, unless the athlete in your life has a weight problem, there is no need to religiously count calories. Just eat the most filling, nutrient dense calories possible, and you should be just fine- better than fine even! You only need to count if your athlete is encountering weight gain or is at an unhealthy weight to start with. In these instances, you should count, with a main focus on health, to ensure your athlete isn’t getting too many calories for his age, height, and activity level; a simple online calorie calculator can help with this matter.

Overall, though,the bottom line is that calories count, but they don’t just count in number. They count in quality and in terms of the value they provide to the body, so keep these tips in mind as you nourish the young hockey player in your life.

Eating Right in the Hockey Off Season

Most parents try their best to get their little hockey players to follow a fairly healthy diet during the playing season. After all, it’s so important for athletes to have good, balanced nutrition that is going to provide them with the stamina and energy they need to be successful on the ice. All of that healthy eating can be a challenge, however, which is why many people take a break from healthy foods...in favor of lots of junk...during the off-season. While it’s certainly okay to indulge a little here and there, it is not okay to completely neglect healthy choices. Doing so can cause setbacks and get young players out of their healthy eating mindsets.                    

In fact, the off-season is the perfect time to evaluate your player’s diet from the last season. Did your player gain fat or build muscle? Did your player complain of cramps or low energy? What are some foods or drinks your player needs to cut back on in the upcoming season? Thinking and talking about these things and how they relate to overall diet and physical fitness and perhaps even visiting a sports nutritionist for advice can be very helpful and can make for an even better diet next season.

While you’re busy helping your athlete to set goals and prepare for the next season, eating healthy foods is still important. Aim for vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains served up in healthy but delicious ways. The off-season is a great time to get creative and find and try some new recipes.

Also, while you’re at it, make sure your child is staying active. If he’s not quite as active as he was during the playing season, that’s okay. Adjust calories based on physical activity but do encourage some kind of physicality daily. After workouts or physical play, always replenish your little one with a healthy energy booster like a sports drink, a piece of fruit, a cup of yogurt, or even a protein drink. Healthy snacks after exercise and throughout the day as needed will stave off hunger pangs which can lead to mindless snacking on junk foods.

As you can see, the off-season isn’t an excuse to let all healthy eating habits go out the window. It’s a time of preparation and planning but still a time of nutrition and instilling good habits.

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