The Standard American Diet is hurting student athletes...but we can change this.
Diane Johnson
Empowering youth athletes with simple and strategic nutrition & wellness support.
A 3 minute read today.
The Standard American Diet (SAD) has long been criticized for its contribution to various health issues.?
Currently, 60% of the American population has one chronic disease. 40% have at least two.
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022)
The kicker is that the bulk of these chronic illnesses are preventable through addressing lifestyle factors..namely nutrition and stress.
When it comes to student athletes, the prevalence of the SAD is a true concern.
The very individuals who should be fueling their bodies with nutrient-dense foods are often falling prey to processed, high-sugar, and low-nutrient meals that can compromise their well-being.
Demanding training schedules and academic responsibilities mean student athletes frequently opt for quick, convenient food choices that align with the SAD. This, however, can lead to an array of health problems, including fatigue, decreased performance, and increased susceptibility to injuries.
Here’s 4 things we can do to help student athletes (and their parents)?counteract this SAD trend and support them in making healthier dietary choices.
Prioritize Education and Awareness:
Start by educating student athletes and parents about the impact of nutrition on their performance and overall health. Workshops, seminars, resources and ongoing nutritional coaching can help them understand how good quality foods will help them.
Because young athletes really do care about their performance, they are often more inclined to listen to specific strategies on how they can use food to play better, reduce the likelihood of injuries and recover faster.?
Accessible Nutrient-Rich Options:
Student athletes are hungry all the time! And when food isn’t available, they will go find some. This then tends to be something quick, convenient and low quality. Making nutrient-dense foods readily available and appealing can be a huge factor in increasing their food quality.
Programs and teams can collaborate with school cafeterias, local markets, or nutrition programs to ensure that student athletes have easy access to wholesome options. Smoothie bars, meal delivery plans, tower gardens and collaboration with local businesses are just a few ways programs could make eating well more convenient for student athletes
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Meal Planning and Support:
Encourage athletes (and parents) to engage in meal planning to ensure they meet their nutritional needs. Provide education and guidance on creating well-rounded meals that incorporate a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, offer support through nutritionists or dietitians who can tailor plans to individual training requirements and dietary preferences.
Address Time and Stress
A significant contributing factor to prevalence of the SAD among young athletes and their families is the stress-laden schedules they juggle every day.
Stress can trigger a cascade of poor dietary choices, with comfort foods often taking precedence in times of pressure. The quick fixes offered by fast food and sugary snacks become tempting solutions for time-strapped student athletes seeking immediate relief from the demands of their hectic lives. Unfortunately, these choices not only fail to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal performance but also contribute to the development of health issues.
To address this issue and foster a shift towards healthier eating habits, we can integrate stress management strategies into the student athlete's experience.
Mindful practices can be incorporated into young athletes training regimes to teach them to slow down, pay attention in the moment, release judgement and become more attuned to themes of their body.?
Stress-relief techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can also be woven into the athletes' training schedules. These practices can help reduce stress levels and create a more conducive environment for making mindful and health-conscious dietary choices.
Athletes and parents may also need support to develop effective time-management strategies. By optimizing their schedules, they can carve out time for nutritious meal preparation
When it comes to ensuring that student athletes have a healthy and prosperous experience in sport and beyond, empowering them to break free from the Standard American Diet is essential.
Not only will this help student athletes feel more energized, get stronger, be more resilient to injuries and play their best, it will lead them to a healthier lifestyle that fuels success off the field for years to come.
When you are ready, there are a few ways that I help people like you everyday.
Until next week.
~ Diane