Butler County Health Care Center sponsored a Sports Nutrition Seminar for the athletes and coaches at East Butler High School.  Lindsey Remmers, Director of Performance Nutrition at the University of Nebraska, spent an hour talking to the basketball teams and wrestling team about the need to fuel their bodies for peak performance.

Lindsey started by covering the basics, such as the amount of calories the average boy or girl athlete needs to take in during the day to meet their energy demands.  Many of the athletes were surprised to see that this amount was higher than what they had guessed.  Lindsey also talked about why consistency is key when taking in calories during the day.  For example, athletes should start their day with a healthy breakfast.  Something quick and easy – a PB & J with a banana and glass of milk – would be a good option.  A small snack in the afternoon before practice is also important.  This helps to bridge the 5-6 hour gap between school lunch and dinner when they get home after practice.  This snack will help the athletes be able to practice more intensely and with better focus.  Lindsey wrapped up the presentation with a note for athletes to opt for food first, as opposed to supplements.  Many supplements are not regulated, therefore it is difficult to say what is actually in the product.  And even if one chooses a supplement, it is just that, a supplement, not a replacement for healthy, quality food.

For more information about Sports Nutrition, contact Eric De Wispelare, Wellness Director, at 402-367-1256 or edewispelare@bchccnet.org.