Eating for Two-A-Days

Once two-a-days start, players should consume at least three meals per day with snacks in between. Aim to proportion two-thirds of the plate to consist of carbohydrates, and choose foods with higher water content such as fruits and vegetables.

Skipping breakfast is not an option!

Especially when a player has an early morning practice or lifting session. If you feel like you do not have alot of time or money, a smoothie(McDonalds sells them now), yogurt, cereal and fruit, or even a sports drink and sports cheap and fast option

Adequate caloric intake is very important. To support a large, hard-exercising body, this can mean consuming a lot of food. That is okay. Players should not be trying to lose weight during this time.

For the player desiring to gain weight, the most important point is to be consistent, eating more calories every day. Some tips:

- Start a meal with food, not liquids, so have the sandwich first, then the shake.
- Replace low or no calorie beverages with juice, lemonade, milk, and sports drinks instead of water.
- Try to eat one-quarter more at every meal and snack.
- Keep snack food around to nibble on.
- Add higher calorie foods to every meal: granola instead of sugared cereal.
- Add nuts to cereal, or snacks.
- Eat bagels instead of bread.
- Add more protein, but only 4 ounces more a day, through food, not supplements. Choose cheese, low-fat lunch meats, an extra piece of chicken or fish, milk, and yogurt.

To make the most of your talents, MAKE NUTRITION A PRIORITY!