Here are the notes for this week’s topic:

Protein's Role as a Team Player

        As we continue into our Nutrition talk in this Week’s RH Jr. Comets Weekly Newsletter, we left off with Carbohydrates as one of the key components of Nutrition.  But as I research some material through the USDA’s “My Plate” I found out that Protein is a key nutritional component in our RH Jr. Comet athlete’s daily regimen that we as parents can’t forget.

        Protein in food has always been a particularly popular nutrient with athletes because of its role in building and maintaining muscles. Indeed, our young athletes need to consume a wide variety of high quality protein foods in their diets, but as parents we know it sometimes can’t happen.

        However, while protein is necessary, it is not the primary fuel for working muscles and more protein than the body can use the more it help with other components and systems of the body.

        While some research shows in other periodicals that protein requirements are higher for athletes to aid in muscle repair and growth, most athletes are already consuming more protein than the body can process, I suggest sticking with the USDA’s table, because it is what our children learn in their schools.  

        Here are some tips:

§  Adding some additional calories each day to current dietary intake, to allow the body to use protein already present in the diet for muscle growth and not be broken down to fuel activity.

§  Eating foods that are both high in carbohydrates and proteins like grilled chicken sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese, and crackers.

§  Choosing low-fat sources of both carbohydrates and protein.

§  Eating several small meals throughout the day to support training and muscle-building.

If anyone has questions or ideas, please feel to contact Kevin in person or by e-mail at GRFD627@rochester.rr.com or Sheri Faggiano in person.  Thank you!!!