PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – Oct 5, 2011) – Football season is here and more than three million American kids ages 6-16 are hitting the grid iron, not to mention the thousands of collegiate and pro players taking the field. All eyes are on athletes as concerns about head injuries, proper padding and hydration are heating up. While equipment is essential, sports experts caution that what you put in your body is as important as the right gear you put on your body, which is why Cleveland’s star running back, Peyton Hillis, and professional sports nutritionist, Lisa Dorfman, have teamed up with Shamrock Farms Rockin’ Refuel to get the word out to parents, coaches and athletes of all ages.
“Injury prevention is not only a goal; it’s critical to my job,” said Hillis, who had a breakout 2010 season. “To be a power running back, I need to make sure my muscles remain as healthy and strong as possible which is why I keep a close eye on my diet and protein intake.”
In fact, 80 percent of a player’s performance comes from nutrition, according to Lisa Dorfman, MS, RD, CSSD, LMHC Board Certified Sports Nutritionist with the University of Miami and author of “Performance Nutrition for Football.”
Here are tips for optimal nutrition to promote performance and help prevent injuries:
Game-Time Nutrition: Pre and Post Game
It’s Not All about Carbs: Serve a meal low in fiber and fat, like grilled chicken or lowfat yogurt with fruit, three to four hours before kickoff. It will sustain energy throughout all four quarters and not weigh you down.
Replenish, Repair, Rebuild: It’s important to refuel within 30 minutes to one hour of working out with foods that are high in protein to help rebuild muscles.
Keep it Simple at Game Time: Apples, bagels and pizza are good sources of complex carbohydrates while grilled chicken, canned tuna and peanut butter provide the protein needed to build a stronger body.
Whole Foods Offer Wholesome Nutrition: Whole foods are always better than supplements, so make sure you read the ingredients on anything you’re consuming.
Get Your Own Personal Training Session
Dorfman and Hillis are bringing their expertise online, with tips and nutrition information to help keep athletes healthy. Log onto RockinRefuel.com or “Like” us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RockinRefuel for the latest tips and advice on how to eat and train properly to help stay off the injury list.
Rockin’ Refuel’s Deep Bench of Vitamins and Minerals
Rockin’ Refuel is packed with 20 grams of high-quality protein, and is fast becoming the sports drink of choice among coaches, players and trainers. In addition to the great taste and nutritional benefits of being 100 percent real milk, Rockin’ Refuel has a 2:1 carb to protein ratio, ideal for maximum muscle recovery.
For more information, please visit: http://smnr.akamediainc.com/rockinrefuel-2011/.