The right food + the right timing creates optimal performance.
Spring in my household means ballet, karate, soccer, and T-ball (in addition to school and our other activities). Busy schedules and keeping growing bodies satisfied increases the complexity and importance of providing healthy meals and snacks. What great luck that last week I saw a presentation by Cynthia Lair, author of Feeding the Whole Family cookbook, and now an expanded second edition of Feeding the Young Athlete. She has provided the answers to the challenge in this fantastic book.
Feeding the Young Athlete by Cynthia Lair and Scott Murdock, Ph.D., RD, promises, “Essential eating guidelines for superb performance” and “What to eat, When to eat, How to shop.” It does not disappoint. This guide to feeding (and hydrating) your young athlete is loaded with helpful information, recipes, and lessons on nutrition. Feeding the Young Athlete is a must-read for all parents because these nutrition guidelines enhance all performance: athletic, arts, academic, emotional, and social. The contents are attractively, and most importantly, graphically organized to make the large amount of science and information approachable and digestible. What a find!
In addition to carrying Cynthia’s book in my bag and showing it to everyone I meet, I’ve also been drinking her recipe for lime sports water. It’s delicious, and much healthier and cheaper than bottled sports drinks.
Lime Boost by Cynthia Lair from Feeing the Young Athlete
- 2 cups lime juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Combine lime juice and sugar in saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Pour into glass jar. Store in refrigerator. To make sports drink, add 2 tablespoons of Lime Boost to 1 quart water.
*Sharon’s variations: add a few slices of cucumber and/or and some fresh mint sprigs.
As Cynthia says, “Eat better to play your best”!
Cheers,
Great review, Sharon! I’m going to try the Lime Boost. I get a little bored of water, myself, and it sounds delicious!
Super Erin! Cynthia also pointed out that citrus increases the desire for more water – bonus benefit!