Google is my friend

Recently I feel like I have needed to update my parenting.  We’ve had some “new” experiences come up as the kids continue to grow and evolve and as I continue to grow and evolve as a mom.  Whenever I am coaching moms of younger children I always remind them that when they stumble upon a new parenting event, it is so important to research to see A.) what is out there and B.) what is normal. This technique often reminds us that what are kids are going through may be developmental and “normal” even if it seems to be the death of us!  haha.

So each time my kids present me with a new and unique challenge in parenting,  I turn to research!  Recently I found myself not sure how to advise my son.  So, I decided to google our question.  My friends laughed at me, but I must say we found GREAT advice and a good do’s and don’ts list that my hubs, son and I were all able to use as a starting point in our discussion.  Thanks google.

Well, not even a week later I found myself again wondering “what to do”.  This time the issue wasn’t so much a relationship issue, but a health concern.  My son is an athlete!  And although I try to feed him well on a daily basis and he eats his Juice Plus gummies (whole food fruits and veggies in a delicious soft chew www.yougotveggies.com), I still realized that with his newest athletic adventure – track & field- that we needed to better equip him with fuel.  Last weekend while I was at a women’s retreat, my husband dropped him off at a district meet.  He gave him some money to use throughout the day… Well, boys will be boys, and two hot dogs and some other junk later, Jack was off running and jumping his 300 Hurdles… he said he thought he was going to blow right there on the track… he said he learned the hard way NOT to eat 2 hot dogs on race day!  (He did win first place though out of the entire district!!!)

This whole adventure got me thinking…What do track stars eat to keep them fueled and not sick???  So off to my good friend google I went.  And this is what I found!

 

HOW TO MAKE SNACKS FOR TRACK MEETS
Oct 18, 2011 | By Beth Rifkin
Overview The ability to run track efficiently, whether in speed or endurance races, starts with sound nutrition. Consuming foods that help repair muscles while also providing energy can enable a track and field runner to prevent both injuries and burnout. Ideal snacks are those that combine proteins with carbohydrates and contain electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. Keep portions small so that you can refuel between races without being slowed down by a full stomach.

• Step 1 – Pack organic peanut butter spread on whole-grain crackers. The peanut butter is easy to digest and contains protein, monounsaturated fats, potassium and magnesium. The whole-grain crackers contain energy-boosting carbs, fiber and sodium.
•  Step 2 – Consume beef jerky at the track meet. Beef jerky is pure protein, which can feed your tired and hungry muscles. Purchase snack-size bags or make your own by placing single servings in zipper-locked bags. Check the beef jerky package to determine a serving size.
•  Step 3 – Cool off with creamy yogurt or cottage cheese. These snacks require a cooler, but their nutritional value make the extra effort worth it. Inside each is protein, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
•  Step 4 – Bake baby new potatoes the day before your track meet and refrigerate. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt before you leave for the meet and pack the salted potatoes in zipper-locked bags. Potatoes contain potassium, magnesium, iron and fiber, and the salt helps to restore your sodium levels.
•  Step 5 – Peel a banana to eat between races. Bananas contain carbohydrates and potassium, and they come in their own wrapper.
•  Step 6 – Bring berries, apples and oranges. These fruits are easy to pack and contain natural sugar for energy and plenty of vitamin C, which helps with cell repair. Fresh fruit also contains water, which can help you to rehydrate.
•  Step 7  – Drink water with your snacks. Staying hydrated can help your muscles perform more efficiently. Water also can help prevent injuries, such as pulled muscles, which can happen when you are dehydrated.

Ok, so I didn’t pack the new potatoes, but everything else on that list was purchased!  Throughout the night, my boy munched on protein, veggies, whole grain crackers and water…and… he crushed his times!