As part of our growing list of content here at LIJSoccer.com we have introduced a weekly feature discussing the importance of good nutrition, not only in terms of how it helps your performance, but how it also contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Want to know what you should eat before a game? After? In the offseason? What about a plan for the right way to eat during those long tournament weekends when you may only have an hour between games?
Be sure to check back each week as our LIJSoccer nutrition expert, Cristina Rivera of Nutrition in Motion gives you all those answers and more. Each week, Cristina will offer a fun nutritional fact that can help you get a better understanding of healthy eating, and twice a month will post more detailed features regarding the best way to lay out a proper nutrition plan for young athletes.
This week’s fun nutritional fact is perfect for this time of year as the weather turns colder.
"Adequate calorie intake is imperative for winter workouts. Athletes burn more calories exercising in the cold due to the extra energy it takes to maintain your core body temperature. Be sure to eat a snack 1-2 hours prior to exercise as well as within 30 minutes of finishing. This will ensure that you have enough fuel to meet these increased needs while preventing muscle from being used for energy."