The Ravens players are back in town for their off season strength and conditioning program. The exercises they are doing are specific for football. Workouts that are specialized for football often include lifting heavy weights, running gassers (sprints) on the practice fields, and specific exercises to strengthen their backs (core).  Each of these movements uses the carbohydrates in their muscles.  The stored carbohydrate or glycogen must be replaced before and after workouts.  Glycogen gives our muscles the energy to run or lift weights.

 

As an athlete try to eat healthy grains at meals and snacks to replace the glycogen in your muscles.  This will give you the energy you need for school, practices, and workouts.  A healthy grain is one that contains fiber and lots of B vitamins.  Maintain your energy by eating healthy grains throughout the day. Here is a table of some of your healthiest grain choices.

 

Healthy Grains

If You Normally Eat This...

Instead Choose This ...

Potato Chips, French Fries

 

Baked Potato, Sweet Potato

White Bread

100% Whole Wheat Bread, Stone Ground Bread

Plain Bagel, Egg Bagel

 

Multi Grain Bagel, Whole Grain Bagel

White Rice, Sticky Rice

 

Brown Rice, Wild Rice

Pasta, Egg Noodles

 

Whole Wheat Pasta

Pretzels

 

Whole Wheat Pretzels

Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Grits

 

Oatmeal, Bran Cereal