Proper diet remains a crucial component with football

This week marks an exciting time for high school football players across the country.

After months of preparation and weeks of preseason practice and countless hours in the weight room, many states kick off the regular season, allowing athletes to put their talents on display in a real game.

And as players head into the most rewarding period of the season, this is no time for athletes to disregard the diet and exercise habits that helped get them into shape. Keeping up conditioning is key for players hoping to see sustained success throughout the fall.

Here are some dietary tips to guide players in the right direction as they attempt to stay healthy throughout the long and physical season.

Kick the cravings. By eating the same foods every day, the craving textures in your body become heightened. Such problems also arise if you cut out entire food groups, as your body will crave neglected foods. The best way to avoid this problem is to mix up what you eat on a daily basis.

Know what to avoid before games and practices. Foods that are high in fat, protein and artificial sweeteners are almost guaranteed to slow you down during strenuous activity.

Don’t buy into food myths. One misconception is that athletes shouldn’t eat fruit because it contains sugar. In reality, the sugar in fruit is good for you if eaten in moderation as it provides additional vitamins and antioxidants. Another is that G2 and Gatorade are the same when in fact Gatorade’s sugar and carb count is three times higher than that of G2.

CLICK HERE: To print out a poster and share nutrition tips with your team

By Clay Cunnunghan - via USA Football