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Dietician enlightens Luther athletes with sports nutrition seminar

Date 11/18/1999 12:00 AM | Topic: Features

Anne Blocker, a registered dietician from Waukon, presented a sports nutrition seminar on Thursday Nov. 11 in the CRH. The presentation consisted of two separate hour long sessions.

The first half was called, "Fueling Your Body For The Competitive Edge: What You Need To Know About Sport Nutrition." Blocker covered issues such as pre and post game meals, hydration, and game plans for good nutrition.

"Carbohydrates are the absolute best fuel for exercising as you train," said Blocker.

Blocker suggested some fast track nutrition tips. Drink 10 or more glasses of water a day. Obtain nutrients from foods and not supplements. Consume three to five carobs per pound of body weight per day.

One controversial topic with athletes is the debate of caffeine. Does it effect performance? Blocker answered that caffeine has both positive and negative aspects.

"Caffeine may make exercise easier and enhance performance, but it may also cause upset stomach, nervousness, and urine loss, which in turn can cause the athlete to suffer from dehydration more quickly. It comes down to know how your own body reacts to caffeine," said Blocker.

An issue that was continually stressed was the importance of physical and mental rest during training. Muscles need time to heal and refuel, and an athlete's mind needs time to rest and recharge, explained Blocker.

The second half of the seminar, titled "Beyond the Training Table: Sports Nutrition Strategies For Success," discussed issues like supplemental strategies, the truth about fat, and stratigies for weight gain and weight loss.

Blocker discussed the hype behind the Sports Drinks and Energy Bars. True, they are convenient and easily portable, however there have been several claims that they are not reliable. Anne Blocker views them as a wasted expense and talks of less expensive, more accessible alternatives available to athletes.

Although Blocker did not suggest any miracle weight loss strategies, she did mention that eating three meals a day with food from every part of the pyramid and exercising regularly would be the best solution. She said we are able to eat what we want, when we want, but this can only be achieved through moderation and consistency.

"It is always better to obtain the essential nutrients that the body needs through food rather than supplements," said Blocker.

Blocker explained that daily supplements are not always effective because the body does not always absorb them. The body has a better chance of absorption of nutrients if a beverege with Vitamin C is consumed with a aupplement, Blocker said.

Blocker developed the awareness that basic exercise and nutrition can easily be achieved with willingness and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. She emphasized the many benefits of proper nutrition and exercise.

Blocker stated, "It is important that each person understands and becomes familiar with the limits of one's own body."

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Heather Mann
Chips Staff Writer

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