With our Spring season right around the corner, we should be thinking about (if we haven’t been already) getting our bodies prepared and in shape. Getting prepared and in shape encompasses a few aspects of our lives and health. You’re going to have to consider your cardiovascular health, your strength and fitness, and your nutritional needs.
Last week, I posted a link to Adam Russell’s blog. Adam is a nutrition consultant for USA Rugby. On his blog, you’ll find a lot of helpful nutritional information. I’d like to share, with you, a little bit of nutrition wisdom that Adam imparted on us at the most recent USA Rugby invitational camp.
Adam said that one of the key factors in a good nutritional plan is sleep. He says that all of the “magic” associated with good nutrition is useless without sleep. Generally eight hours is average amount the normal adult needs, however this amount is dependent on the person. Some can function just fine off six hours and others need ten.
Not only is sleep important, but eating a source of protein helps. About a half hour after you set off in dreamland, your pituitary gland releases a growth hormone that tells your body to start repairing itself. If amino acids (like those found in protein) aren’t present, the brain won’t prioritize physical recovery, but will put itself and vital organs first.
Protein prevents the body from catabolizing (breaking down) muscle for energy and will give your body the amino acids it needs to enhance physical recovery. So before you doze off, take 20-30 grams of a slow digesting protein, like cottage cheese, chicken, skim milk or a protein shake.
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