Nutrition 101
It is easy to assume that athletes and coaches understand basic underlying principles that create a balanced diet. However, its important to present the baseline of what good nutrition looks like before moving on to the specific needs and demands of the distance running athlete.
The MyPlate Initiative
Click to visit MyPlate on Campus website. Graphic courtesy of MyPlate.gov
In 2010 the US Department of Agriculture replaced its long used and sometimes misinterpreted "food pyramid" that many of us grew up with and remember from elementary education. In its stead, the pyramid was replaced by MyPlate. The name of the initiative itself is represented by an easy to recognize and remember plate graphic using the major food groups.
This step in educating the American public generated some controversy but overall it does help present a simple and easy to recognize way of filling your plate at each meal. Each segment represents how a plate should be filled with each food option. While the simple graphic is helpful, it is obviously lacking the nuts and bolts of the role each area plays in a healthy diet. More helpful info can be found at the ChooseMyPlate.gov website.
I do not believe its necessary to go into great detail on basic nutrition but the materials linked above and below are helpful for someone desiring to evaluate their own basic daily dietary patterns. Keys to the MyPlate initiative are centered around a few bullet point items easily listed as follows:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- Switch to low-fat or non-fat dairy products
- Make half your grain intake whole grain products
- Vary your protein sources
- Choose foods low in saturated fats (fat solids)
- Look for low-sodium options
- Choose no-sugar added options