Greensboro Giants: Information for Giants Parents

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Parent Infomation
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5 Foods all Athletes Should Eat 0 0 none
1. Whole grains- Whole grain food such as cereal, bagels, pasta, and bread give good, long-lasting energy to the whole body. As the most important food group, athletes should eat many whole grain carbohydrates before an event. 2. Peanut butter- Peanut butter is a good source of protein and it is easy to carry and eat on the go. 3. Fresh fruits and Vegetables- Fresh produce is a great way to get vitamins and minerals that help the body function as normal. Some fruits, such as bananas, contain potassium, a mineral that regulates water levels in the body and stabilizes muscle contraction. Low potassium levels can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, so eating potassium-rich foods is a good idea. 4. Calcium-Rich Foods- Foods such as cheese, yogurt, and milk contain necessary calcium, which creates strong bones and protects athletes from injury. 5. Fiber-Rich Foods- Fiber is the nutritional component that keeps athletes full and regulates the digestive tract. Many of the foods already mentioned include fiber, but it is important for coaches to know which foods help athletes regulate fiber levels. Examples of fiber-rich foods include whole grains, apples, berries, almonds, and legumes. A simple way to determine the necessary amount of fiber is to add 5 to the athlete's age. For example, a 10-year-old athlete needs about 15 grams of fiber daily. After the age of 15, athletes need 20-25 grams of fiber a day. Coach Steve Tucker
Important Health Information 0 0 none
04/01/2011 Dear Parents, The staff of the Greensboro Giant’s organization would like to raise an important issue about hydration and meals before all of our team functions. We want to make sure that our players are preparing their bodies for practice and camp before they participate. Football is a sport that requires a lot of conditioning, therefore requiring a lot of body energy. This energy is gained from meals and liquids that are consumed throughout the day. If an athlete does not eat or hydrate themselves during their everyday routine then they are increasing their chances of dehydration and/or passing out. Our staff sets up and provides water stations during all events with predetermined and adequately timed water breaks. We want to emphasize the fact that it is not healthy for a player to come to a team function (i.e. Camp, Practice, Scrimmage, Game) without proper meals and hydration especially this time of the season where temperatures and humidity levels are very high. Once practices start and players arrive onto the field we have no way of knowing who has not eaten or hydrated themselves until it is too late. We need your help as a Giant’s family effort to collectively ensure that all of our players/kids stay healthy and safe at all times. Our staff asks that all parents/guardians make sure that players have done the following: 1. Have an adequate meal at least 1-2 hours before practice and a light snack within that hour. (i.e. Banana, apple, Orange, granola bar) 2. Hydrate themselves very well through their WHOLE DAY. (Not just at practice or right before) 3. Encourage players to avoid sodas or drinks with high amounts of sugar before events. 4. Have some type of drink after practice to replenish all lost electrolytes, preferably a sports drink (i.e Gatorade, Powerade). 5. Please contact your Head Coach if you have questions concerning this. Thanks, Greensboro Giants