Skiing Tips - Nutrition for Skiers
Nutrition for Skiers: What to Eat and What Not to Eat
For many folks, vacation time signifies a license to eat junk food. Unfortunately, you can find plenty of that at ski areas. However, if you would prefer to spend more time on the slopes and less time in the bathroom, it behooves you to adhere to a healthy diet. According to ESPN’s sport nutrition website, the best foods to eat for a day on the slopes are high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and low in fat. Simply put, digestion of a heavy, high fat meal will compete your with your body’s ability to fuel your muscles for optimal performance on the slopes. For breakfast, skip the cheese omelet with sausage and opt for yogurt or pancakes with fruit. For lunch, avoid the cheese burgers and fries (they are typically disgusting at ski resorts) and go for the pasta, veggie burger or grilled chicken. For a late afternoon snack, substitute the candy bar with a fruit or a granola bar. For dinner, instead of gas-inducing nachos and belly expanding steak, opt for some grilled fish and a potassium-rich baked potato.
Just Say No to Alcohol
Okay. It’s fine to indulge in après ski drinking, as long as you are acclimated to the altitude. But as a ski area employee, I beg you not to drink and ski. Here’s why:
• Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This increases the risk of hypothermia
• Alcohol can alter perception, slow your reaction time and reduce your strength and endurance. Your movements become inaccurate and your, balance and hand-eye coordination are impaired. This can lead to serious on slope accidents.
• Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it will obliterate the wonderful endorphin high that is characteristic of a day on the slopes.
• Alcohol can stimulate taste sensations and make you hungry. The resulting eating binge can add a few unwanted pounds.
• Alcohol can cause dehydration.
Speaking of dehydration, needless to say, you should drink plenty of water before, during and after skiing.
Ski Resorts that Serve Healthy Food
Some ski resorts seem to do a better job at serving healthy yet tasty food. The first that comes to mind is Deer Valley in Utah. The resort cafeterias serve up a fantastic salad bar. Healthy eating has never tasted so good. The cafeterias at Aspen, Colorado also have a nice selection of healthy choices. This year, Vail Resorts has upped the ante on healthy eating at their ski resorts. The Appetite for Life program will now be available at the cafeterias of all of the Vail Resort ski areas, which include Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek and Heavenly. In partnership with Coleman Natural and Horizon Organic, these resorts will serve natural, organic meats as well as organic dairy products. Aside for the great terrain at Vail Resort ski areas, this added nutritional perk might make one of these resorts a good choice for a ski trip.
| << Previous |