Student-Athlete’s Nutritional Necessities: “Slim Pickin’s” On-Campus

It’s game day. You’re in class, pressed for time and looking for that perfect pre-game meal. If you chose to search for that ideal portion of food here on campus, you better look carefully.

HSU’s campus divvies out “slim pickings” for student-athletes looking to get a balanced meal before a big game, a training session or just a hard lift in the weight room.

When asked what nutritional food options are available for athletes here on campus, Head Athletic Trainer Shannon Childs replied, “None!”

With The Depot, one of HSU’s main eating establishments, serving up an array of french fries, meat-packed burritos, quesadillas and pizzas, there isn’t much left for a game-ready athlete. “There is just too much crap on campus,” said Childs. One portion of the fried chicken served up at The Depot’s “California Wraps” will leave you with 1900 calories and a new found need to hit the gym.

With a more optimistic view of campus food selection, Assistant Men and Women’s Coccer Coach Brenden Bourdage points out the sandwich bar at The Depot. Careful thought is necessary, however, when selecting your beloved condiments and toppings.

“Stay away from too much mayonnaise, mustard and cheese. Lean meats like turkey as opposed to roast beef is a much better option,” said Bourdage.

So if the ideal pre-game meal can’t always be found here on campus, where can you find that energy-packed serving needed before working up a sweat? Take notes: HSU’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Drew Peterson created an online athlete-based grocery list (www.humboldt.edu/strength.)

The list breaks down everything from food types and preparation to a set eating schedule necessary to maintain a healthy diet. Peterson classifies each kind of food and highlights a number of products that suffice as healthy choices. For example, if your roaming down the cereal isle, Peterson suggests Kellogg’s Honey Bunches of Oats or some Quaker’s Toasted Oatmeal Squares.

“Eat the meal at least three hours before an event to allow for proper digestion. Choose a meal that’s high in starch, it’s easy to digest and helps steady the levels of blood sugar. And always make sure to stay hydrated,” said Peterson of some key pre-game ingestion guidelines.

Peterson’s nutrition-packed manual may be your best bet, but some athletes can’t always take advantage of grocery store options and stick to what they know right here on-campus. Especially when the campus is your home.

Current senior and former HSU soccer player Amy Androsko recalls her freshman year in the dorms and her on-campus eating habits. “The trainers were always getting mad at me for my diet. I would cramp up all the time because of a lack of calcium,” she said.

Her excuse? The food provided right here on campus. With little variety and easy pre-made options at The Depot, what’s a girl to do? Androsko and a handful of current HSU freshman athletes can attest to the fact that the school is attempting to pick up healthier options, though. Fresh fruit and yogurt at The Depot and a salad bar at the “J” are part of these improvements.

So whether you’re stuck scrounging the on-campus eating sites or making a quick stop to the market before you take the field or hit the gym, remember to replace the greasy, the fatty and the sugary with the carbohydrates, the starches and that H2O. You’ll head into that match nutritionally stalked and ready to go.

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5 comments

Anonymous

Wed Mar 10 2010 00:05

Haha, ok well why don't you dedicate yourself to something like these athletes do and then still have your bitter, narrow minded view on the situation. Lighten up you poor, jealous being.

Anonymous

Tue Mar 9 2010 19:50

Oh, BOO-HOO The poor athletes don't have enough "nutritional necessities" options on campus. These "athletes" (come on, its not like their anywhere near Div-1) really require top services to achieve their athletic peak? Do they really bring that much money to the University that would constitute more than boiled potatoes and water? Hey many of you are here on partial or full scholarships, or get an easy job handed to you, so try to suck it up and maybe tell the average student (who pays for their education) thank you.

Anonymous

Thu Mar 4 2010 05:21

hello? what about the sandwich place? they have a wide array of juices too. can't forget the smoothie place. they have granola bars, and fresh fruit. can get water at the fountain station instead of bottled water (DONT BUY IT!) there are numerous healthy options. not only that, but it'd be cheaper to buy food and make your own lunch to bring to school. it's laziness if you complain with out trying to do something to fix it. and you'd think ATHLETES wouldn't be so LAZY and make their own lunches if they aren't happy with the campus'

Anonymous

Tue Mar 2 2010 14:38

i'd like to second what 'health nut' has to say: athletes are NOT the only ones with nutritional needs that aren't being met on campus. each and everyone of us deserve a few more choices. it really saddens me that a university doesn't provide us with a bit better options, considering they should understand the important effects of nutrition on our minds.

however i'd like to note that our campus has a pretty amazing vegan selection compared to other campus. it's appreciated.

health nut

Sat Feb 27 2010 11:57

what a narrow view. athletes aren't the only ones with "nutritional necessities" that aren't being met on campus...

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