Cook It Up

1. Drink plenty of water! Water regulates body temperature and carries nutrients and waste products throughout the body. Low fat milk, 100% juice, tea (black or green) and moderate amounts of coffee sum up the healthy beverage list. As a “functional beverage” however, and training more than 1 hour, try a commercial sports drink (or a homemade sports drink: “diluted orange or cranberry juice”: cup juice per 1 cup water, & a tiny pinch of salt) to provide fluid and fuel to muscles – salt helps retain hydration, and the carbs will: fuel to allow maximal efforts right to the end of a game/training session, prevent the use of protein as a fuel source and inhibit stress hormone release linked to suppressed immune function.