Staff writer

Training and practice are important aspects of every athlete’s life, but healthy eating is possibly the most vital part of an athlete’s day. Making the right choice in the cafeteria every day will make you perform better on and off the field, according to health professor and athletic trainer Katrina Worley. She believes what an athlete eats affects his performance.

“If all an athlete eats is junk, then they will perform like junk,” said Worley.

Meats, fruits, vegetables and proteins are recommended for athletes. Without these essential nutrients, the body will shut down and become sluggish. Pizza and fried foods are not going to provide an athlete with the fuel to play. Shorter’s weight training coach Ben Lampkin always encourages his athletes to make healthy choices to enhance their game.

“Athletes need to stay away from the pizza. It doesn’t give you any fuel,” said Lampkin. “Trade the pizza for a salad every meal.”

Athletes need to drink clean and pure water to maintain optimal performance, Lampkin added. It’s not only about eating right but also hydrating properly and continuously. Sophomore wrestler Brandon Dyer said drinking a lot of fluids is imperative.

“Hydration is important, especially when practicing in the heat,” Dyer said. “You never want to experience dehydration.”

The foods a person chooses should be of varieties that are low in fat and free of additives such as growth hormones or preservatives. Chicken and pasta are good choices for a pregame meal with a sports drink or water.

Blake   Buford
News editor

     According to getamericafit.org, obesity rates are higher than 35 percent in both men and women, so students around the Hill are looking for ways to stay healthy and keep their “excercise more” resolution alive. With a full schedule, it can be difficult to find time to excercise but junior music major Tareva Moore is putting it at the top of her priority list this year. She says that getting healthy is more important to her than losing weight.

“By keeping my goal toward health, I assure myself I’m doing this so I can live longer and have a more fulfilling life in the long run.”

Moore says she wakes up and asks herself if she can eat healthy and exercise that day. By focusing on one day at a time, she finds the monumental task of getting healthy more tangible.

Other students are taking advantage of Shorter’s two activity course requirement to stay in shape.

Senior English major Justin Phillips   said he is glad he is taking the karate course.

“Karate has been way more of a work out than I expected. I’m glad I’m taking it.”