Nutrition is vital for adolescents’ brains and bodies. It’s not just about eating enough food; it’s about making the right nutritional choices, especially when under time constraints and stress. High school athletes who balance school stress and sports often struggle to maintain a balanced diet during the school year.
Nutrition has been important to me throughout my high school career with academics and athletics. As an athlete, you must ensure your body functions as best as possible to play well. However, I often struggle to find the right food that meets my athletic nutritional needs, especially in our cafeteria.
Like many other school cafeterias, Taher primarily offers more convenient than nutritious meals. The options are often limited to pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and fries. While these might be sufficient for some students, they fall short of those constantly pushing their bodies to the limit. We need meals that are filling and rich in nutrients, especially protein, to help us build and repair our muscles.
Protein is the building block of muscle. After a strenuous workout or a long game, my muscles are in dire need of repair. The lack of protein-rich options at Taher means I have to either bring my meals from home or settle for what’s available, which often isn’t conducive to my dietary needs. Sometimes, on gamedays, I hit the jackpot, and the meals consist of carbs and protein, but that is often not the case. This can be quite frustrating on days with back-to-back classes and training sessions.
Taher can do better. Incorporating more protein-packed, nutritious options would benefit athletes like me and promote healthier eating habits among the entire student body. Simple changes like offering grilled chicken, tofu, beans, or nuts can make a significant difference. Such additions would fuel us athletes to perform at our best and recover more efficiently.
Proper nutrition is not just about physical health; it also impacts our mental well-being and academic performance. I notice a stark difference in my energy levels, focus, and overall performance as an athlete. I am advocating for better meal options for athletes and the entire student community. A well-fed student body is likelier to be engaged, energetic, and successful in sports and academics.
Needless to say, we are very blessed to have Taher as our cafeteria option. As a high school athlete, I know the importance of nutrition in my daily life. I urge our school to consider the dietary needs of its student-athletes and take steps to offer more balanced, protein-rich meal options. This change would support our athletic pursuits and foster a healthier, more energized student community.