Have you ever been to a Rugby match?
If you have, you know that it is one of the most intense and physical sports out there. Similar to football, but without pads, players run, tackle, and battle to win the match. Outside of matches, players have intense training schedules as well, perfecting their skills day in and out.
As it turns out, knife skills and meal planning techniques are also helping to shape Central Washington University’s men’s rugby team.
“Dairy, such as low-fat chocolate milk, is important for recovery because the athletes love it and will happily drink it after practices and games” said Head Coach Thornley.
How to cook with recovery foods is just as important. Dr. Pritchett, along with 1891 Bistro, hosted a cooking class with 40 members of the CWU men’s rugby team to discuss how to prepare healthy post-workout meals. Dr. Pritchett reminded athletes that dairy foods help with muscle recovery and can be easily added to home-prepared meals such as a delicious Mediterranean Bowl topped with cheese and a protein-rich Tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt is an example of a perfect recovery lunch or dinner.
The athletes were excited about building new, delicious, and cost-effective dishes that they know will help after their workouts and to know how much to eat after certain trainings. “During days of heavier workouts, I now know that we should eat more carbs and during lighter days, we should eat less carbs and have more veggies on our plates,” Jake Szumski reflected. One of the biggest lessons learned: dairy products are an excellent option for post-training recovery. Next time you are questioning what to eat after a workout, don’t look further than your favorite dairy products!
“In terms of recovery, it is so important for athletes to know what nutritional benefits their food offers and how to utilize each food group for maximum benefit,” explained Pritchett.
CWU athletes already know that chocolate milk is the perfect refuel beverage. “Dairy, such as low-fat chocolate milk, is important for recovery because the athletes love it and will happily drink it after practices and games. It has a perfect macronutrient composition which is needed after exercise, and allows them to get their servings of dairy in for the day,” explained Head Coach Thornley. Knowing how physical the sport is, campus sports dietitian, Dr. Kelly Pritchett talks with the team about the importance of refueling after workouts and matches. “In terms of recovery, it is so important for athletes to know what nutritional benefits their food offers and how to utilize each food group for maximum benefit,” explained Pritchett.
Did you know that the Mediterranean Bowl made by the team is fit for those who have Lactose Intolerance (LI)? It’s true! Here’s another read on how to approach foods, if you have LI.
To mix up your routine a bit, try a new recipe, like this one for a Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wrap.
