Name: Janine
After-school activity: Basketball
Her story: At every lunch, Janine spends so much time visiting with friends, she barely eats. When school is over and basketball practice begins, she's starved and buys something from a vending machine. It's the same food everyday. In the first half of practice she feels pooped—and she's still hungry! This is what she decided to do:
1. Set a realistic goal. Janine decided to take charge of her food choices so she wouldn't be hungry at basketball practice.
2. Make a plan. Janine's 2-step plan:
1) Eat more at lunch so she's not so hungry after school.
2) Plan snacks ahead, and eat before practice.
3. Prepare for challenges. Janine goes right from class to practice, so her snack choices are limited. She must remember to buy a piece of fruit or juice at lunch to save for a pre-practice snack. As another option, she can take a few minutes at night to pack crackers and cheese, pretzels, or baby carrots for snacks the next afternoon.
4. Ask for help. Janine knew the whole team was hungry before and after practice. So they made a deal and started a lunch-time training table so they'd all eat together. She also added her list of snacks to the family shopping list.
5. Give yourself a break. Sometimes, Janine forgets to plan ahead. Whatever she finds in the vending machine is an okay snack once in a while.
6. Pat yourself on the back. Janine knew she was giving her active, growing body nutrients needed for best performance—in class and on the court. For fun, she rewarded herself for smart eating, but not with food. She bought herself a new CD!