Diets can play a significant role in sports, depending on what concerns an athlete has and which sports they are involved in. Oftentimes, diets can be applied to improve an athlete’s overall performance and enhance their abilities. They change the way their bodies behave and appear in order to promote the athlete to compete at their best.
Many SCHS student athletes believe there are positives and negatives when it comes to dieting for sports. According to football player and wrestler senior Ina Otah, if dieting becomes too severe and out of control, eating disorders can manifest.
“You might think you need to cut more than you need to, so then you barely eat and end up getting a disorder,” Otah said. “Even though they’re at a certain weight, they might not think they’re skinny enough.”
Similarly, cheerleader and dancer sophomore Kassandra Baldomar explained that focusing too much on weight can alter one’s self-image and lead to body dysmorphic disorder, a common mental health condition where one constantly worries about the appearance of their body.
“It’s the whole thing of just watching your weight and then focusing too much on your weight,” Baldomar said. “It’s harder to lose weight than it is to gain weight, so once you see the gain of weight, that’s when the more focus on body image and everything will start to come in.”
Dieting, however, can also result in positive eating habits in athletes. In the past, cross country runner and golfer junior Amit Gat experienced unhealthy symptoms of the processed foods he used to consume. Through dieting, he was able to cut out bad eating habits and create a healthier lifestyle.
“I feel super bloated and kind of lazy whenever I eat ultra-processed food, so removing it was easiest for me, and after a while I don’t really miss it anymore,” Gat said.
Breakfast is an important part of the day, according to SCHS special education teacher and Homestead High School head baseball coach Travis Sunseri. He is aware that many students do not eat breakfast for certain reasons, however, he believes that it is necessary to consume something in the morning.
“I would say having some sort of breakfast is crucial because a lot of kids don’t like eating breakfast or don’t wake up in time to eat,” Sunseri said. “I think breakfast is critical for everybody, not just athletes.”
A healthy diet is also pivotal for Gat to stay in good physical and mental condition. He stated that his physical and mental performance would not be up to par if he did not follow or stay consistent with his personal diet plan and goals.
“I think I’d perform a lot worse,” Gat said. “I wouldn’t have as much energy, I wouldn’t think as clearly on strategies, and I’d just feel off.”
As a baseball coach, Sunseri has had experience with athletes and their nutritional choices. He explained what athletes have done and asserts that their routine depends on the athlete and how they choose to follow it.
“I have specific athletes that I’ve coached in previous years that are on strict diets just because that’s who they are,” Sunseri said. “They watch what they eat, they don’t eat out, they don’t eat accessible food that might be intriguing. It’s up to the person to follow that structure.”
Meal prep is a popular way many athletes and coaches plan their meals to stay in good shape. Sunseri enjoys this method to incorporate healthier food options.
“I definitely do watch what I’m intaking and try to meal prep accordingly as far as cooking healthier stuff like cooking meat, have some sort of protein, and some greens,” Sunseri said.
Baldomar also believes that balance plays a key role in performing well in a sport. She thinks that as long as one is cautious with their diet and their physical activity, the diet in the end will not matter long term.
“As long as you know how to burn it off and still maintain your body and still eat well, then I don’t think it would matter.” Baldomar said.
Sunseri advised to stay consistent with a nutritional plan if people choose to commit to one. No matter the time of day, he thinks students need to stick to a plan in order to achieve their academic and athletic goals.
“Stick to it (diet) because having a good routine is always going to benefit you in the long-run,” Sunseri said. “Regardless if it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, just make sure it’s firm and stays consistent throughout your training and academics.”