Probably the most important part of any training program is nutrition.   It is our foundation for our strength training and conditioning programs.  One of our main goals for our players is to eat breakfast every morning.  This seems to be a huge challenge for so many people in today’s society.  You should have a game plan every day and that plan should include breakfast.  During the season, game times and travel schedules make it difficult to adhere to a complete nutrition plan; but the one thing our players understand is how important it to “kick start” their metabolism and put fuel in their engines.  That fuel is food.

Why is breakfast so important?  First of all, you will be more alert throughout the day — and that should help you out in school.  Secondly, you need enough fuel to train.  One time, I was training two players who did the exact same workout and I noticed when they were finishing with the bike sprint program that one player was really struggling.  I asked them both if they ate breakfast. It turns out that one did and the other admitted he didn’t.  Wow, what a difference! There was no comparison who of the two was getting more out of his workout.

I understand it can sometimes be tough to get out of bed in the morning. But preparing to eat breakfast doesn’t have to take a long time.  Choose some lower fat options that can be easily prepared — cereal (low sugar) with skim milk, instant oatmeal, a banana or maybe just a piece of whole wheat toast.  The key is to be consistent.  Game Plan for it every day.  Of course we always prefer a high-powered breakfast so you have enough calories to kick start your day and perform well in school and in training.

Tim Maxey
Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator
Cleveland Indians Baseball