The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) is working with Kansas high school coaches to implement the checkoff-funded sports nutrition game plan in their athletic programs. This collaborative initiative, developed by the Texas Beef Council and veteran sports dietitian Amy Goodson, was designed to educate high school athletes, coaches, trainers and parents on sports nutrition principles. It utilizes videos, handouts, social graphics and team challenges to share the science-based information, which highlights how lean beef perfectly fits into an athlete’s diet due to the high-quality nutrients it provides.
Last month, the sports nutrition game plan initiative received a warm reception from the 540 attendees at the 90th Kansas High School Activities Association Coaching School Conference. KBC Director of Nutrition Abby Heidari, RD, discussed the program’s benefits at a dedicated exhibitor booth and during a presentation on integrating sports nutrition into high school team culture.
Weekly emails with a tip of the week are being sent to 65 different teams and parent groups across the state. These teams include every sport—from football to swimming.
Due to recent dietary intake data highlighting deficiencies among school-age children in essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12, this program is incredibly timely. By promoting the nutritional benefits of beef, which provides much of what adolescents are not getting enough of each day, KBC aims to instill healthy eating habits in young athletes and their families.