Most of us at many times have made a conscious decision to improve our eating habits. Or perhaps you go searching for the perfect vitamin or supplement to help you get valuable nutrients.  And others have decided to get physically fit and begin surfing the internet for the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, water and other resources needed to help our bodies stay active and hydrated.

For those of you who have “been there, done that,” you have most likely been overwhelmed by the choices available in vitamins, supplements, energy drinks, etc., as well as the enormous amount of advertising and misleading or contradictory information that can be found on the internet and social media. It is especially hard for parents of athletes, coaches and the athletes themselves to know what they should be eating to fuel their performance.

At the most basic level, nutrition is important for athletes because it provides a source of energy required to perform the activity. The food we eat impacts our strength, training, performance and recovery. Also, staying hydrated is vital when you’re working out or participating in sports. Not maintaining fluid balance in your body affects performance and puts you at risk for the effects of dehydration.

Also, whether you win or lose, the athlete’s mind is likely not on nutritional concerns after a game. Yet making it a priority is of utmost importance, especially if you don’t meet energy or fluid needs during activity. Most athletes don’t consume enough fluids during events, so restoring balance post-game is essential.

Fortunately for these athletes and those that support them, there are registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist who specialize in the development of nutrition plans for professional, college and high school athletes to improve their performance, health and recovery.

On Tuesday, Merit Health Natchez is pleased to bring one of these specialists to speak on the topic of Nutrition Education and Meal Planning Development for Performance Enhancement of Athletes. Tavis Piattoly, MS, RD, LDN and Education Program Manager at Taylor Hooton Foundation, will present this program. Tavis is one of the leading sports dietitians and nutrition consultants in the industry, with over 15 years of experience specializing in the development of nutritional plans for athletes.

This event will be free and open to anyone interested in this topic and will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church Natchez, 150 D’Evereux Drive. We want to thank First Baptist Church for offering the meeting space for this presentation.

Fred Worthy, a certified athletic trainer, is head trainer for Merit Health Natchez Sports Medicine Program, 54 Seargent Prentiss Drive.