NHLPA members Erik Gudbranson (Vancouver Canucks), Zach Hyman (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Zack Smith (Ottawa Senators) talk about the importance of nutrition and staying healthy.
As professional hockey players who need to be at the top of their game throughout the NHL season, eating right and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential. “I think eating with the approach of moderation is a big factor in feeling healthy,” noted Hyman, who has already reached career-high marks in goals and points this season.
Understanding the significance of eating healthy and drinking plenty of fluids has helped each player be in peak condition throughout their respective hockey careers, an approach they all agree should start at an early age. “I’ve learned over the past few years, especially when you get to the pros, that hydration is a big part of feeling energized and feeling good,” said Smith, an alternate captain for the Senators. “It’s very important for kids to know how to stay hydrated.”
For Gudbranson, Hyman and Smith, having a healthy approach to nutrition plays a big part in your performance in whatever sport you play. Here is what the players have to say about coming up with a winning nutrition game plan:
Choose healthy snacks
“I do my best to eat as many vegetables as I can,” said Hyman. “That’s the approach I take. I like avocado, carrots or broccoli with my meals. I also enjoy having an apple or banana with almond butter.”
“I always make sure I eat as many vegetables as I can,” offered Gudbranson. “I love carrots and broccoli — eating those raw. Those are definitely good for you.”
“I really enjoy having a healthy granola,” said Smith. “That’s the one consistent food I’ve had over the past three or four years.”
Keep hydrated
“To stay energized on game day, I drink water,” noted Hyman. “I’m a water guy, for sure. You definitely need to stay hydrated, including when you are playing.”
“I think the key for anyone who plays sports is to have a well-balanced meal on game day,” said Gudbranson. “I like mixing in coconut water on game day. That’s a big one for me. I’ll also have chicken, pasta and veggies on the day of a game.”
“I’ll have the granola, for sure,” offered Smith. “And water is obviously very important. That definitely starts the day before. A lot of the guys on my team drink coconut water or water leading up to the game.”
Eat a balanced diet
“Eat everything in moderation,” said Hyman. “That’s the most important thing and the most realistic. It’s about eating healthy and not overdoing it with just one particular thing.”
“Make your plate colourful!” said Gudbranson. “That’s the easiest way for me to explain it. If it looks a little dull, it’s probably dull. Just try and make your plate as colourful as possible and enjoy the experience.”
“Cooking at home is a big key for me,” offered Smith. “If you can do that with your parents, it’s a good thing because you know what ingredients are going into the meal. Obviously, you want to eat your fruits and vegetables, too. Fast food is fine once in a while, but it could be high in sugar or sodium — things like that. If you can, stick to your fruits, vegetables and proteins.”
Proper nutrition is important for everyone’s health and well-being. If you have questions about your health, you can talk to a parent/caregiver, teacher or other safe adult. You can also contact a Kids Help Phone counsellor 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868.
Kids Help Phone would like to thank Erik Gudbranson, Zach Hyman, Zack Smith, the NHLPA and Chris Lomon for this story during Nutrition Month 2018!
