Sports dietician Bob Seebohar worked for the US Olympic Committee and travelled to the 2008 Summer Olympics as the US team's sport dietician.

He's also a strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist and triathlon coach. He currently owns Fuel4mance, LLC which provides sports nutrition services to athletes.

I manage an amateur football team. What should I give my players at half-time for energy and rehydration?
Anthony Stewart, via e-mail 
The best thing to focus on is hydration and carbohydrates. A good sports drink that contains carbohydrate and sodium is the easiest for most players to drink during half-time as it digests quickly.


"Oi Charlie what do ya think ya doing 'aving a cuppa at half-time? We've got a game to win out there!"

The summer is coming up and pre-season will be starting soon. Should I change my diet in anyway? Should you eat less on a match day?
Michael Evans, via e-mail 
Your body may require more carbohydrates to sustain pre-season practices so be sure that you are eating enough carbohydrate rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

There is no need to "load" on carbohydrates, rather, make sure you are eating enough in the few hours before and after training.

Eating less on match day is more of an individual concern depending on your digestive system. Depending on what time the match begins; I would still focus on consuming good sources of carbohydrate, protein, fluid, sodium and lower fat.

This can be done with meals or smaller snacks throughout the day. If you find that you cannot digest food as easily, go with liquid sources such as non-fat milk based fruit smoothies with a pinch or two of salt.


"i hope this hair dye works on my eyebrows!"

Is there any type of alcohol that has nutritional value and wouldn't hinder my training? I like to have a drink now and again, but I don't want it to set-back my work.
Will Thomas, via e-mail
This is a bit of a loaded question (no pun intended). There are many considerations when it comes to the intake of alcohol such as quantity and timing.

Overall, I do not recommend athletes consume alcohol the day before or the day after an important training session or match as it will hamper recovery.

Focus on decreasing quantity of whichever type of beverage you prefer rather than on the specific type itself.


Bottoms up Zizou