Dietitian and nutrition specialist Isabel Smith, a former Kent school student, visited Kent last semester to give a lecture on healthy eating. Smith returned on January 25 for an informative talk at the Headmaster’s Study.

The main focus of this talk was how food affects athletic performances. Smith stated that consuming a high quantity of carbohydrates within a short period of time causes athletes’ bodies to build up fat. Instead, she suggested that athletes increase their carbohydrate intake a few days before athletic contests.

Smith also advised the students who drink lots of protein shakes that contain Creatine to do so after working out. Drinking the protein mixes before and during exercise will more likely lead to weight, not muscle, gain. According to her, however, more natural protein sources, such as chicken, are always better than processed powder drinks.

Her alternative to drinking protein shakes before work-outs is to eat a banana or other high potassium source. If an athlete needs an energy boost while performing highly intensive activities, Smith suggests eating a substance called “goo” or, when goo is unavailable, jellybeans.

For the general student body, Smith recommends eating three meals a day to stay mentally and physically focused. Each meal should roughly be two-thirds carbohydrate, one-fourths protein and a small, but essential, amount of fat.

Ms. Smith will return again soon to give another lecture. Should anyone have questions in the meantime, you may visit her website at www.isabelsmithnutrition.com or email her at [email protected]