EAT WELL.ATHLETES HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY EAT. A MARATHO...

2. Eat well.Athletes have to pay attention to what they eat. A marathon runner, for example, maintains ahealthy diet during training as well as just before the race. Your brain also needs good food to functionat its peak.A well-balanced diet based on the food pyramid will keep your body and brain in top form. You arebetter off avoiding fast food laden with grease, sugar, and empty calories. Rather than junk foodsnacks, try substituting the following:

INSTEAD OF

EAT

donuts

low-sugar, multigrain cereal

chips

carrot sticks

cookies

natural granola bar

ice cream

low-fat yogurt

soda

fruit juice

coffee

herbal tea

Take Care of Your Body

• Get enough sleep.• Eat healthy foods.• Exercise regularly.Remember that caffeine interferes with sleep when consumed past mid-afternoon. It is also an addi-tive substance that tricks you into feeling more alert. If you feel that you need coffee, maybe what youneed is more rest.