Cutting? Bulking? Somewhere in between? With North Atlanta offering a wide variety of sports, each athlete follows a tailored diet to meet the nutritional needs and perform at their best. From football players bulking all year long to wrestlers cutting non-stop, each sport requires a very particular diet.
At North Atlanta, Athletes fuel up with a mix of healthy options, ranging from fruits and vegetables to lean proteins, to keep their energy levels high. Football players even have their own protein shake machine. Their success this year can be largely attributed to their superior strength and athleticism, which is a result of their disciplined diet. Being a North Atlanta football player requires hard work. Every athlete must take their diet seriously in order to succeed. “It definitely takes a lot of discipline to maintain a diet with such a high amount of protein,” said senior Easley Sloan.
North Atlanta wrestlers also have a distinct diet, nearly the opposite of football players. Instead of eating non-stop, the wrestling team takes action by fasting. In order to stay in the same weight group, the athletes must eat and drink very little. However, it is important to note that this method of dieting has limitations, which is why wrestlers tend to bulk eat in the off season. “Holding myself accountable by consuming less has been anything but fun,” said junior Hayes Harpenau.
For North Atlanta athletes, sports such as basketball, lacrosse, and track require a balanced and healthy approach to fuel success. Athletes in these sports focus on a well-rounded diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, allowing them to maintain energy and endurance. While not as intense as the football team’s bulking, or the wrestlers’ weight cuts, proper nutrition in these sports is still the key to performing at a high level. “As a basketball player, I try my best to consistently eat clean and stay hydrated,” said senior Brooks Allen.
No matter the sport, North Atlanta athletes understand the importance of fueling their bodies the right way to perform their best. Whether it’s bulking, cutting, or maintaining a healthy balance, the discipline required to follow such specific diets reflects the dedication and hard work that makes North Atlanta athletes so special.
