Thursday, March 6, 2014

Our March Athlete's of the Month Hitting a HOME RUN with Nutrition!

UCLA Softball and Baseball have been off to a great start this 2014 season. We are so excited to see what these well-fueled athletes can do!

Ally Carda - Bruin Pitcher, UCLA Softball 





Ally’s career has been nothing short of a home run. In 2013, Carda was named First Team NFCA All-Region and All-Pac-12 after posting a .339 batting average, 18 home runs and 50 runs batted in at the plate and a 23-10 record, a 2.30 earned run average and 217 strikeouts in 206 innings in the circle. She has helped lead the team to a 17-1 start in this 2014 season, including pitching a no-hitter for the first game of the season at the Oceanic Time Warner Cable Paradise Classic in Hawaii. She also helped Team USA to the 2011 ISF Junior Women's World Championship gold medal in Cape Town, South Africa.


1.)    What is the impact of nutrition on your performance?
Nutrition has made the biggest impact on my recovery and the amount of energy I have in the day.  I notice that when I eat a lot of protein and good snacks throughout the day, along with water, that I feel more awake and have more energy. That also has helped me get through a long weekend of games.
2.)    What is your favorite recovery food/drink?
My favorite recovery drink is chocolate milk.  My favorite recovery food is chicken or fish and veggies.  I usually eat this after practice.
3.)    What is the biggest difference that you have seen in your performance when you have made changes to your diet?
I have seen a difference in my energy level and just the way I feel during the day.  I don't feel bloated or gross and am able to keep my energy up longer throughout a long day. 


James Kaprelian - Bruin Pitcher, UCLA Baseball 


On Feb 28th, Kaprielian struck out a career-high 11 batters in eight outstanding innings, allowing only one hit as well to earn his second straight win. Through his first three collegiate starts, Kaprielian has posted a 0.90 ERA and struck out 27 batters in 20 innings pitched. Kaprielian’s 11 strikeouts were the most by a UCLA pitcher since Nick Vander Tuig struck out 11 batters against New Mexico on June 5, 2012.
 


1.)    What is the impact of nutrition on your performance?
The impact nutrition has had on me has been huge. I ate healthy before but now understanding about the foods I'm putting into my body and how they fuel me. Having good nutrition helps me fuel my day. 
2.)    What is your favorite recovery food/drink?
After a game or workout, I usually drink a protein shake and get a full meal. I enjoy eating chicken and pasta making sure I get enough carbohydrates as well. Also, I try to drink hydrate as much as possible. After a night game and waking up for an early morning, I eat an omelet and potatoes or hash browns. 
3.)    What is the biggest difference that you have seen in your performance when you have made changes to your diet?
From the changes in my diet, I have noticed my recovery time has been much faster. More soreness is less of a factor and my body feels ready and prepared for my next start. 

David Berg - Right Handed Pitcher, UCLA Baseball



David logged his 27th career save and his 108th career appearance. He has made 101 appearances in two seasons at UCLA, already good for third-most in school history...owns the NCAA single-season record for saves with 24...tied the NCAA record for most appearances in a season with 51 in 2013...became the first reliever in conference history to win Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and was UCLA's first recipient of the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, given out to the nation's top relief pitcher...is the only pitcher in UCLA history to lead the conference in ERA in back-to-back seasons...enters his junior year at UCLA with a 12-3 record and a 1.18 ERA in 152 innings pitched (all in relief)...is UCLA's all-time record holder for most postseason appearances (17) and saves (6)...also holds the school record for most career saves (25) and single-season saves (24)...has the second-lowest ERA in UCLA postseason history with a 0.98 mark. 

 


1.)    What is the impact of nutrition on your performance?
1) Nutrition is key to my performance on the field. Without the proper fuel, my body feels weak and I am unable to perform to the best of my abilities. When I don't eat properly before and during games, my body is noticeably tired and un-explosive.
2.)    What is your favorite recovery food/drink?
My favorite recovery drink is definitely body armor, because it has tons of electrolytes, vitamins, and natural fruit juices that help my get rehydrated and ready to go for my next workout or game. Favorite food would be almonds because of the anti-inflammatory value they have to help me recover
3.)    What is the biggest difference that you have seen in your performance when you have made changes to your diet?
The biggest difference is really just how I feel. I feel more awake and alert now that I have transitioned away from all that in n out and chick-fil-a and my body recovers better after hard workouts and games. I really do feel a difference day-to-day in terms of bouncing back and feeling 100% every time I pitch since I've changed my diet.
 


Keep up the good work, Bruins! 

Fueling Bruins,
Ema Thake, Team Dietitian