PERFORMANCE BLOG ARCHIVE
Performance Blog Blog Archive
ALL BLOG ARTICLES
Examining FDA Food Additive Regulations: A Global Perspective on Safety and Consumer Impact
In light of the current geopolitical climate and recent discussions about health policy under President Donald J. Trump, including the potential appointment of Robert F.
Merry Christmas From Critical Reload
As we gather under the twinkling lights and the festive cheer of this beautiful season, we at Critical Reload wish to extend our warmest greetings
How One Coach Transformed His Athletes’ Performance with the Right Nutritional Support
When Coach Travis Webb took on the Director of Strength and Conditioning role at Marvin Ridge High School, he knew his athletes needed more than
Convenience Without Compromise: How Critical Reload Outperforms RTD Products
Introduction In the world of sports nutrition, the quality and effectiveness of post-workout recovery products can make a significant difference in athletic performance and muscle
The Science of Recovery: Protein and Carbohydrates Explained
Combining different protein types and carbohydrates in post-workout nutrition can play a vital role in supporting muscle recovery and enhancing performance. A well-designed blend of
Entrusting Our Country to God: A Prayer on Election Day
As Americans across the nation cast their votes today, we are reminded of the power of our voices and the importance of unity in our
Bridging the Nutrition Gap: How Critical Reload Stream Transforms Athlete Knowledge into Action
Recent studies reveal a common challenge for high school athletes: while nutrition education programs often increase knowledge, achieving lasting dietary change remains a hurdle. Athletes
Unlock the Power of Parental Engagement with the Sports Nutrition Parent Survey
Effectively engaging parents is essential before launching any nutritional program for your student-athletes. That’s why we recommend starting with the Critical Reload Sports Nutrition Parent Survey.
Fueling for Game Day: The Ultimate Guide to Game Day Meals
When it comes to athletic performance, what you eat before the game is just as important as your training. The right Game Day Meal can
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: REDUX
Hiring a nutritionist as a guest speaker to emphasize the importance of nutrition to athletes, while believing that a single instance will make a difference, is a common yet flawed approach. While expert input is valuable, relying solely on a one-time event to change athletes’ nutrition behaviors and understanding is insufficient. Discover why continuous education and personalized strategies are essential for lasting impact.
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: Part 5
Even with compelling nutritional insights from coaches, athletes’ success is limited if parents, who buy groceries and prepare meals, aren’t involved. Learn why including parents in nutrition education is crucial for athletes’ health, performance, and recovery, and discover strategies to bridge this gap and create a supportive home environment.
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: Part 4
We often take a complex approach to athletes’ nutrition, but is it effective? Just as strength training begins with foundational movements, nutrition education should start with simple insights and gradually build in complexity. Discover how starting with the basics can lead to better performance, improved health, and sustainable habits for athletes.
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: Part 3
Using Instagram posts for nutrition guidance in your weight room isn’t effective. This approach lacks personalization and scientific rigor. Discover why structured, personalized plans are essential and how interactive learning and continuous monitoring can enhance athletes’ performance and health.
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: Part 2
People want to make good dietary choices but often lack proper guidance. Just as detailed training programs are essential, athletes need a strategic approach to nutrition. Meticulous nutrition planning is crucial for performance and recovery. Discover how integrating nutrition with training helps athletes reach their full potential in health and performance.
Top 5 Coaching Mistakes Undermining Athlete Nutrition: Part 1
In today’s health landscape, supplements are revered like medicine in a loosely regulated industry, while food is vilified despite strict regulations. This paradox reveals a misplaced trust in quick fixes and fear of essential nourishment. Join the conversation and discover tools like evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and holistic nutrition approaches to solve this paradox for true health and performance.
Celebrating Independence Day and Honoring Our Heroes
As we gather to celebrate the 4th of July, a day of great significance for our nation, we would like to take a moment to
Reflecting on the True Meaning of Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the true significance of this solemn day. Memorial Day is a time
Honoring MLK’s Legacy at Critical Reload
Dear Valued Customers, As we approach the annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we at Critical Reload find it essential to pause and
Transform Your Weight Room With Nutrition Knowledge Using Critical Reload Stream
Introduction In a previous article, we shared the inspiring journey of Coach Ryan Johnson’s quest for nutrition knowledge. He used Critical Reload Stream to improve
Building Lean Muscle with the Right Mindset, Part 1
Starting your muscle-building journey is not only about your body but also your mind. Athletes usually want to get stronger and bigger in the off-season.
Unlocking ESSA: How the Every Student Succeeds Act Benefits Sports Nutrition Education
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is more than a piece of legislation. It’s a gateway to enhancing the holistic development of students. Schools want
The SMART Method Goals To Help Kids Eat Right for Health and Sports
Today, using the SMART method goals can solve a pressing issue: ensuring our kids eat right for their health and sports. A study from Europe
Using Smart Goal Format In School: A Real-Life Coach Story
Introduction Using the SMART Goal format, we see how nutrition plays a key role in an athlete’s health and performance. That’s why we’re writing this
Is a Protein Shake Before or After Workout Better?
Deciding to have a protein shake before or after workout has long been debated among coaches and athletes. The age-old belief centers around a “golden
Unlocking the Acai Berry: Myths, Facts, and FAQs for Athletes
Unveiling the Acai Berry: What You Need to KnowIn the world of sports and nutrition, the Acai Berry has made quite a name for itself.
Streamlining Nutrition Planning for High School Athletes: Critical Reload Partners with EatThisMuch
Last week, Critical Reload, a leading provider of nutrition education solutions for high school athletes, announced a strategic partnership with EatThisMuch.com, an innovative automatic meal
The Breakfast Dilemma: Should You Eat Breakfast Before or After a Workout?
IntroductionHey there, young athletes, parents, and coaches! The age-old question, “Should you eat breakfast before or after a workout?” has been on many minds. A
Critical Reload Partners with EatThisMuch App
Partnership Overview Critical Reload is working with EatThisMuch to help high schools with nutrition. By adding EatThisMuch to Critical Reload, we offer even better nutrition
Never Forget: The 22nd Anniversary of September 11
To the Brave Souls of America, As the amber rays of dawn break on this solemn day, our nation stands united yet heavy-hearted, marking the
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Athletic Program with Critical Reload SMART Goals Guide
Introduction Are you a coach looking for new ways to help your athletes do better and feel good? You can look no further than Critical
Empowering High School Athletes: Fueling Success and Well-Being with Critical Reload Stream
Critical Reload Stream helps high school athletes learn about healthy eating in a clear way. It’s not just about sports, but also feeling good in
Building Lean Muscle, Part 5: Body-Type To Pace Your Gains
We are halfway through our popular series on building lean muscle! In Part 5, Mike Bewley shares his secrets on sticking to your diet plan,
Collagen is good for…?
What is collagen? Collagen is a key building block of connective tissue and one of the most abundant proteins in the body. It provides structure
Should You Be Taking a Greens Powder?
Recently, Greens powders have been popularized by influencers on social media as the latest and greatest product claiming many health benefits. So naturality has been
Cap or Fact is Alkaline Water Worth the Hype?
As a Sports Dietitian, I often get asked what the best water is to drink to stay hydrated; alkaline water is always a topic of
Omega-3s for the Athlete
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning our bodies are unable to make them on our own and must get them in through our
Protein for Muscle Gain and More: How Much Do You Need?
The following post is an overview of an episode from Science for Sport’s podcast, “Massive Muscle Gains: How Much Protein Do You Need According to
Building Lean Muscle, Part 4: When, How And How Much To Eat
If you want to grow lean muscle mass as quickly as possible, you’ll need to get your nutrition under control. There’s no denying it: you
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Meals Healthier
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends, but it can also be a time for overindulging and overeating. With the help of our Thanksgiving cheat sheet, we’re going to show you how to navigate those temptations and make the holiday meal healthier for everyone!
Critical Reload Strawberry & Banana Shake
This Strawberry Protein Smoothie is creamy and rich with a natural sweetness from the fruit and loaded with protein to give you energy & fuel muscle!
Critical Reload Blackberry Banana Shake
This yummy combo of berries, banana, and chocolate plus its health benefits make it hard to beat.
Building Lean Muscle, Part 3: Selecting the Right Macronutrients
This article is the third in a ten-part series on how to build lean muscle. Take a look at Part 1 to catch up. If
Nutrition for Recovery: What’s Really Important to Have Post-Workout
I am often asked by coaches and athletes about nutrition for recovery. Recovery is both acute and long-term with the goal of returning to normal
Spice It Up: Turmeric and Managing Inflammation in Athletes
Used for thousands of years in India and Southeast Asia, the turmeric plant has been used as a spice for flavoring dishes such as curry
Do I Need an Energy Drink?
As a dietitian, I often get asked how to curb the mid-day energy slump or generally how to have more energy throughout the day. The
How Much Water Should I Drink in a Day?
Having enough fluids in our bodies is essential for optimal performance. Not being properly hydrated means a decline in: Overall performance Cognition such as reaction
Adding Fresh Vegetables To Sports Diet Every Meal
If there’s one thing that you should be focusing on as you put together a nutrition program for your active child, it’s making sure that
Building Lean Muscle, Part 2: Constructing a Muscle Building Diet
This article is the second installment of the ten-part series on how to build lean muscle. Get yourself caught up with this Part 1. If
What are the best foods for recovery?
I get hit daily with this question, especially as my athletes get deeper into their seasons, and the desire to feel good every day is
Busy Family Breakfast Ideas
If you’re a busy family on the go, chances are good that you often don’t have time to prepare your kid’s breakfast. As such, cereal
Debunking Myths on Creatine Use
Creatine is one of the most extensively researched supplements out there and is safe for healthy athletes to use; however, there are many myths and
Athlete’s Guide to Creatine Supplementation
What Is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found primarily in red meat and seafood, and can be synthesized by the human body. On
Athlete’s Guide to Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3’s are a key nutrient that is essential for health and sports performance. When regularly consumed, omega-3s have shown to reduce muscle damage and soreness,
Holiday Eating Guide: Staying Healthy Through The Holiday Season
Here are Stephanie’s top 3 habits to enjoy and stay healthy during the holiday season. Stay Active Whether you are in an intense training phase
Nourishment Over Numbers
Calories. Carbohydrates. Proteins. Fats. Let’s talk about how this is just one aspect of nutrition and recognition of how foods nourish our body’s is just
How to Make Healthy Choices When Eating Out
When you’re out and about with your child, whether you are getting ready to go to a practice or game or just going about your
Nutrition for Young Athletes: They Are Not Small Adults, Part 3
Strategy #4: Micronutrients Matter For overall health, growth, development, and athletic performance, many vitamins and minerals are required. For young athletes, significant attention should be
Nutrition For Young Athletes: They Are Not Small Adults, Part 2
Dropping Part 2 of our series “Nutrition for Young Athletes” with Strategy #3. Catch up on Strategies 1 & 2 with here. Strategy #3: Protein,
Nutrition for Young Athletes: They are not small adults, Part 1
Nutrition requirements for young athletes, defined as age 5 to 18 years, are unique in that energy and nutrient needs must meet the essentials for
3 Ways to Get More Vegetables into Your Diet
You would have to agree that eating vegetables and fruits are a crucial part of health and longevity. It’s hard to achieve repeated high levels
Post-Workout Nutrition: Does The Recovery Window Exist?
The goals of post-exercise nutrition are to restore and promote training adaptations. After exercise, catabolic processes – state of breaking down- dominate, such as an
How to Support Your Immune System
‘Top 10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System’ If you see any rendition of these words – run. The prevalence of “health fraud” has increased
Pre-Workout Nutrition, Part III: Is it Necessary?
The pre-workout window has traditionally been viewed as the 4 hours before training and competition and serves to: Prevent or delay fatigue, Improve performance, Setup
Pre-Workout Nutrition, Part II: Carbohydrate Loading
Beginning a key training session or competition with sufficient carbohydrate stores is important for preventing fatigue and impairments in cognitive function.  Many athletes have heard
Critical Reload Orange Creamsicle Shake
Feel like you’re a kid again when you follow this orange creamsicle recipe. Plus, it makes a healthier option for those who like frozen desserts too.
Pre-Workout Nutrition: Part I
Pre-workout or pre-game nutrition, in the days and hours prior, serves to: Support performance by providing sustained energy, Maintain an optimal hydration status, Prevent muscle
Redefining Carbohydrates
We are about to make it grain truth bombs today (food pun intended). Ready? Carbohydrates are not food. Foods contain carbohydrates. Thinking of foods as
Welcome Stephanie: Critical Reload’s Sports Nutritionist
President Micheal Bewley welcomes Stephanie Fernandes as the companies first licensed sports nutritionist. Stephanie will be supporting athletes, coaches, and parents, offering nutritional information as
Blended Learning With Critical Reload Nutrition App for Teams
The Critical Reload Nutrition App for Teams is a blended learning system that shifts the focus from the teacher and delivery of content to the student, and extends a holistic environment for active learning and knowledge sharing, so students are better capable of adopting healthy life-skills through the power of nutrition.
Critical Reload Tropical Breeze Protein Shake
This simple smoothie contains an extraordinary amount of B vitamins, along with vitamin C, K, E and minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and cooper.
Critical Reload Peaches & Cream Protein Shake
There’s nothing like good old-fashioned Peaches & Cream to bring back memories from childhood and enjoying this flavor of summer.
Critical Reload Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
It tastes like a Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup minus all the fat and sugar.
What are you doing for your team's sports nutrition?
Critical Reload delivers sport-specific nutrition solutions designed by certified strength coaches and registered dietitians to safely prepare athletes for competition. Since 2004, Critical Reload has been trusted by thousands of coaches, athletic directors, teachers, and athletes at the high school, college, and professional levels.
