Dawn takes “ keep it simple ” to the next level , by following the wisdom of the Cubs ’ manager Joe Maddon ,
“ Do Simple Better .”
She tests new nutrition information before adjusting the team ’ s diet , although she likes to err on the side of
“ If It Isn ' t Broke , Don ' t Fix It .”
WORKING WITH THE CHICAGO CUBS
Her start with the Cubs eight seasons ago was thanks to the team ’ s doctor . He saw Dawn on television , and contacted her at the hospital she was working at , asking her to interview for the role . The rest is history , as she leads the charge of not only the Cubs ’ nutrition , but also hires the nutrition staff for all of the teams in the affiliate league system . “ Start early , even in high school and throughout the minor leagues . It ’ s never too early , or too late to get started ,” she noted .
CHICAGO CUBS NUTRITION
“ It takes a lot to be a champ , a lot of health and stamina , to keep up the energy levels and avoid injuries when you ’ re performing at a high level . Erase what a lot of health magazines say , as they ’ re directed to the average population . You don ’ t ‘ cut carbs ’ entirely ; you get three meals per day , with some veggies paired with good fats , protein and smart carbs . We perform this ‘ plate check ’ both on the road and in the clubhouse , which is a quick visual way to ensure the food fuel is rebuilding , replenishing and repairing .” This method works for everyone — sports nutrition takes these basics and adds nutrition fueling before , during and after a workout for optimal performance .
GARDEN OF LIFE ® IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Most of the athletes that Dawn works with take their nutrition goals very seriously . “ While everyone faces the same temptations , your body begins to get used to — and even crave — healthier options as you consistently eat three balanced meals per day , which leads to stable blood sugar levels ,” Dawn said . The team satisfies their sweet tooth at the smoothie bars , or as they call them , “ fuel stations .” Most of the smoothies or shakes consist of liquid protein powder , kale or spinach , and a variety of fruit . She makes sure all of the ingredients meet her criteria : they must be fun , tasty and have a beautiful presentation . “ The one thing I used to have difficulty sourcing was a good protein powder .
None of the ones on the NSF approved list had all-natural ingredients I was comfortable with , and they didn ’ t taste great . When Garden of Life ’ s Sport Grass-Fed Whey Protein was added , I made the switch .”
NUTRITION TIDBITS
Dawn takes “ keep it simple ” to the next level , by following the wisdom of the Cubs ’ manager Joe Maddon , “ do simple better .” She tests new nutrition information before adjusting the team ’ s diet , although she likes to err on the side of “ if it isn ’ t broke , don ’ t fix it .” More importantly , she ’ s always on the lookout for fun ways to add more fruits and vegetables to their routine , because fun is the secret sauce , both for athletes or one-on-one clients . “ Don ’ t take it all so seriously . Healthy eating doesn ’ t have to be a drag . There ’ s no food police — have fun !” She also stresses the importance of positive self-talk . “ You are who you think you are . If you think you don ’ t like the gym , you don ’ t like to sweat , then eventually you believe it about yourself . Anyone can be athletic . It ’ s never too late — the human body plus good nutrition is a magical thing . Something is better than nothing , and it ’ s the little changes that build over time .
IT ’ S NEVER TOO LATE
Dawn reflected on one of the team members who was very much a self-declared “ meat and potatoes ” kind of person . After quite a long while , one day she noticed that he had finally chosen a salad . While it is always a good idea to start early , it ’ s never jtoo late to make a change . If you don ’ t know where to start , she advises that you “ pick something new and fun that you ’ ve wanted to try , and commit to a seven-day challenge . It jumpstarts the habit , lends itself to public accountability , and shows you that even the most difficult thing is not impossible . These behavior shifts add up to make a big difference .”
Vol 31 • Extraordinary Health ™ 53