Ryan Evans is a 17-year-old star shooting guard on his high school basketball team. Ryan’s dream is to play basketball at a top-rated, Division I school and although he has been struggling on and off the court, he knows that if he works hard he can earn a scholarship. So, he spends his free time going to extra practices, playing pickup games, training at the gym — stronger players get more college looks — and studying to raise his grades so he will be eligible to play.
Ryan eats, sleeps and breathes basketball and school, but finds time to help his mom by babysitting his little sister. After his father left, his mom started working two jobs to support them all. Ryan’s mom doesn’t have time to go grocery shopping, so Ryan stops by the convenience store each morning to grab breakfast and sometimes dinner on the way home from school. See Ryan’s food diary below.
Each year before the start of the season, Ryan is required to get a physical in order to play for the school team and in the past his results have been normal. This year is no different.
Internet Research: According to the Interactive Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for Healthcare Professionals calculator, Ryan should consume between 4,219 to 4,874 calories a day. Currently, Ryan is only consuming 2,639 calories a day. Besides weight loss, how can his low-calorie diet affect him on the court and in the classroom?
Individual Reflection: Using the DRI calculator mentioned above, what is your daily caloric need? Are you consuming the correct amount of calories? If not, what is one small change you can make to correct your caloric intake if it is too low or too high?
Internet Research: Although the Mayo Clinic says approximately half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates each day, there are many ‘fad’ diets like Keto and Paleo that encourage high protein intake and low carbohydrate intake. What are some of the negative effects of these ‘fad’ diets, like Keto and Paleo?
Review Ryan’s Personal Health Record: You see that Ryan is “At Risk” in several areas. What are these areas and why would they be considered “At Risk”?
Review Ryan’s story: Ryan has a lot on his plate right now. What current stressors does Ryan have in his life? Are these typical for someone his age?
Team Response: Think about your own life and any stressors you may be dealing with. Discuss with your team how each of you manages your stress and create a list from all of the responses that could help Ryan.
