Nosht works closely with TPS’s team in Finland’s top ice hockey league. In this Q&A blog post, we explore how the products fit into the everyday life of an elite team. Answering the questions is TPS nutrition coach Laura Mierlahti. The questions are asked by Nosht product manager Jussi Hildén.
Background and role
Q: To begin with, could you tell us about your role in nutrition and physical preparation at TPS?
A: I am a registered dietitian by training, and I work as the team’s nutrition coach. Naturally, I work closely with the strength and conditioning coaches and the physiotherapist, as well as the sport-specific coaches when needed, with the shared aim of helping players find the keys to good performance and recovery.
Q: How much has nutrition become part of the team’s performance coaching in recent years?
A: Nutrition is an important part of an athlete’s development, performance and recovery, alongside the other aspects. I have worked in my role with TPS’s Liiga team for 5 seasons, and for a few years longer with junior age groups through the sports academy. During that time, the role of nutrition has become much better recognised across Finland and in different sports, and more sports nutrition specialists have also entered the field.
Everyday nutrition
Q: What are the basic nutrition principles for TPS players on training and match days?
A: We have put a lot of effort into making sure players get enough nutrition both in everyday life and on match days. For example, players can have a balanced breakfast at the arena before training. We also always have extra energy available in the dressing room, including Jollos and Palkkari. We often have long combined sessions, such as off-ice training followed by ice time, and I think it is important that players can take in a little energy in between so they can still get the most out of themselves towards the end. Palkkari straight after training, in turn, ensures fast, high-quality recovery from the session. In matches, our nutrition focus has been particularly on maintaining good fluid balance, where quality sports drinks help. During games, Jollos provides welcome extra energy in the form of fast carbohydrates, helping players keep their legs moving right through the final minutes.
Q: How important do you consider energy intake and gut friendliness in an ice hockey player’s diet?
A: Ice hockey players use a lot of energy in both training and matches. On match days, it is often quite difficult to meet energy needs through ordinary meals alone, so quick energy options that are also easy to digest and therefore gentle on the stomach make a big difference in ensuring energy intake during a game.
Energy intake on training and match days
Q: Nosht’s Jollos Energy Chews have become a popular energy supplement for many athletes – in what situations do you use products like these?
A: We use Jollos particularly at matches. Jollos makes it easy to take in carbohydrates before a game, between periods or even on the bench when needed.
Q: How do players feel about more ‘solid’ energy sources such as Jollos chews compared with traditional gels?
A: Whether you prefer a gel, a sports drink or Jollos is probably a matter of taste, but in general I have only heard positive feedback. Players find the taste of Jollos pleasant and the chews quick and easy to eat.
Q: Have you had situations where players have experienced stomach problems from energy products – and how have you dealt with them?
A: Yes, those come up from time to time. The rest of a player’s match-day nutrition and fluid balance can often make a big difference too, so I always look at the whole picture. In my experience, Jollos has been well tolerated.
Recovery and Palkkari
Q: What role do recovery drinks play in TPS’s daily training routine?
A: Of course, we want players to recover as well and efficiently as possible, so we aim to get all the basics right. One of those is a recovery drink or another recovery snack as soon as possible after training. Palkkari has been a popular option for this.
Q: Nosht’s Palkkari is formulated to support recovery, with an easily digestible combination of carbohydrates and protein. What kinds of recovery drink formulations do you generally favour, and why?
A: I have wanted to highlight the role of carbohydrates in recovery in particular, because for some reason many athletes pay more attention to protein intake. We have therefore replaced the previous protein powders with a combination of carbohydrates and protein that brings the basic elements of good recovery together in one package.
Q: Do you tailor recovery drink use to individuals – for example, according to a player’s weight, diet or training load?
A: Players mix Palkkari themselves, but they may have individual instructions, for example on serving size. The basic advice is to use Palkkari AT LEAST on demanding training and match days.
The long season and managing energy intake
Q: How does TPS players’ nutrition change over the season, from the training period to the playoffs?
A: This is very individual, but in general the load is enormous in summer and players need a lot of energy, particularly if the aim is to build muscle mass. During the season, the timing of food intake and good fluid balance in particular can support recovery from a busy match schedule while also supporting high-quality training. By the playoffs, the load is at its peak, and all available extra energy and ways to speed up recovery are in use by then at the latest.
To finish
Q: What is the most common nutrition mistake you see among elite players?
A: Too much emphasis is placed on protein, which can easily leave carbohydrate intake too low. This usually has a negative effect on performance and recovery.
Q: If you could pass on one message to recreational athletes too, what would it be?
A: The same as above: do not be afraid to eat enough carbohydrates, and try taking them during exercise as well. It can give your performance a surprising boost and also speed up recovery.
Q: And finally: in your view, what makes a sports nutrition product truly effective from TPS’s perspective?
A: It tastes good, is easy to use and does its job without unnecessary additives or fuss. Being Finnish and safe, with no unnecessary doping risk, are definitely positives too.
Pick up the TPS Liiga team’s favourite products here!
