The Angels are Focusing on Diet and Nutrition

Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In our younger days, nutrition was not a top priority. Even those of us that played sports would typically go for a burger and beer or soda instead of the healthier salad and water. As we got older, we found ourselves with a few extra pounds, and realized that we needed to change our diets. If only nachos were not so absolutely delicious!

That same conundrum can happen to all of us, and not just the weekend warriors. Even professional athletes find themselves in the same predicaments that we do when it comes to eating healthy. That is part of why the Angels have hired a dietician/nutritionist to their staff in Becci Twombley.

Prior to joining the Angels, Twombley had been the director of sports nutrition at USC for a year and a half. Before that, she had spent five years at UCLA in the same capacity. Her hiring is considered by General Manager Jerry Dipoto as a possible difference maker for the Angels this season.

"“We have no doubt she’ll change the way we eat, the way we prepare, the way we take care of ourselves, the ability of the player to stay in peak condition through the course of the season. The athlete in today’s game is wired so much differently in a high-performance-type way, and diet and nutrition makes a big difference, DiPoto said."

This time of year, there are a lot of stories coming out about how players are in the best shape of their lives. Players have either added weight in muscle, or have lost weight. It is rare for a player to show up to Spring Training looking like John Kruk did back in the day. Working out, and dietary changes, have become increasingly important.

By bringing in Becci Twombley, and setting weight and conditioning goals for their players, the Angels are hoping that they will have fewer injuries and be more prepared for the regular season. Hopefully, this will translate into more wins and a playoff berth.