“I’m sorry they didn’t win, Mom,” my son said.

“I had fun being here,” I replied.

“It’s more fun when they win, though,” he added.

“Most of the fans are spending more time getting snacks than watching the game,” my husband complained as people obstructed our view.

He had managed the basketball teams at his Indiana high school, where basketball is taken very seriously.

I was attending my first professional basketball game with my husband and two of our young-adult children. Our team had a tough day and lost by more than 20 points. 

The team was missing three starters due to injuries. At times, the game looked more like football than basketball.

When it became apparent that our team was not going to win, I began observing the players’ expressions on the jumbo screen. They looked exhausted and dejected when shots wouldn’t fall.

I imagined them as young kids shooting baskets day after daydreaming of being professional athletes. I thought of the adults who cheered them on from grade school through college – and all the shoes their parents bought along the way.

They were burning a tremendous number of calories as they ran up and down the court. Playing basketball involves constant movement, with professionals making nearly 1,000 rapid changes in movement in a 43-minute game.

On average, very tall basketball players burn up to 7,000 calories per day while training and playing.  

To put this in perspective, the Nutrition Facts labels on food products are based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet for an average person, although individual needs vary.

We all need a balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat, plus fluids to fuel ourselves.

April is National Move More Month. While the majority of us can never aspire to be professional athletes, getting active offers powerful health benefits.

Regular physical activity reduces our risk for 20 chronic diseases and other conditions. It strengthens our heart, bones and muscles. It improves our flexibility and keeps our weight in check. Physical activity boosts our mood and our energy levels.

Most adults are advised to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week – that’s about 30 minutes on most days. We can break that into shorter segments, such as two 15-minute walks per day.

We are also advised to work in some muscle-strengthening activities that target the legs, hips, back, shoulders and arms for two days of the week.

Children need more activity: 60 minutes per day.  

If you are not active, start with a small goal. Even 10 minutes counts. Find a buddy to keep you motivated, and check your community for open gyms or walking programs at malls.

Try pickleball, swimming, biking or a dance class. If you have a chronic condition or disability, look for opportunities with accommodations and check in with a health care provider.

This month, I’ll start with a simple goal like walking 15 minutes twice a day. Unlike that basketball game, this is one outcome I can control.

Here’s a refreshing snack with just 70 calories, courtesy of the Iowa State University Extension’s “Spend Smart Eat Smart” program.

Apricot (or Peach) Pops

1 (15-ounce) can apricots or peaches packed in juice
2 (6-ounce) cartons low-fat vanilla yogurt
8 small paper cups
8 wooden sticks or plastic spoons (for handles)

Drain fruit and combine thoroughly with the yogurt. Blend in a food processor or blender. Pour into paper cups and place in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, when the mixture begins freezing, stand a wooden stick or spoon in the cup, then freeze for 3 hours. Dip in warm water to pop out of the cup.

Makes eight servings. Each serving has 70 calories, no fat, 2 g protein, 27 grams (g) carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 20 milligrams sodium.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 2, 2026

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu