In our fitness-conscious and competitive world, there are multitudes of self-styled nutrition “experts” who have plenty of advice to offer, many with a product to sell. For parents of athletes, the choices can be overwhelming as they seek to provide that competitive edge to their children through proper nutrition. If you’re packing for long days on soccer sidelines, wrestling mats, baseball fields, swimming pools, tracks or any number of strenuous sports activities for your children, knowing how to provide the right fuel throughout the day can be confusing!
According to nutrition experts, except for energy (calories) and water, nutritional needs are basically the same for people who exercise for fun and health, for athletes, and for those who are less active. Using MyPyramid as a guide to eating well for fitness and health can help parents provide their young athletes with good nutrition for training and competition. And, while well-nourished athletes don’t require supplements of protein, amino acids, vitamins, or ergogenic aides such as chromium or creatineas many marketers might have you believe, there are certain nutritional steps your young athlete can take to maximize his or her performance.
For starters, a high-carbohydrate diet provides energy for training and competition. By eating a high-carbohydrate diet each day, your child will have a ready supply of glucose when it’s needed. Likewise, make certain your athlete is well hydrated by consuming cool water before, during and after exercise. Dehydration decreases performance and can cause serious harm to the body. During intense exercise lasting longer than an hour, commercial sports drinks are even better than water as they replace the sodium and electrolytes lost during exercise. And, while these tips will help children during their sports activities, the same rules hold true for the adult athletes in your family!
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Podcast: Food and fitness
Written by Linda Bobroff and Donna Davis
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith
Source
Bobroff, Linda B., “Food and Fitness: Myths and Truths” (2006) EDIS document FCS8100, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Retrieved September 26, 2006 online at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
