Apr 15, 2020 / Sports Medicine
Sports Nutrition - Healthy Living for Young Athletes
WHY DOES NUTRITION MATTER?
The energy athletes need for practices and competition is supplied by the food they eat. If you put mud in the gas tank of a car, it does not run properly because it lacks the correct fuel. Athletes must supply their bodies with the correct “fuel” or nutrition to compete at their best and help prevent injury. The more energy, or fuel, an athlete uses, the more they need to consume to keep up with their needs.
HOW MANY CALORIES DOES AN ATHLETE NEED?
Many factors determine the energy needs of an athlete such as gender, age, weight, height, basal metabolic rate (how many calories your body burns at rest) and activity level. As a general rule, aim to eat three well-balanced meals with a couple of nutritious snacks each day. However, if there are concerns about an athlete not getting adequate nutrition, a registered dietitian should be consulted to help determine an appropriate eating plan.
KEYS FOR SUCCESS:
Learn more about injury prevention and pediatric sports medicine.
The energy athletes need for practices and competition is supplied by the food they eat. If you put mud in the gas tank of a car, it does not run properly because it lacks the correct fuel. Athletes must supply their bodies with the correct “fuel” or nutrition to compete at their best and help prevent injury. The more energy, or fuel, an athlete uses, the more they need to consume to keep up with their needs.
HOW MANY CALORIES DOES AN ATHLETE NEED?
Many factors determine the energy needs of an athlete such as gender, age, weight, height, basal metabolic rate (how many calories your body burns at rest) and activity level. As a general rule, aim to eat three well-balanced meals with a couple of nutritious snacks each day. However, if there are concerns about an athlete not getting adequate nutrition, a registered dietitian should be consulted to help determine an appropriate eating plan.
KEYS FOR SUCCESS:
- Eat a good breakfast and snacks throughout the day
- Drink water throughout the day, not just around training and competition
- Learn how to read food labels to help make good choices
Learn more about injury prevention and pediatric sports medicine.