Youth Sports Nutrition – by Cresi Heslop
I must confess that with this topic I really thread very carefully, because of the wide array of opinions, studies and stats available on nutrition.
What I have thus decided to do is to write simply from my own household’s point of view, of what happens in my family concerning nutrition.
Both my boys are involved in competitive sports. I have two extreme opposite cases concerning nutrition on hand: the one enjoys eating a wide variety of different foods from all the food groups, and the other one is a poor eater, who eats only a hand full of fruits and vegetables, the rest only under duress or in a much disguised form……. J
Although this is mainly a sports orientated blog, I firmly believe that nutrition is not only important for sports activities but equally key for academic performance. Ultimately we as parents should strive to raise whole and well balanced children giving attention to mind, body and soul.
The following are some of the points that I personally consider as important with regards to nutrition:
- Food First philosophy. Children should be encouraged to eat well. This means not skipping meals, and eating as close to the healthy and balanced options as possible.
- Anchor with a protein. From my own experience and that of my family, we have come to realise that meals only contain carbohydrates just cause quicker and more intense hunger an hour or so later.
- Begin the day right. Breakfast, and a breakfast of substance makes all the difference in how the day starts and continues. In my house my husband makes a special effort to prepare a large selection of cooked breakfast foodies for the family for the week ahead. It stays refrigerated and serves all of us well for the entire week. It allows for real quick dish up and heat in the morning rush of things.
- Supplement as backup and “insurance”. I definitely believe in supplements and vitamins. It is impossible, if you consider the little time that we have, our city lifestyles and the quality and variety of foods within close proximity to our houses – to cook and eat like our forefathers, who enjoyed a much more quiet and “whole” lifestyle. Just a note of warning in this regard – it is of the utmost importance to do a thorough check before you take or give your child any of these supplements and vitamins.
- Variety – the spice of life. Trying to prepare meals that are different all the time is a real challenge for me who likes to hit the “repeat” button! Mixing and matching different types of foods will ensure that a good balance of foods are eaten, enjoyed and the necessary nutrition gained from them.
- Stay well hydrated. In our home water bottles stand around in almost each room, ready to grab and go, ready to sip on all the time.
Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
