All Articles by Suzanne Nelson, Sc.D., RD

What should your child eat before training and competition? Here's some advice on what to eat and not eat, drink and not drink, and when, before sports.

Whether it's training for a soccer game or playing a backyard game of catch, children's athletic performance, development, and growth depend largely on eating the right foods. Unfortunately, most children (and adults) forget just how important nutrition is to good health and athletic performance.

 

 

 

 

Whether it's training for a soccer game or playing a backyard game of catch, children's athletic performance, development, and growth depend largely on eating the right foods. Unfortunately, most children (and adults) forget just how important nutrition is to good health and athletic performance.

 

 

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While a young athlete's need to stay hydrated is a constant regardless of the sports season, athletes exercising in cool or cold weather need to be taught to drink more fluids throughout the day because the cold weather alters the thirst sensation so athletes don't feel as thirsty and as a result don't drink as much, which can cause dehydration.

Traveling by air presents some unique nutritional challenges for the youth athlete trying to maintain a diet high in
carbohydrates and fluids, moderate in protein and low in fat. Here are some tips for eating right on the plane and while your child is playing sports in a foreign country.

At all day events or tournaments, stopping at a grocery or convenience store is usually a better bet than the concession stand, which typically offers foods that are high in fat, (e.g. nacho chips, cheese fries, and hot dogs) and are expensive. Many supermarkets have a soup and salad bar with a variety of healthy foods. With guidance from parents and coaches, young athletes can find healthy, high carbohydrate, low fat foods in every aisle of the store.

Choosing lower-fat items at fast food restaurants when you and your child are away from home competing in a tournament or event is easy if you know what to look for and what items to avoid.