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Nutrient-packed meals for athletes -

Most young athletes eat the right amount of food their bodies need. Some young athletes, though, have higher energy and fluid needs. All-day competitions or intense endurance sports like rowing, cross-country running, or competitive swimming can involve 1½ to 2 hours or more of activity at a time.

Kids and teens who do these may need to eat more food to keep up with increased energy demands. The MyPlate food guide offers tips on what kinds of foods and drinks to include in your child's meals and snacks. It's important for young athletes to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration , which can zap strength, energy, and coordination and lead to heat-related illness.

Even mild dehydration can affect athletic performance. Athletes can't rely on thirst to tell if they're getting dehydrated. Thirst is a sign that their body has needed liquids for a while. Kids should drink water before physical activity and every 15 to 20 minutes throughout.

They also should drink water afterward to restore fluid lost through sweat. Many sports drinks are available, but plain water is usually enough to keep kids hydrated.

Kids should avoid sugary drinks and carbonated beverages that can upset the stomach. Sports drinks can be a good choice for kids who do intense physical activity for more than 1 hour. Some school-age athletes face pressures involving nutrition and body weight.

In some sports, it's common for kids to feel they need to increase or reduce their weight to reach peak performance. In sports that emphasize weight or appearance, such as wrestling , swimming, dance, or gymnastics, kids may feel pressure to lose weight.

Because athletic kids need extra fuel, it's usually not a good idea for them to diet. Unhealthy eating habits, like crash dieting, can leave kids with less strength and endurance and poor concentration. When kids try to increase their weight too fast for sports where size matters, such as football or hockey , their performance may also suffer.

The energy needs of athletes exceed those of the average person. The amount of energy found within a given food is dependent on the macronutrient carbohydrate, protein and fat content of the item.

Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy during activities of higher intensity. Healthy carbohydrate food sources include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain cereals, breads and pastas.

Dietary fat also plays a key role in helping individuals meet their energy needs as well as supporting healthy hormone levels. Healthy sources of fat include nuts, nut butters, avocados, olive and coconut oils.

Limit use of vegetable oils such as corn, cottonseed or soybean oil. Dietary protein plays a key role in muscle repair and growth.

Preferred sources of protein include lean meats, eggs, dairy yogurt, milk, cottage cheese and legumes. Make a plan to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.

The goal is to eat at least five servings per day, and include varieties of fruit and vegetable color. One serving is approximately the size of a baseball. Fruits and vegetables are filled with the energy and nutrients necessary for training and recovery.

Plus, these antioxidant-rich foods will help you combat illness like a cold or the flu. Choose whole grain carbohydrates sources such as whole-wheat bread or pasta, and fiber-rich cereals as power-packed energy sources. Limit the refined grains and sugars such as sugary cereals, white breads and bagels.

You'll benefit more from whole-grain products. Choose healthy sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, peanut butter, eggs, nuts and legumes. Stay hydrated with beverages, as a two percent drop in hydration levels can negatively impact performance.

Options include milk, water, percent fruit juice and sport drinks. However, realize that sport drinks and percent fruit juice tend to be higher in overall sugar content and, in the case of fruit juice, lack many of the health benefits present in its whole food counterpart.

They have a competitive mindset, are committed to their fitness, and are willing to invest time and money into their nutrition. Weekend Warriors: Age range from , balancing work and family commitments with sports on the weekends.

They value their physical fitness and may participate in competitive sports or recreational activities. They are looking for guidance on optimizing their nutrition to improve their overall health and performance. Novice Athletes: Age range from , new to sports or fitness, seeking guidance on fueling their bodies for physical activities.

They may be intimidated by nutrition or unsure where to start and need guidance on healthy eating habits and recovery strategies. Collegiate Athletes: Age range from , high-performance student-athletes who are looking to improve their nutrition for optimal performance.

They may be balancing academic and athletic commitments and need guidance on healthy eating habits and recovery strategies. Master Athletes: Age range from , experienced athletes who have been competing for many years and may be looking to improve their nutrition to stay competitive and prevent injury.

They are seeking guidance on recovery strategies and injury prevention techniques to continue their athletic pursuits. Professional Athletes: Age range from , high-performance athletes who require personalized nutrition guidance to improve their performance at the highest level of competition.

They need guidance on injury prevention and recovery strategies to stay at the top of their game. When you choose to work with Eat Well Perform Well® you can expect to receive a multitude of benefits. Balancing macro and micronutrient intake with training and performance goals Managing weight without sacrificing energy levels or optimal fueling Preventing injuries and optimizing recovery time through nutrition strategies Finding the time to plan and prepare nutritious meals amidst busy training schedules Navigating the overwhelming amount of conflicting information and myths about sports nutrition Accounting for specific dietary restrictions or preferences while still meeting nutrient needs for performance Keeping up with the constantly evolving field of sports nutrition research and recommendations.

It is important for athletes to address these challenges in order to maximize their potential and achieve optimal performance.

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