Proper nutrition is just as important as a workout plan for athletes. "The Importance of Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes," featured on the Nationwide Children's website, emphasizes the benefits of a healthy eating plan, when and what you should eat before competition, snack ideas, and hydration tips. This article was written in 2016 and featured Jessica Buschmann, a registered sports medicine dietitian.
Firstly, the benefits of healthy eating are focused on, as healthy eating is just as important as training for an athlete. Some benefits of a healthy balanced eating plan are:
- Injury prevention
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Decreased muscle tiredness and soreness
- Muscle healing and recovery
- Improved energy levels
- Increased focus and attention span
Most athletes struggle when knowing what to eat and when you should eat before a practice or competition. Nationwide Children's covers this topic perfectly. This stresses athletes need a well-balanced meal 3-4 hours before a practice or a competition.
For athletes training after school, bringing a snack to refuel is important. Throughout this piece, the human body is compared to a car. This comparison couldn't be more accurate as it stresses that you cannot run your car on empty; you must continually refuel it to get to where you want to be. This is the same with fueling your body and athletic performance.
Need to know what to eat before? A few snack ideas are highlighted throughout the article.
- Granola bar and dried fruit
- Squeezable apple sauce pouch
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Half a turkey or peanut butter sandwich
Eating after exercise is just as important as before. Particularly 15-60 minutes after your workout, especially if you are traveling and will not get a full meal within 1-2 hours. Refueling is one of many things that should be prioritized to be your best athlete. Step up your game with these fueling tips!
Source: www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2016/04/the-importance-of-sports-nutrition-for-young-athletes.
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