Eating healthy is important for everyone but it is especially important for teenagers who participate in sports. A healthy diet will ensure that your teenager can continue to participate in the physically demanding sports he loves. Teenage athletes should aim to maintain a healthy diet of vitamins and nutrients to refuel their bodies in an active lifestyle.
Step 1
Eat a balanced diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Making sure your teenager gets a well-balanced diet will provide the building blocks for a student athlete.
Step 2
Consult with a dietitian that specializes in student athletes to determine how many calories your teenager should be consuming per day. If there is a large increase in the amount of calories your student needs, make a gradual transition, and make sure that the extra calories he is receiving are coming from nutritious sources.
Step 3
Consume foods that provide plenty of energy before games or meets. Do not focus on one food group, or "carbo load." Consume carbohydrates along with fruits that are high in water content to help with hydration. Eating protein the morning of an important sports event will help keep your student's energy level up through the day.
Step 4
Keep your student athlete well hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks. Keeping one or two reusable bottles full of water in the refrigerator will make it simple for your teenager to take water to practice with him.
Tips and Warnings
- Packing a healthy lunch for your student athlete will insure he is eating healthy throughout the day.
- If a coach or teammate tells your teenager that she needs to lose weight, check with a physician to determine if dieting is safe.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Protein
- Water
- Electrolyte drinks
- Water bottles
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