Nutrition for Youth Athletes - Part 1

Wow...it really is time to start thinking about going back to school!  This week marked, for most schools, 6 weeks left of summer!  However, it's never too early to start thinking about sports nutrition.  The month of August will be dedicated to everything surrounding youth nutrition - many of these tips will apply to everyone as well. 

Tip #1 - Eat Breakfast!

Athletes are constantly breaking down muscle tissue!  At night, the body is in major repair mode from all the days activities.  In the morning it is critical to "break the fast" with breakfast.  This helps rev up the metabolism and set the body in the right mind set for eating healthy through out the rest of the day.  Before you say you aren't a breakfast eater, try out these options:

• 3-4 eggs, hardboiled, scrambled or fried in olive oil, (egg whites or egg substitute are OK). Throw in some ham, turkey, veggies, cheese
• Whole grain bread (trying to lose weight 1 slice, gain weight 2 slices)
• Apple, orange or fresh fruit
• 8 ounces milk (trying to lose weight - skim, gain weight - whole)

No time to cook, have a shake instead: 12 ounces milk, 1 banana, ½ cup
strawberries or any frozen berry, protein powder, ½ cup of ice. Tips: if trying
to gain weight choose a weight gainer protein and whole milk, trying to lose
weight aim for a low carb protein shake and choose skim milk or water instead.

Stay tuned for Tip #2 next week - the perfect post workout meal!