Sutter Health: Nutrition -

Carb Load

Have a young athlete in the family? If so, you already know that feeding them adequately requires extra knowledge and a whole lot of planning. The good news is we’ve done our homework on that most confusing of food groups: carbohydrates. What are the “best” and “worst” carbs? Should your athlete’s diet include more or fewer carbs? Is carb-loading still a thing? Read on for everything you need to conquer the carb.

Power for Peak Performance

Gearing up for a big game? Follow these tips to get an energetic edge at game time and ensure you don’t run out of fuel on the field.

Sports & Energy Drinks

Have you seen those commercials with athletes guzzling neon-colored sports drinks to gain a competitive edge? Or maybe you’ve noticed the brightly colored energy drink cans gaining more and more real estate in your local store’s refrigerator case. These products are marketed to young, active people, but are they necessary or safe for teen athletes?

Portion Sizes

When it comes to healthy eating, portion size is just as important as what you eat. How much you should eat depends on your age, height, weight and physical activity level. The key is to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups, and limit empty calories from sweets and sugary drinks.

Meal Planning

Your young athlete’s diet can play a huge role in their performance. A healthy diet can lead to stable energy levels, quick recovery, better sleep and overall better health, while a poor diet can noticeably and negatively impact athletic achievement. Since balanced diets and meal planning go hand in hand, we’ve put together our best tips to keep your athlete properly fueled before, during and after workouts.

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