As the days get longer and warmer, our children dust off the soccer shoes, dig out the Lacrosse gear and grab the tennis rackets to head off for the game.  As parents, we want to do our part to help ensure they have a fun and successful experience.  With a few tips, we can make sure that their bodies are prepared through healthy snacks and hydration.

An hour or two before exercise, have your child eat a snack containing some complex carbohydrates and protein.  Good examples would be a turkey sandwich, a peanut butter bagel, cereal with milk, string cheese and crackers, etc.

Hydration is a very important part for endurance in your young athlete.  Don’t be fooled by the idea that you need to provide sports or energy drinks however.  Plain, cold water is still the best option.  Encourage your child to take regular drinks rather than waiting until they feel thirsty as they could already be getting dehydrated before thirst symptoms kick in.

For more tips on nutrition for the young athlete, see “Nutrition Links that We Like” right here on the Nutrition Services homepage.