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Proper nutrition is vital for young athletes. Helping them properly care for and nourish their bodies is a huge way you can help your child accomplish their athletic dreams. This page is dedicated to resources, recipes and other ways you can teach your child about healthy eating and healthy living.
The members of the U.S. Women’s National Team take nutrition seriously; they even pack their own ingredients to cook during international tournaments (more below). They also have advice for you and your young athletes on eating healthy and monitoring your consumption, especially during periods of decreased activity. No matter the time of the year, the message behind these tips is clear: eat well, eat happy!
The U.S. Women’s National team loves these balls as a pre-match snack. In fact, athletes will bring the ingredients to make this recipe with them on international trips so they can have a familiar treat despite playing on the road. This recipe makes 15-20 balls, which can be stored in the fridge for up to five days
Mix honey and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Roll into bite-size balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Enjoy!
This peach BBQ sauce is a summer favorite with USA Volleyball’s National Teams. It pairs great with chicken or pork and can also be used as a dressing for a spinach and strawberry salad.
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more water to thin if necessary.
Concussion research is a rapidly evolving field, and over the past several years, there have been a lot of changes in recommendations regarding concussions and their treatment. Newer research shows that some prior recommendations, including prolonged periods of rest, were not helpful for recovery.
TrueSport Expert Kristen Ziesmer, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, shares a few surprising tips and tricks to speed up meal time by meal prepping and making smart menus that provide variety and flavor without hours in the oven.
TrueSport Expert and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Streno shares some of the most common ‘red’ and ‘yellow’ flag behaviors when it comes to young athletes and body image. Keep in mind that yellow flag behaviors should be taken as seriously as red flag ones.
From an offhand comment about what an athlete is eating for breakfast on race day to referring to one athlete on the team as having ’the right build for the sport,’ even casual references to an athlete’s body can have long-term consequences. TrueSport Expert and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Streno has recommendations around what to avoid saying or discussing when it comes to eating habits, praise during practice or competition and social media.
If you’re a busy parent, dump and go meals should be your best friend when it comes to getting nutritious, filling and even budget-friendly meals ready in minutes. The concept is simple: You dump your ingredients together, hit a few buttons, and come home to a just-about-ready-to-serve gourmet meal. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and a pressure cooker or a slow cooker.
