Nutrition for your young athlete
Proper nutrition is important for children and teens involved in sports and other physical activities.
Good nutrition helps athletes:
- feel more energetic and less tired,
- prevent injury and disease,
- improve strength and endurance, and
- maintain a healthy weight.
Young athletes and their parents need to know:
- which foods are good sources of energy,
- when to eat certain foods,
- how to eat during a sports activity, and
- when and what to “recharge” with after a sporting event.
What are the nutritional needs of children and teens?
Healthy foods provide the energy needed for growth and physical activity. Whether your child or teen is a more serious athlete or participates in more leisurely daily physical activity, nutrients are an important part of a healthy diet.
Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, protein and fats provide energy for physical activity.
Benefits |
Good sources |
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Carbohydrates |
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Protein |
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Fats |
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Micronutrients: These are the vitamins and minerals people need to stay healthy. Athletes need to be extra careful and make sure they get enough calcium, vitamin D and iron.
Recommended daily allowance |
Benefits and sources |
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Calcium |
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Vitamin D |
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Iron |
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Source: Dietary reference intakes: The essential guide to nutrient requirements; Institute of Medicine: Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D; Health Canada, Dietary reference intakes |
For the Canada Food Guide recommendations, see Healthy eating for children.
Fluids
Fluids, especially water, are very important for athletes because they:
- prevent dehydration, and
- help maintain a healthy body temperature.
To stay healthy, athletes need to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. The amount of fluid an athlete needs depends on many factors, including age, body size, degree of physical activity, and the environment.
- Before exercise, athletes should drink 400 to 600 mL of water (2 to 3 hours before the event).
- During exercise, athletes should drink 150 to 300 mL every 15 to 20 minutes. If the total time spent exercising or participating in a sport is less than an hour, water is usually enough. If the activity lasts longer than an hour and/or takes place in hot, humid weather, sports drinks (which contain sodium and glucose) are recommended.
- After exercise, athletes need to drink enough to replace the fluid they lost from sweating. Sodium-containing fluids (sport drinks) and snacks will help quench thirst and keep fluids in the body.
What can I do to help my young athlete get what he needs?
Meal planning helps ensure your young athlete gets what he or she needs, especially when getting ready for an athletic event.
Before an event:
- Meals should include sources of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
- Limit fibre intake.
- Avoid meals high in fat because they can make you feel tired.
Meal timing is very important. Athletes should:
- Eats a meal at least 3 hours before an event to allow digestion and to avoid stomach upset during the event.
- Have a snack or liquid meal 1 to 2 hours before an early morning practice or an event, and then a full breakfast after.
- Have pre-game snacks or liquid meals 1 to 2 hours before any event to allow digestion.
- Use sports drinks, fruit or granola to help keep energy levels high during an event.
Reviewed by the following CPS committees
- Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee
- Paediatric Sports and Exercise Medicine Section
Last updated: April 2018