What Other Parents Are Reading Feeding Your Child Athlete All
kids need to eat balanced meals and have a healthy diet. But
should that balance change for kids who play on a sports team or
work out? Kids need to eat the right amount and mix of foods to
support that higher level of activity, but that mix might not be
too different from a normal healthy diet. Eating for sports
should be an extension of healthy eating for life. Nutritional
Needs of Young Athletes Kids who eat healthy, well-balanced
meals and snacks will get the nutrients needed to perform well
in sports. The MyPlate food guide can provide guidance on what
kinds of foods and drinks to include in your child's meals and
snacks. The child athlete, however, will have higher energy and
fluid requirements. Kids and teens who are involved in all-day
competitions or strenuous endurance sports (like rowing, cross-
country running, or competitive swimming) that can involve 1½ to
2 hours or more of activity at a time, in particular, may need
to consume more f