The mystery behind what should be included in the young athlete’s diet is never-ending, partly because miracle foods are constantly surfacing, while other foods fall from grace. When it comes to what to include in your young athlete’s diet, it’s important to consider the nutritional requirements for growth and development, as well as for athletic performance.
It’s no mystery that many children and teens are missing out on important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, fiber and potassium. Skipping breakfast, snacking on nutrient-poor foods, or using weight control measures like diets not only curtail nutrient intake, they can impair athletic performance.