High School Sports Nutrition Information

Teenagers in high school may stand out because of their athletic activities. No matter which sports they practice, they will need special nutritional advice because increased physical activity in teenagers will increase their food and energy needs.

According to the University of Illinois Sports and Nutrition Extension Web Site, an athletic teenage may need 5,000 calories a day as compared to the 3,000 calories that will require his nonathletic counterpart. Extra servings of foods will be needed for the high school sport practitioner to meet his energy needs

High School Sports Nutrition Information: the importance of water

Water is perhaps the most important component for proper nutrition in a high performer teenager. Although water does not contribute energy to the person, it will keep your young athlete fully hydrated. Dehydration is one of the most serious problem in high school athletes since they sweat a lot (losing water and salts). Water should never be restricted for any practitioner of sports, especially for high school teenagers. In addition to the water itself, drinking plenty of water also replenishes different ions that may be lost during sweating.

High School Sports Nutrition Information: the importance of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are very important in sport nutrition since they are the source of fast and ready energy when needed. Carbohydrates for high school athletes may come from different sources such as: cereals (oatmeal, pastas, brown rice, corn, peas), fruits (apples, bananas, oranges), or vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, etc). It is recommended that the person increases the carbohydrate intake from various sources and not o use only one. Bananas have the added benefit of increasing potassium intake.

Are vitamins and mineral supplements needed?

There is no consensus on this. Some experts believe that athletes should increase their vitamins and mineral intake by taking a supplement but others disagree. A general recommendation is to have a good balanced nutrition so all the vitamins and minerals com from the food so you will not need to take that supplement. Maybe you have seen a high profile tennis player eating a banana now and then during the breaks in his game. Why do you think is he doing this? It probably has to do with replenishing potassium. No potassium supplement needed if your high school athlete eats plenty of bananas.

Nutrition is important in sports and especially for high school which demand special needs. A well-balanced nutrition plan is all needed. Also, keep water intake at high levels so hydration is optimal. This article should not be considered medical, nutritional or dietary advice.Always, ask your doctor before changing any dietary or exercise habit.

Source:

University of Illinois Extension Sports and Nutrition Page.Personal and Professional experience