Steps for Your Youth Hockey Star to Eat Like a Champion

Nutrition is essential for any athlete, but it is especially important for young hockey players who are still growing and developing. The right foods can help your child perform better on the ice, recover faster from workouts, and reduce their risk of injury.

In this article, we will discuss the key principles of nutrition for youth hockey players and provide you with a step-by-step guide to help your child eat like a champion.

There are a few key principles that you should keep in mind when planning your child's diet:

Eat, Skate, Win: 7 Steps for Your Youth Hockey Star to Eat Like a Champion

by Kimberly Smith Lukhard

4 out of 5

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• Calories: Hockey is a demanding sport, so young players need to consume enough calories to fuel their workouts and games. The number of calories your child needs will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, so it is important to make sure that your child is eating plenty of carbs. Good sources of carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Young hockey players should aim to consume around 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans.
• Fat: Fat is an important source of energy and helps the body absorb vitamins and minerals. Young hockey players should aim to consume around 20-30% of their calories from fat. Good sources of fat include olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
• Hydration: It is important to make sure that your child is drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, before, during, and after workouts and games. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and other health problems.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help your child eat like a champion:

Step 1: Make sure your child is eating breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast before they go to school or practice. A good breakfast should include a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Some good breakfast options for young hockey players include oatmeal with fruit and nuts, yogurt with granola and berries, or a whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana.

Step 2: Pack healthy snacks for your child to take to school and practice.

It is important to make sure that your child has healthy snacks on hand to eat between meals. Good snack options include fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and yogurt. Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods, which can give your child a quick burst of energy but will ultimately leave them feeling tired and sluggish.

Step 3: Cook dinner at home as often as possible.

Cooking dinner at home is a great way to control the ingredients your child is eating. When you cook at home, you can choose healthy ingredients and avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats. Some good dinner options for young hockey players include grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, pasta with marinara sauce and lean ground beef, or salmon with brown rice and steamed broccoli.

Step 4: Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids.

It is important to make sure that your child is drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, before, during, and after workouts and games. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and other health problems. Encourage your child to carry a water bottle with them at all times and to drink water throughout the day.

Step 5: Be a role model for your child.

Children learn by watching the adults in their lives, so it is important to be a role model for your child when it comes to healthy eating. Eat healthy foods yourself and make healthy choices when you are out to eat. Your child is more likely to eat healthy foods if they see you ng the same.

By following these steps, you can help your child eat like a champion and optimize their performance on and off the ice. Remember, nutrition is an important part of any athlete's training, so make sure your child is getting the nutrients they need to succeed.

Eat, Skate, Win: 7 Steps for Your Youth Hockey Star to Eat Like a Champion

by Kimberly Smith Lukhard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2542 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	118 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE